Position: Grade 4 Teacher

King Open School

King Open School Community:

The King Open School is dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of equal opportunity for all children. Our inclusive learning community supports academic achievement and equity through culturally responsive learning experiences exploring in-depth themes and projects. We are committed to providing a trauma sensitive environment and utilizes a variety of social emotional learning strategies to support students in their ability to focus, self-regulate and succeed both socially and academically.

King Open serves a diverse population of students and families that come from various countries and cultures bringing valuable strengths and experience. Our students and families represent a number of languages and family structures. Family involvement takes many forms, and whether at school or at home supports the learning and social development of all of the children.

Our students pursue themes such as the U.S. Constitution, the meeting and perspectives of multiple cultures during the 1600s in North America, Resistance to Slavery, and Immigration. Students read nonfiction, historical fiction and primary sources; they engage in project-based learning activities such as map-making, playwriting, and mock citizenship tests. Our students extend their learning through curriculum-driven field trips. Recent examples include attending a Mock Boston Massacre Trial at Faneuil Hall, traveling to Plimoth Plantation, exploring the battlefields of Lexington and Concord, and a multigrade annual overnight trip on Cape Cod.

Our students explore Social Justice through our Family Study Curriculum. Students and their families learn about each other, spend time in the classroom and celebrate their unique family culture and interests. King Open also works to amplify the voices and histories of those who have not always been heard through the school-wide celebration of Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Autism Acceptance Month. Additionally, throughout the year, teachers and staff teach lessons, read books, plan activities, and facilitate critical conversations that are steeped in the concepts of social justice and equity. It is the touchstone for all that we do at King Open.

King Open is home to the Olá English-Portuguese two-way immersion program. Olá students develop academic excellence through proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking in both languages. Portuguese study continues through 8th grade at Cambridge Street Upper School. Additionally, the King Open is home to the Small Learning Communities (SLCs). The SLC classrooms are designated for students with significant academic and behavior challenges in relation to their diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Opportunity: 

The Grade 4 Teacher must believe in and take ownership of the King Open Mission and educator responsibilities regarding teaching and collaboration. The Grade 4 Teacher reports directly to the Principal of the School and is expected to work closely with content coaches and other appropriate staff. S/he will provide a safe and nurturing learning environment with high expectations for all students. The teacher will provide for the development of basic skills and support, and will work with special needs staff relative to the appropriate integration of special needs students into the regular classroom. The teacher will provide opportunities for children to work and share collaboratively and to develop a strong sense of respect for self and others. The teacher will work cooperatively with a team to develop a strong school program incorporating both state and district frameworks. The teacher will incorporate into his/her teaching repertoire the teaching and learning strategies developed through the Literacy Collaborative model of Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop as well as the TERC Investigations and Math in Focus curricula. The teacher will also be asked to serve on school-wide committees, work in collaboration with their colleagues in cluster meetings and help organize school-wide events. 

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Grade 4 Teacher you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university required. 
• Experience working in an urban educational setting, including the ability to work successfully with students, colleagues, and families from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds preferred. 
• Previous training and experience with the Literacy Collaborative model and TERC Investigations is preferred. 
• Massachusetts’s certification in Elementary Education required.

Cambridge Public Schools is committed to slowing and/or stopping the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as a condition of employment with Cambridge Public Schools, all new hires onboarding after Monday, October 25th, 2021 will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no later than their first day of work.

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position as well as stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.