SY26-27 Math Lead Teachers (Middle School Grades 5-8)

Inspired Teaching Demonstration School•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Inspired Teaching Demonstration School is accepting applications for Math Lead Teachers for the 2026–27 school year. As part of our commitment to Algebra I for All, all 8th grade students take Algebra I, with opportunities for advanced students to engage in Geometry. We are seeking a math educator with the content knowledge and instructional skill to teach beyond traditional middle school math—someone who is confident facilitating rigorous, high school–level mathematics while maintaining a strong foundation in middle grades instruction. The school is seeking self-motivated, dynamic, and thoughtful individuals with proven progressive, inquiry-based teaching skills to join the faculty. The Inspired Teaching Demonstration School serves PreSchool – 8th grade. At the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School, a professional learning community of master teachers and teacher residents ensures that a diverse group of students achieve their potential as accomplished learners, thoughtful citizens, and imaginative and inquisitive problem solvers through a demanding, inquiry-based curriculum. With its clear mission and prominent location in Washington, DC, the school serves as a model of instruction for students and training for teachers, with the goal of becoming a leader in changing the way teachers are prepared and supported and students are educated nationwide. THE ROLE OF AN INSPIRED TEACHER Inspired Teachers possess the beliefs, skills, and accomplishments that lead all students to achieve at high levels. To establish a true professional learning community, all adults in the building are considered educators, as they all interact regularly with students. As such, a firm belief and grounding in the philosophy and values of the school's mission is crucial for every employee. It is of the utmost importance that every member of the school’s staff believes that all children can learn and contribute to the vitality of their learning community. This combined with a deep care for all students is the foundation for our work. Master teachers take on the additional responsibility of promoting the school’s mission by hosting and supporting resident teachers, as described in detail below. The Inspired Teaching Demonstration School highly values and respects teaching as a profession and teachers as professionals. The school culture places a premium on teacher autonomy and expertise and in turn, expects professionalism and a high level of responsibility from the teaching staff. The school works hard to ensure teachers have a positive and productive work culture, including collegiality among staff, appropriate supports for teaching (including adequate supplies for every classroom), and a respect for teachers as individuals and professionals. Teachers in the middle school genuinely enjoy teaching and learning alongside young adolescents. They facilitate inquiry-based classrooms that allow students to tackle Common Core standards in a variety of ways. Teachers take a developmentally responsive approach and use their understanding of young adolescents as the foundation on which all decisions are made. Using the principles of restorative justice and Responsive Classroom, teachers help students problem solve and develop conflict resolution skills, in the classroom, in transitions and on breaks, and in field trips and community events. Middle school teachers hold high expectations for each student and engage students in thoughtful, meaningful work, taking pride in advocating for each student’s right to learn and providing challenging and relevant learning opportunities. Teachers demonstrate courage and collaboration working together to create curriculum and learning experiences that are challenging, integrative and exploratory. Our social-justice, arts integrated approach gives teachers the flexibility to meet demanding standards through varied approaches. Middle school teachers also lead student advisory groups to help middle school students navigate their school environment and ever-changing world. Math Teachers In math, teachers design inquiry-based lessons using Illustrative Mathematics, Desmos, and Exemplars. Teachers help students make sense of mathematics by spending significant time building a conceptual understanding of math topics so students understand the “why” behind mathematical ideas and procedures. Students engage in authentic tasks and real-world projects to develop their problem-solving skills. Students practice math fluency every day to build number sense, practice prerequisite skills from previous grade levels, and reinforce procedural fluency so students can solve computations flexibly and efficiently.

Requirements

Significant knowledge and experience in the field of progressive, constructivist education and the potential to serve as a coach to a novice teacher.
Minimum of a Bachelor's degree, preferably in a content area. Master's degree preferred.
DC Teaching certification, passing of relevant Praxis exams, or equivalent evidence to be considered highly qualified.
Deep commitment to reflective practice, an ability to give and receive feedback openly and without defensiveness, and a desire to constantly question and improve their teaching practice.
Commitment to creating a school that not only provides an excellent education for the student, but that creates an open, trusting learning environment for educators and the entire staff of the school
Demonstrated capacity to embrace teaching the whole child.
Demonstrated commitment to anti-racist, anti-bias practices and comfort and willingness to address issues of equity, access and inclusion.
Strong ability to persevere in the face of ongoing challenges. Teaching is a demanding profession, regularly requiring one to go above and beyond, to solve problems quickly and in the moment, and to find the positive in difficult situations.
Ability to thrive in an innovative environment and an interest in being part of a team that builds the systems that support a growing school.

Responsibilities

Plan and document (using the school’s selected lesson planning tool) high-quality instruction in line with: The school’s mission and philosophy; The five core elements of teaching: joy; wide-ranging evidence of learning; purpose, persistence and action; student as expert; and mutual respect; Intentional, well-designed curricula approved by the school, whether purchased or teacher-designed; Nationally-normed standards (Common Core, C3 Framework, etc); Work to actively understand students’ needs and strengths, including actively striving to develop cultural competence, engaging in ongoing study of child development theory and brain research, and keeping current with student IEP’s, 504’s, and BIPs. Seek out and access high-quality resources and materials, including resources beyond the school campus. Demonstrate solid knowledge of the concepts in each of the disciplines taught.
Draw from Responsive Classroom, Restorative Justice, and Relationship-based discipline to manage student behavior, in and out of the classroom, for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment
Monitor students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, playground, school grounds, hallways, restrooms, field trips, etc.)
Build on the established Community Expectations (Everyone Learns, Everyone is Safe, and Everyone Builds the Community) to create a classroom community that reflects the mission and philosophy of the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School
Maintain a safe and orderly classroom, with responsible and child-friendly organization of supplies, material and technology, and use of practices consistent across the school
Engage actively with and implement feedback from principals and coaches; assume a stance of teacher-as-learner when working with colleagues, special education staff and assistants/residents
Communicate to students and families clearly and in an age appropriate way the purpose of instruction
Engage students with different levels of questions and discussion prompts
Facilitate student-centered, high-quality instruction in line with areas identified under Planning and Preparation above
Utilize a workshop model to teach reading, writing, and mathematics.
Draw on multiple teaching strategies and approaches to engage students and provide differentiation.
Conduct, review, analyze, and use a wide-range of student assessments to inform teaching practice and planning, and to ensure student growth.
Integrate developmentally appropriate, culturally competent, research based strategies into teaching and assessment practices.
Incorporate problem solving strategies and literacy strategies into daily instructional routine.
Differentiate formative assessments (independent practice, homework, exit tickets, etc.)
Collaborate with special education, ELL and teaching assistants (when applicable).
Complete all professional responsibilities in a timely manner to meet deadlines and follow all school procedures and protocols; this includes submitting and revising lesson and unit plans; administering assessments, collecting data, and completing data entry; completing report cards; documenting discipline and student behavior as requested/required by law; following all personnel policies and procedures; attending all meetings as assigned; implementing with consistency all school policies and procedures for students and families; and other administrative tasks required of teachers as professionals.
Build strong relationships and open communication with families.
Contribute to the school community as an active and productive participant, promoting a culture of collaboration and inquiry.
Participate in regular, school-based professional development
Participate in school events outside of school hours, including Student Learning Showcases.
Respond to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, students, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
Manage any Teaching Assistants or Paraprofessionals in the classroom.
Follow all school and employee policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.