SY 25-26 - Arts Educator - Abbott Lawrence Academy

About This Position: ALA is seeking its founding Arts Educator, one of our first full-time elective teacher positions in the school’s history. This presents a unique opportunity for an individual to help craft a curricular sequence that best fits the needs of our school and students. A successful candidate will act out the ALA mission of providing a high quality, rigorous, college preparatory education for each student in a safe and nurturing learning environment that values hard work, determination and citizenship. Additionally, the candidate will have the capacity to build strong and lasting relationships with students and families. Responsibilities: A successful candidate’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: - Teach, guide, and inspire students in one or more artistic disciplines through individual instruction, small group work, and full-class engagement; - Design and implement comprehensive, culturally responsive curricula that foster creativity, artistic literacy, technical skill, and critical thinking, aligned with the MA state standards and honors-level/AP expectations where applicable; - Develop and utilize a variety of assessments to evaluate students’ artistic growth, conceptual understanding, and proficiency in their chosen medium(s); - Use assessment data and student feedback to reflect on and refine curriculum and instructional practices to ensure all learners are progressing and challenged; - Communicate effectively, consistently, and professionally with students, families, and colleagues; - Enlist families and community organizations as partners in our school’s mission; - Provide support, accommodations, and attention to all students; - Participate in curriculum and professional development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions; - Cultivate a positive and productive classroom environment that encourages creativity, respect, risk-taking, and personal voice, while managing behavior and classroom procedures effectively; - Comply with school, district, and statewide policies and regulations; - Be accountable for students’ mastery of academic standards; and - Complete other duties as assigned. Skills and Characteristics: A successful candidate should possess the following skills and attributes: - Passionate belief that every student can succeed; - Commitment to the academic and personal success of Lawrence Public Schools students and families; - Proven history of successful collaboration; - Capacity to build relationships on an academic, social and emotional level with students and families; - Ability to take initiative and succeed in a fast-paced classroom/school environment while remaining calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges; and - Demonstrated capacity to create and maintain a positive learning environment in which students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected and utilized. Qualifications: - Bachelor’s Degree Required/ Master’s Degree preferred; - Valid Massachusetts Teaching License for the appropriate grade level and subject area; - Deep understanding of RETELL obligations and ability to meet SEI requirements for MA educators; - Current Authorization to work in the United States. Massachusetts Teacher Certification in appropriate area Proficient in English Bilingual Preferred Salary and benefits in accordance with the Lawrence Teachers Union contract and LPS policy. About Lawrence Public Schools: Lawrence Public Schools is an urban district serving more than 13,000 students, the majority of whom are economically disadvantaged. More than 70% of our students speak a language other than English as their first language. We are committed to ensuring that our students, who have for too long been underserved, are provided with a high-quality, free, public education at their local district schools. About Abbott Lawrence Academy: Abbott Lawrence Academy (ALA) offers students in Lawrence an opportunity previously unavailable to most: the chance to experience a rich and rewarding honors education in the tradition of the most prestigious independent schools in the country, free of charge. All of our students undergo a comprehensive admissions process consisting of an application and entrance exam. With an inaugural cohort of grade 9 students in the fall of 2015, ALA promised a first-of-its-kind experience: the personalization of an accelerated academic program combined with access to the robust enrichment programs available on the Lawrence High School Campus. The result has been a school that challenges its students every day and ultimately prepares them for admission to the nation’s most competitive colleges and universities. In addition to having rigorous academic expectations, ALA students are required to participate in a club or sport every year. Additionally, each student is expected to complete at least 100 hours of community service over the course of his or her ALA experience. Our ultimate goal is to develop well-rounded students who are equipped with the skills and tools necessary to have successful post-secondary careers.