Teacher - English/Language Arts Gr. 9-12 (SY26-27)

The Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK) seeks an exceptional English Teacher educator who is highly qualified and knowledgeable to join our community of teachers, learners, and leaders. Kennedy Academy teachers and leaders are committed to the vision of high expectations for achievement, equal access to high-quality instruction, academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools. 

Kennedy Academy is a Horace Mann In-District Charter High School. It is a college-preparatory and vocational high school for Boston students exploring careers in health and health-related fields. The Academy provides a supportive learning environment that promotes respect and embraces diversity. Students will attain the life skills needed to become productive and positive members of society. Kennedy Academy is an excellent place for those who seek to work in an environment that supports their creativity and innovation and respects their skills and abilities as educators. 

In addition, over the next five years, Kennedy Academy will double in size, add new health career pathways, college courses, work-based learning, and offer graduates access to good-paying careers at Mass General Brigham thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies' $38 million grant, which marks the largest philanthropic investment in Boston Public Schools history.

REPORTS TO:  Head of School or Designee

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach English

CORE COMPETENCIES: Using the Rubric of Effective Teaching, the Office of Human Resources has identified priority skills and abilities that all BPS teachers should possess:

1. Accountability for Student Achievement 

(II-A-1. Quality of Effort and Work, II-D-2. High Expectations, I-B-2. Adjustments to Practice)

• Sets ambitious learning goals for all students, creates cognitively demanding tasks, and models the belief that all students can master challenging material through effective effort
• Assesses students’ understanding regularly with ambitious learning goals in mind and takes ownership of making necessary adjustments to instruction to reach goals despite setbacks
• Passionate and optimistic about their students, their content, and the teaching profession

1. Communicating Content Knowledge

(I-A-1. Subject Matter Knowledge, I-A-4. Well-Structured Lessons)

• Demonstrates mastery of and enthusiasm for the content area and the pedagogy it requires
• Demonstrates understanding of how the subject matter applies in real-world settings and connects to other content areas and relevant standards
• Can convey content in creative and engaging ways that align with standards

1. Equitable & Effective Instruction 

(II-A-3. Meeting Diverse Needs, II-A-2. Student Engagement, II-B-1. Safe Learning Environment)

• Scaffolds and differentiates instruction in order for all students to do complex thinking and rigorous academic work
• Uses instructional practices that are likely to challenge, motivate, and engage all students and facilitate equitable, active student participation
• Builds a productive learning environment where every student participates and is valued as part of the class community

1. Cultural Proficiency 

(II-C-1. Respects Differences, II-C-2. Maintains Respectful Environment)

• Actively creates and maintains an environment in which students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected

1. Parent/Family Engagement 

(III-A-1. Parent/Family Engagement)

• Engages with families and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning

1. Professional Reflection & Collaboration 

(IV-A-1. Reflective Practice, IV-C-1. Professional Collaboration)

• Regularly reflects on practice, seeks and responds to feedback, and demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to continuous learning and development
• Seeks to participate in and contribute to a collaborative adult learning community.

Qualifications - Required

• Education: Hold a Bachelor's degree.
• Hold a valid Massachusetts Teaching License in English at the appropriate grade level or something similar.
• Meet all state and federal guidelines in order to be fully licensed and Highly Qualified according to NCLB.
• Ability to meet the Standards of Effective Teaching established by the Boston Public Schools as outlined above.
• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.
• Signed Election Agreement pertaining to working at a Horace Mann In-District Charter School 

Qualifications - Preferred

• Experience teaching in urban schools.
• To best serve all students, BPS prefers that all core content teachers be certified in their subject area and in one or both of the following: Moderate Disabilities and English as a Second Language (at the appropriate grade level(s)).
• BPS values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity. BPS is particularly interested in candidates who are fluent in one of BPS' official languages: Spanish, Creole (Cape Verdean), Creole (Haitian), Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, & Somali.
• To best serve all students, BPS prefers that all core content teachers be certified in their subject area and in one or both of the following: Moderate Disabilities and English as a Second Language (at the appropriate grade level(s)).

Terms:  BTU, Group I

Please click here for more compensation information. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. EMK has a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) Agreement. The employee will be required to adhere to the work conditions, including calendar, schedule, and flexibility established by the School. Common planning time, program, department, and committee meetings, and professional development occur on Mondays, generally between 2pm- 4pm.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, natural or protective hairstyle, military status, immigration status, English language proficiency, or any other factor prohibited by law in its programs and activities. BPS does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to work or learn. If you require an accommodation pursuant to the ADA for the application process, please contact the Accommodations Unit at accommodations@bostonpublicschools.org.