Saturday Academy Lead Teacher

Horizons Greater Washington Inc•Washington, DC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Horizons Greater Washington (HGW) provides year-round academic enrichment and summer learning opportunities for more than 400 students in grades 1–9. Through long-term partnerships with students, families, schools, and communities, we inspire the joy of learning while supporting academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and confidence. Horizons Greater Washington (HGW) is seeking dedicated teachers and youth development professionals with classroom experience and a passion for cultivating students' lifelong love of learning. The Saturday Academy Lead Teacher creates an engaging, project-based learning environment for students in Grades 1–8, fostering academic growth, creativity, collaboration, and confidence through hands-on, student-centered instruction. Lead Teachers are supported by the Site Director and play a critical role in building strong relationships with students and families while implementing Horizons' Positive Youth Development approach. Successful candidates are flexible, creative, highly organized, and committed to educational equity and continuous growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Position-relevant teaching credentials are strongly preferred, but equivalent content expertise or teaching experience will be considered in lieu of certification
Knowledge of best practices for classroom management as well as socio-emotional learning and the ability to implement specific strategies for developing children’s non-cognitive skills such as focus, determination, empathy and self-discipline
Ability to relate well to diverse children and families as well as plan and deliver engaging, challenging lessons for school-aged children
Excellent communicative, organizational, and time management skills
Leadership experience and demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team
Willingness to make changes in instruction based on feedback and observation

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching elementary and/or middle school-aged students in a classroom setting is strongly preferred
Knowledge of effective teaching strategies for second language learners
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Deliver engaging, project-based learning experiences aligned with the Horizons Saturday Academy curriculum and session theme.
As needed, develop lesson for 1st-2nd, 3rd-5th, or 6th-8th grade students
Facilitate hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that promote critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, developmental, and social-emotional needs of learners
Foster a classroom culture that is safe, inclusive, engaging, and conducive to learning.
Build positive relationships with students while modeling respect, responsibility, and perseverance.
Support students' social-emotional development using Positive Youth Development practices and restorative behavior management strategies.
Establish and maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning. HGW’s programs adhere to the Pyramid of Program Quality designed by the David Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality. All HGW staff strive to support the domains of Engagement, Interaction, Supportive Environment, and Safe Environment to support the needs of youth.?
Ensure student safety and well-being during all program activities, including transitions, recess, lunch, field trips, and bus transportation as assigned.
Implement classroom routines and behavior expectations that create a positive learning environment.
Address behavioral concerns proactively and communicate significant issues to program leadership.
Meet regularly with the Site Director to proactively accomplish goals and problem-solve as issues arise.?
Collaborate with classroom teachers and staff to support student success and ensure seamless program operations.
Attend required staff meetings and trainings.
Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, safety procedures, and applicable state regulations.
Maintain reliable attendance and actively contribute to a positive team culture.