Elementary Teacher

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Exploris School is looking for an innovative elementary teacher to co-teach in a combined classroom. Our elementary teachers collaborate with a co-teacher, combining two classes of students into one large classroom. Exploris teachers embrace the benefits and challenges inherent in co-teacher partnerships.

Exploris prides itself on the commitment, compassion, talent, and expertise of the people who work here. Parents choose to send their children to Exploris because they know their children will be taught by individuals who go above and beyond for the sake of student learning and who develop strong relationships with their students. We recognize that the teacher is the number one factor in student growth.

Teachers work closely with their colleagues, developing curriculum and helping shape the culture of the school in accordance with the school's mission and its implementation of challenging, authentic project-based learning.

Exploris teachers must be compassionate, have the ability to develop meaningful connections with students, have strong classroom management skills, and are confident in their ability to create a psychologically safe classroom culture in which individuals are respected and valued for what they bring to the group.

We Seek Candidates with the Following Qualifications:

• Appreciation for the life and mind of the elementary scholar.

• Appreciation for a project-based approach to curriculum design - commitment to develop curriculum that is relevant, student-centered, engaging and in-depth.

• Teaching experience (ideally in grades K-5) consistent with Exploris's progressive, constructivist, exploratory, and project-based educational philosophy

• Engages with our Responsive Classroom techniques for strong classroom management and clear student expectations

• Reader, writer, critical thinker and attentive to current events that lead to opportunities to create learning experiences that guide students to make sense of the world in meaningful ways

• Skillful at using a variety of assessment methods and data to pinpoint students' strengths and weaknesses and skillful at applying instructional practices to address diverse learning needs.

• Strong interpersonal skills, commitment to teamwork, willingness to learn, and readiness to reflect and grow.

• Values a highly collaborative approach to working with a diverse population of children and adults.

• Sense of humor and a high level of enthusiasm, flexibility, and spontaneity.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Exploris teachers are all about student achievement, engagement, and understanding. We teach through a global education approach that utilizes interdisciplinary projects seeking to answer core driving questions. This means that we work to teach skills and concepts named in state/national standards through the context of compelling real-world investigations.

As an Exploris teacher, you'll work closely with your partner co-teacher to create rich learning experiences that guide students to develop an in-depth understanding of concepts articulated in NC Essential Standards and the Common Core. We emphasize inquiry-based constructivist activities, simulations, and differentiated lessons that guide students to develop background knowledge from a variety of experiences. Teachers often partner with local organizations to integrate real-world and service learning experiences.

Crew Leader: At Exploris, the social curriculum is just as important as the academic curriculum. Our elementary classrooms are divided into 2 crews, each with a teacher at its head. You will be the mentor/advocate for each student in your crew, engaging them in team building activities, empowering student voice, guiding the development of crew and individual goals, and preparing students for student-led-conferences and exhibitions of learning.

Professional Development & Growth: As an Exploris teacher, close collaboration with your partner co-teacher will become a way of life. You'll also be expected to learn from and with industry leaders as you collaborate to develop interdisciplinary projects. You'll participate in PD before the school year begins. During the school year, there are opportunities for on-site and off-site professional development.

Specifically, as an Exploris teacher, you will:

• Collaborate with colleagues to create or revise learning experiences, including rich, authentic, and challenging projects.

• Employ a variety of teaching methodologies that guide students to engage in critical thinking: use of protocols, simulations, workshops, and cooperative learning

• Create and implement rigorous, inquiry-based lessons

• Use formative and summative assessments to track student progress; engage students in the assessment and tracking process

• Analyze data on student performance to effectively inform instruction

• Provide differentiated support including accommodations and modifications to ensure all students are able to meet and exceed standards

• Coordinate and participate in day and overnight fieldwork including camping trips

• Integrate work with expert professionals during fieldwork, via video conferencing, or in person

• Participate in ongoing professional development including observations and feedback

• Implement positive behavioral approaches to effectively manage the classroom

• Continually communicate with families regarding student performance and progress

• Serve as an active member of the Exploris Community including actively participating in staff meetings, evening celebrations of student learning, and curriculum and social events

SCHOOL'S PROFILE

Empowering learners to improve our world is our vision at The Exploris School. We do this through experiential, project-based learning that empowers students to build a connected, just, and sustainable world. Keeping this mission at the forefront, Exploris fosters a collaborative, real-world approach to curriculum design and implementation. Using national and state standards as a jumping off point, teachers work together to create a compelling lens that drives the acquisition of content and skills.

We believe that, given the right support and a caring and compassionate learning environment, all students can and want to learn. Our standards-based and portfolio assessment systems make explicit the criteria by which success can be measured and document the accomplishment of high academic and character standards. Teachers at Exploris are expected to participate in a community of shared leadership-teaching and caring for students; developing curriculum; leading students in service, travel, and fieldwork; and engaging in professional development.

COMPENSATION

We offer a salary competitive with nearby districts, a retirement program 401(k), and comprehensive health and disability insurance.