1st Grade Teacher

Our Commitment

At UP Excellence Academy, our commitment extends beyond the classroom to encompass scholars, families, and the wider community. We believe in nurturing every scholar's potential by providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic growth and personal development. Our dedication to families is rooted in open communication, active engagement, and a genuine partnership in each child's educational journey. Moreover, we recognize the integral role of the community in shaping our scholars' futures. Through collaborative efforts and meaningful interactions, we strive to empower not only our students but also the neighborhoods we serve, fostering a culture of excellence and opportunity for all.

Our Cultural Tenants

Cultural Tenant 1: Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

We are committed to an unwavering pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our educational endeavors. This commitment drives our daily actions, ensuring that every interaction, decision, and effort contributes to the continuous elevation of our academic standards and overall performance.

Cultural Tenant 2: Nurturing Curiosity and Creativity

Embracing curiosity as the cornerstone of learning, we foster an environment that encourages scholars and educators alike to explore, question, and unleash their creativity. By championing a culture of curiosity, we empower our community to seek innovative solutions and cultivate a love for lifelong learning.

Cultural Tenant 3: Collaborative Community Building

We recognize the strength in unity and actively cultivate a collaborative community where scholars, educators, families, and the broader community work together harmoniously. Our commitment to building strong connections ensures that everyone feels valued, supported, and engaged in the shared mission of educational excellence.

Cultural Tenant 4: Growth Mindset and Resilience

Grounded in a growth mindset, we view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Resilience is not just a trait but a shared value that empowers scholars and educators to navigate setbacks, learn from failures, and emerge stronger, fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement.

Cultural Tenant 5: Inclusivity and Equity

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment where every individual, regardless of background, feels seen, heard, and valued. This commitment ensures that diversity is not only celebrated but becomes a driving force for innovation, understanding, and the enrichment of our academic community.

Minimum Qualification Required :

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Demonstrated proficiency in assigned teaching area, teaching experience preferred (not required)
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for subject and level ( not required for all teaching positions)

Job Duties : 

• Provide instruction and appropriate learning experiences to students designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.
• Develop and implement written lesson plans that fulfill the curriculum and program requirements, including differentiation, scaffolds, formative and summative assessments and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional strategies, learning activities, instructional materials, equipment, and technologies.
• Build a classroom learning environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, psychological, social, and emotional wellbeing of students.
• Establish and consistently monitor expectations for student behavior- in and outside of class, during performances/ exhibitions, and when off campus.
• Use a variety of ongoing formative and summative assessment measures to determine mastery of grade-level , content-area standards. Use data , including disaggregated data of subgroups of students, to determine effectiveness of instruction, and make instructional adjustments in response to student needs.
• Collaborate with core and non-core educators during professional learning, professional development, and collaborate to design arts-integrated, project-based learning experiences for all students.
  
• Provide fo r two-way communication with principal, staff, students, parents, and community. Communicate in a way that fosters collegiality and team building among staff members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Expectations

Instructional Planning:

Teachers at UP Excellence Academy engage in meticulous instructional planning, ensuring that lessons are not only aligned with state standards but are also enriched with diverse and culturally relevant content. This involves a deep internalization of each lesson's objectives, anticipating potential misconceptions, and tailoring the content to resonate with the lived experiences of our scholars. The goal is to create a curriculum that sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a love for learning.

Instructional Delivery:

The instructional delivery at UP Excellence Academy is marked by high expectations, engaging strategies, and persistent efforts to create a productive struggle for scholars. Teachers employ probing questions, address student mistakes with patience, and adapt their teaching methods to cater to individual learning needs. The 80/20 classroom philosophy is embraced, with 80% of the time dedicated to rigorous practice and cognitive engagement. This approach ensures that scholars are active participants in their learning journey.

Learning Environment:

Teachers at UP Excellence Academy are committed to establishing a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment. Clear procedures, routines, and transitions are in place, fostering a sense of security. Regular community and restorative circles promote open communication, trust, and understanding among scholars. The teacher's role extends beyond academics, building authentic relationships with each scholar and advocating for their needs within the classroom.

Professional Practices and Responsibilities:

Upholding professional standards in accordance with the Code of Ethics, teachers at UP Excellence Academy demonstrate excellence in attendance, professional appearance, and behaviors. They set short- and long-term professional goals, engage in continuous learning communities, and communicate regularly with parents regarding scholars' academic and social/emotional growth. These professionals exemplify the school's mission, vision, and goals, acting as ambassadors of educational excellence.

Coaching and Development:

Teachers actively participate in coaching and development opportunities that align with UP Excellence Academy's cultural tenants, mission, and vision. This includes live lesson demonstrations, where educators showcase effective instructional practices. Data-driven instructional practices are emphasized, encouraging teachers to analyze both formal and informal data to inform their teaching strategies. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that educators are well-equipped to cultivate a culture of growth and excellence within the academy.

Benefits 

UP Excellence Academy, a part of  is dedicated to supporting our team members by offering a competitive benefits package. This comprehensive package includes a mix of district-paid and voluntary products to cater to your diverse needs. We are committed to providing you with a range of benefits and resources to ensure your well-being, address your healthcare requirements, and support your retirement planning.

UP Excellence Academy upholds a commitment to nondiscrimination. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in admission, access to, or treatment of employment in our programs and activities. Individuals with inquiries regarding our compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) are encouraged to contact UP Excellence  Human Resources at (832) 672-6671. We are dedicated to ensuring a fair and inclusive environment for all.