About DC Scholars: 

DC Scholars founded in 2012 and serves approximately 500 students in Preschool - 8th grade. DC Scholars develops life-long scholars who have the academic knowledge and skills, individual passions, and community-mindedness necessary to succeed in and contribute to an ever-changing world. Located in the Ward 7 community of Washington, DC, less than 5 miles from the U.S. Capitol, DC Scholars is committed to being a school of choice for the surrounding community.

The Position: 

DC Scholars Public Charter School is seeking Associate Teachers for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Associate teachers support classroom culture, support whole group instruction, and facilitate small groups throughout the day following the schedule set for them. We are looking for individuals who foster a culture of achievement, invest in deep preparation for lessons, and value feedback/continuous improvement. If you’re ready to join a team of dedicated educators who are committed to ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education that empowers them to actualize their dreams, apply today!

Under direct supervision of the classroom Teacher, the Associate Teacher is responsible for assisting in the implementation of lessons and activities, organizing classroom materials, enforcing school policies, and collection of data. The Associate Teacher is responsible for the continuation of instruction in the Teacher’s absence.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Cultivate a productive, engaging classroom environment for students - foster relationships with and among students.
• Establish strong classroom routines and systems in alignment with the DC Scholars Way
• Leverage DC Scholars’ culture systems to provide feedback to scholars aligned to our PATH values (Prepared, Attentive, Thoughtful, Hardworking)and use of our ladder of consequences for strong classroom management. 
• In collaboration with the General Education Teacher, facilitate Morning Meeting in alignment with the DC Scholars Way
• Facilitate arrival and dismissal. 
• Lead transitions between classes and to lunch and recess.
• In collaboration with the General Education Teacher, assist with the facilitation of whole group instruction. 
• Facilitate small group instruction; prepare and deliver data-driven small group plans following school provided plans and materials. 
• Be knowledgeable about individual student plans, including Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs), 504s, and other support plans, provide appropriate modifications and accommodations in accordance with student IEPs
• Prepare for and actively engage in weekly intellectual preparation meetings (PLCs) with coach and colleagues.
• Respond to some student data points, including daily exit tickets, student usage of the iReady individualized learning pathways, performance on iReady assessments, discipline data, attendance data, etc.
• Actively engage in coaching sessions (both meetings and in-the-moment coaching) and respond to feedback by agreed upon deadline.

• Actively monitor student attendance data - collaborate with families to improve scholar attendance, collect absence notes, etc.

• Engage actively with families - attend family events (at least quarterly), support Parent Conferences, share academic and behavioral updates with families.
• Demonstrate an unwavering belief in the ability of the organization, colleagues, students, and self to grow: Take personal responsibility, solicit and respond to feedback; Share constructive feedback so that others/the organization may grow. 
• Complete tasks by agreed upon deadlines.
• Meet professional expectations for dress, time, and attendance. 
• Communicate clearly and frequently, responding to messages, calls, and emails following organization-wide norms for timeliness.

Background and Experience

• Associate degree or higher preferred
• 1-2 years experience working with students, preferably in an urban public or charter school.
• Experience working with students in disadvantaged communities (e.g. tutoring, mentoring, etc.) preferred.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic 
• Belief in the power of parent/family relationships

Mindset

• Passion for educational equity and a commitment to the mission and vision of DC Scholars
• Alignment with DC Scholars’ Core Values: High Bar, Passion & Persistence, Hope, Humility & Growth, and Trust
• High standards of excellence for self and for others
• Evidence of well-developed emotional intelligence and empathy
• Desire to collaborate with others.

The Rewards

• High quality, personalized development (Over 80% of teachers at DC Scholars agree that they receive targeted feedback that improves their performance) 
• The opportunity to work in a caring PS-8th school community that values relationships with students and families 
• Opportunities to pursue general education and special education teacher roles 
• Competitive salaries and benefits, including performance bonuses for student growth and achievement 
• Participation in a 403b retirement plan, with matching contributions