About Our Academy

Ivywood Classical Academy is a tuition-free public school that educates students using the virtues-based and rigorous classical education tradition. The classical curriculum is time-tested, research-based, and is proven to develop children into thoughtful, caring, educated, freethinking young adults. The curriculum emphasizes an education in the humanities, sciences, and arts, and integrates Spanish and Latin language to promote depth in learning. 

Ivywood strives to produce students of high moral character who understand the world and what it means to be a contributing member of society. We place a strong focus on the why behind our lessons, which fosters a love for learning and inspires wonder in our students. Ivywood Classical Academy is a proud Hillsdale College Barney Charter School Initiative (BCSI) Member School.

A successful candidate for this position has:

• An unwavering belief that students need an intentional and consistent focus on virtue.
• A love for children and a strong desire to cultivate the wonder and joy of learning everyday.
• An ability to be a subject-matter expert, and share your love of the liberal arts tradition. 
• An ability to build relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. 
• A desire to foster a tight-knit community in and out of the classroom.

About the role

The primary goal of a teacher is to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential. Teachers strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued, motivated, and challenged. They aim to foster a love for learning, encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and provide the necessary guidance and resources for students to succeed. Through effective instruction, personalized support, and meaningful engagement, teachers aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in their educational journey.

What you'll do

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Takes responsibility for students' academic achievement.
• Guides the learning process to achieve curriculum goals and individual learning plans.
• Demonstrates effective planning and organization for instruction.
• Selects suitable materials and adapts methods to cater to students' learning styles and abilities.
• Shows creativity and adaptability to maintain order and foster continued learning.
• Motivates students to reach their full potential, setting high expectations and acknowledging diverse abilities.
• Utilizes resources effectively to support learning in the classroom, academy, and community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, including effective questioning, clear communication, and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and engagement.

Classroom Management:

• Collaborates with guardians and instills their confidence.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students, creating a climate of high expectations and personal responsibility.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through being a positive role model.
• Establishes a classroom atmosphere based on firm, fair, and consistent practices, promoting responsible behavior.

Student Enrollment & Retention:

• Shares responsibility for maintaining the academy's reputation in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of instructional policies and regulations.
• Utilizes technology effectively for instruction, record-keeping, and communication.
• Takes responsibility for personal growth and professional development, contributing to a cooperative learning community.
• Upholds professional and ethical principles.
• Strives to improve classroom methods, teaching techniques, and interpersonal relationships.
• Reflects personal qualities that positively represent the individual, group, and academy.
• Demonstrates pride in being a teacher and a member of the academy.
• Assumes other assigned responsibilities from the school leader.

Facilities:

• Ensures the learning environment is orderly and instructional facilities and equipment are used appropriately and safely.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly classroom, involving students in its upkeep.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels, meeting the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education and federal guidelines. Except as otherwise provided by law, the academy shall use certificated teachers according to the state board rule.
• Or, minimum of a Bachelor's degree and an alternative pathway, which includes passing the MTTC test(s) for endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels.
• Proven knowledge and expertise in the curriculum and or specific subject area that will be taught.
• Ability to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom, as a means of analyzing academic achievement data, and as a tool to aid effective communications.

Desired Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written expression using standard grammar and vocabulary.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Recent teaching experience, coursework, or other activity in the area of primary instruction
• Demonstrated knowledge of current instructional strategies appropriate for students at the specified grade level
• Desire and ability to work with students at the specified age level with diverse backgrounds and levels of ability toward accomplishing their educational goals.

About Choice Schools Associates

Ivywood Classical Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Classical Model, Ivywood is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Classical Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.