Charter Middle School - Adventure Teacher - Long-term substitute

Adventure Teacher: Long-Term Substitute “When we actually do it, we actually learn it.” - Declan P. Class of 2014 MISSION The mission of the Christa McAuliffe Charter School is to cultivate within each member of a diverse student body an intense commitment to self and community, the courage and insight to set high standards for academic and personal success, and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to achieve those standards. We are an EL Education school, founded on the principles of Outward Bound and committed to the integration of experiential learning throughout our school. POSITION OVERVIEW Everything that we do at McAuliffe is intended to meet the needs of students in their early adolescence. You must have the ability to develop meaningful connections with students, the skills to deliver engaging content, and the talent to create a classroom culture in which individuals are valued for what they bring to the group. The position of Adventure Teacher is a full-time position in the Adventure Education field and is an opportunity to join a school community committed to student growth through experiential learning and challenge. At this time, we are seeking a long-term substitute to fill this role from mid-April through the end of the school year in late June. As the Adventure teacher, you will teach six sections of an Adventure class, designed to immerse students in the skills and experiences of adventure education principles. Every student takes a five-day-a-week Adventure class for a trimester each year. Units of study typically include team building, map and compass, GPS and geocaching, and climbing. Other units of study have included snowshoeing, birding, and stargazing. Though the ideal candidate would have a background in outdoor education, an individual with strength in facilitating team-building activities with middle school students could also be a successful fit for this role. RESPONSIBILITIES **Plan and teach five sections of Adventure class for students grades 6-8, based on pre-existing lesson plans ** Implement formative and summative assessments to track student progress; engage students in the assessment and tracking process ** Provide differentiated support including accommodations and modifications to ensure all students are able to thrive in class ** Communicate with students’ families regarding performance and progress ** Engage in ongoing professional learning, including instructional coaching, team collaboration, and all-school professional development ** Facilitate a crew (advisory) of approximately 8 students. QUALIFICATIONS ** Experience in Outdoor / Experiential education (ideally in grades 5 through 9) consistent with McAuliffe’s progressive, constructivist, exploratory, and project-based educational philosophy) ** Content knowledge in outdoor and experiential education, and/or team-building activities ** Appreciation for the life and mind of the adolescent scholar ** Personal qualities that exemplify the school’s emphasis on character development and community ** Strong interpersonal skills, commitment to teamwork, and readiness to reflect and grow ** Values a collaborative approach to working with a diverse population of children and adults ** Sense of humor and a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and flexibility ** Exemplary organizational skills including the ability to prioritize, complete tasks (such as grading) efficiently, keep a grade book up to date, and document lessons, materials, and assessment ** Ability to teach climbing and/or use of a challenge course a plus **Knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese a plus ABOUT THE SCHOOL The Christa McAuliffe Charter School is an EL Education school for 400 scholars in grades 6-8 with a hands-on curriculum that inspires achievement through active learning, character growth, and teamwork. McAuliffe is a community of engaged, motivated learners — students and adults alike. At McAuliffe, students take ownership of their learning, guided by creative, passionate adults who adeptly navigate the ever-present balancing act of challenge and support. A spirit of adventure pervades the school, and the energy is seemingly boundless. McAuliffe is the rare middle school where it really is ok to be yourself. The community values independence and individuality while practicing collaboration, inclusivity, and acceptance. WHAT IS EL EDUCATION? EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) is a national school transformation organization operating in 165 schools in 30 states and reaching over 45,000 students. EL partners with schools to improve student achievement through an inquiry and project-based approach. EL schools inspire the motivation to learn, engage teachers and students in new levels of focus and effort, and transform schools into places where students and adults become leaders of their own learning. A salary scale is available upon request. The Christa McAuliffe Charter School (McAuliffe) may not and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, homelessness or any other legally protected status. (M.G.L. c. 71, § 89(m); 603 CMR 1.06(l)).