Social Studies Teacher I - Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center

State of Colorado•Golden, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position exists to provide classroom instruction in the assigned content with embedded workforce and career related skills aligned to science, math, and/or literacy emphasis with project-based units and engaging lessons. Instructional planning uses CDE state standards and prepared graduate outcomes while also adhering to district initiatives and Social Emotional Learning topics to committed youth in secondary and post secondary tracks in a safe and trauma informed environment. The teacher takes responsibility for knowledge of current state standards in the area of assigned content as well as workforce readiness skills and outcomes, the appropriate use of technology for teaching and learning, and other related subjects including best practice and research in pedagogy and prosocial youth development. The instructor takes responsibility for having an active and appropriate CDE license.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment.
Current, valid Initial or Professional Teacher license issued by the Colorado Department of Education.
Current, valid Interim Teacher license, or Temporary Educator Eligibility Authorization will substitute for the Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher license.
Current, valid Colorado Adult Basic Education Authorization, Initial Special Services, or Special Services license will substitute for the Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher license.
Full background check and reference check required.
State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with at-risk or adjudicated youth
Leadership experience
Proficient use of assessment data to inform instructional practice
Experience building a program
Relevant years of state service
Dual endorsements or documentation of ability to be Highly Qualified in multiple content areas
Licensure aligned to position
Experience with differentiated instruction; developing lessons/curriculum and providing differentiated instruction
Proficient use of data to inform instructional practice
Secondary school experience
Trauma-Informed practices and knowledge as it applies to at risk populations and classroom instruction
Project-based learning experience
Experience with special needs populations

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain an appropriate classroom setting through the use of effective classroom management skills and accountability measures, identified trauma-responsive strategies and practices, engagement strategies specific to student need and aligns with district initiatives and expectations, curriculum that is age appropriate and content appropriate and aligns with district initiatives and expectations, student-centered classroom activities and project-based learning opportunities, and using curricular resources as required.
Assess new and continuing students—both post-secondary and secondary--using multiple assessment methods and collecting multiple pieces of evidence of learning while assuring evidence is documented per DYS education standards.
Prepare daily lesson plans and short-term unit lesson plans that are aligned with state standards and/or industry standards with the critical skills needed; design and implement a tracking mechanism for evaluating student progress that correlates to standards-based education and with appropriate rigor for grade level.
Use effective accommodations as required for special education students or youth on MTSS plans while also communicating growth and data needed for progress monitoring.
Implements a variety of research-based education strategies (including technology) to accommodate multi-age/multi-level students.
Follow the DYS instructional framework with clear daily learning objectives and relevant learning content with appropriate assessments while meeting the needs of all youth.
Ensure educational records are in IC and/or Trails, shared for facility purposes, updated as required and using DYS frameworks.
Select behavior and classroom management techniques to apply within the framework of DYS and use these skills for subbing or guest teaching in other classrooms as required.
Use the technology appropriate and as expected to design, upload information and unit and lessons while taking attendance daily and grading work appropriately.
May be assigned different or multiple content areas based on youth and school need.
Planning classroom lessons and units will require short and long term goals for individual youth and classroom content.
Meet informally and in scheduled meetings with the Central Education Office members, principal, security team, treatment providers and other teachers to review student and school progress, both academically and in regards to social emotional growth and career readiness.
Develop comprehensive unit plans, course plans, syllabi, and individual youth learning plans for implementation of the assigned subject matter in line with the education goals and in alignment with school development plans and quality standards.
Participate in professional and staff safety development and apply learning accordingly while also supporting YCTO practices for other team members.
Assure appropriate boundaries and effective presentation in the classroom and workplace.
Use data effectively and with MTSS processes, IEP goals, and behavioral goals, create MTSS and other responsive plans to include progress monitoring.
Participate as an effective educational advocate and team member and serve as needed in site-based meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT) and committees.
Completes monthly reviews of content to principal during required supervision and check ins and uploading all documents as required electronically.
Assist in the safety and security of the school and facility by supervising residents, tools, and materials effectively and providing immediate assistance as necessary within the facility.
Consistently knowing and following policy and procedures of the Division of Youth Services and the facility as well as safety procedures for classrooms and youth.
Adhere to the trauma-informed culture and expectations within the classroom and as a professional colleague.
Know and use Motivational Interviewing, PBIS, and Sanctuary Model to include small group processes and Restorative Justice language and frameworks; follow expectations for IRs.
Adhere to Code of Conduct and professional norms of behavior for the workplace.
Follow leave policy and procedures.
Perform other related assignments as necessary such as, but not limited to, student staffing, onboarding others, entering data into Student Information System, problem solving technology, assisting with special events or opportunities, and substituting for teachers who are absent as needed.
Working with facility staff and supporting facility safety ongoingly.

Benefits

PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
Employee Wellness program
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program