Social Science Teacher, Middle School (2025-26 School Year)

Synergy Academies is a nonprofit charter management organization. Our mission is to work together as a community to disrupt educational inequity by providing high quality instruction, access, and support so all students can excel. Synergy’s elementary, middle, and high schools are STEM-focused and serve 1,388 K-12 students in South Los Angeles. Synergy believes in holistic education, collective accountability, and sharing best practices through professional collaboration. At Synergy, we give each individual the opportunity to learn and grow, we work as a team to support each other, we are transparent and honest, we have a strong work ethic, take initiative, are good stewards of our resources, and we focus on continual improvement.

We are searching for educators who will join us in developing the next generation of problem solvers as we focus on the following goals:

• Community. Building a strong school community and positive school culture that values diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Growth Mindset. Helping students develop the growth mindset they need to persevere and succeed in all aspects of life.
• Family Engagement. Engaging parents and families in educational programs that result in advocacy for greater opportunities in both their families and communities.
• Collaborative Learning. Collaborating weekly with instructional coaches and colleagues to hone our teaching craft grounded in data analysis, reflection, and best practices.
• Problem-solving. Providing learning experiences that build critical thinking skills and approaches to problem-solving used both in classrooms and in life.

Essential Functions

Instruction

• Submit weekly lesson plans (at the secondary level) and implement classroom activities in accordance with the California State Content Standards.
• Scaffold and differentiate lessons for students and provide intervention and enrichment as necessary to address students’ specific needs.
• Lead a weekly Advisory Section (at the secondary level) with provided lesson plans focused on Social Emotional Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, data analysis.
• Conduct periodic assessments of student academic progress in order to guide instruction and to ensure that the academic goals of the students and the school are met.
• Assist with statewide assessments of students such as ELPAC, CAASPP.
• Attend mandatory meetings such as IEPs, Student Success Team meetings, staff and advisory-planning meetings, parent conference meetings, etc.
• Actively participate in a continuous feedback system including self-assessment, coaching, informal and formal observation.
• Maintain and submit accurate student attendance records (in SIS).
• Effectively manage student behavior and organize classroom systems/procedures to ensure all students are fully engaged in learning
• Maintain high standards of student conduct, including implementing Synergy’s school-wide discipline plan
• Provide a safe learning environment for students.

School Culture

• Demonstrate knowledge and support of Synergy’s mission, vision, policies and procedures, and charter petition.
• Establish a culture of high expectations that includes college preparation for all students.
• Be a constant presence and active communicator with parents and students at meetings, conferences, student activities and celebrations.
• Collaborate with colleagues and the broader professional community to support student academic and social emotional growth.
• Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence and SEL competencies to foster meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and families.
• Provide students and their families with regular and timely information on classroom activities and student progress
• Maintain a professional manner when working with students, staff and parents/families via both oral and written communication.
• Respond to email and other professional communication in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• California Teaching Credential (permit, intern, preliminary or clear).
• Possess the appropriate certification to work with English Learners.
• Demonstrate strong classroom management skills.

Working Conditions

• Indoor classroom – may require sharing a classroom and preps in different rooms

Desired Characteristics

• Be flexible – teaching is tough work and we are looking for team players who can handle unforeseen circumstances that may arise and adapt.
• Good listener who can take into account and find value in differing viewpoints
• Open to sharing as well as receiving best practices to improve others’ and one’s own instruction.

Synergy Academies is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, age, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other status protected by law.