Lead Teacher K-3, 2021-2022

Job description

Memphis Merit Academy Charter School Job Description: Lead Teacher K-3

About Memphis Merit Academy
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an academically challenging, highly structured, and joyful elementary school in Memphis, TN. Through rigorous academics, high quality instruction, and character development, Memphis Merit Academy ensures all kindergarten through eighth grade students achieve the academic skills, knowledge, and moral foundation to be firmly on the path to college after matriculating through our school.

Be a Founding Teacher at Memphis Merit Academy
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is a structured organization and culture that embraces urgency and efficiency and celebrates achievement. To achieve our mission, Memphis Merit Academy will operate in a fiscally sound, organized, and efficient manner to ensure accountability and to protect every instructional minute. Memphis Merit Lead Teachers report directly to the Head of Schools and assists with various projects and tasks to ensure a focused and effective learning environment. We are actively searching for a dynamic person(s) to fill our founding teacher positions. Memphis Merit Lead Teachers are strategic, engaging, knowledgeable, and adamant about academic results.

In August 2019, Memphis Merit Academy Charter School opened its doors to 120 kindergarten and first grade students, and we will grow by 60 students until we reach full capacity of 540 students during the 2027-2028 school year. We are actively building a founding team that shares our belief that with rigorous academics, high quality instruction, and charter development all students are capable of excelling in high school, college, and life. Memphis Merit Lead Teachers must be passionate, detail oriented, and unrelenting in their belief of all children deserving a high-quality education regardless of their demographics.

Job Summary
The foundation of academic excellence lies in a school that is strong in rigorous academics, high quality instruction, and character development. Memphis Merit Lead Teachers are directly responsible for planning a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students and creating a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and is developmentally appropriate maturity and interest of the students.

Qualifications
Memphis Merit Academy has launched an urgent search for a committed, resilient, and results-oriented Lead Teacher*. We will consider candidates who:

• Embody the mission, vision, and core values of Memphis Merit Academy (Respect, Integrity, Self-Determination, and Excellence)
• Unwavering belief that there is not a more urgent task than providing an outstanding academic and character education to students from urban backgrounds
• Exhibit teamwork and works well within a team of high-performers
• Are results-oriented and goal-driven, critical thinker, problem solver, analytical, and embody a can-do spirit and strong work ethic
• Promote continuous improvement by being open to feedback; are self-reflective and humble
• Excellent verbal, oral, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making
• Willingness to actively participate in school community activities
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues

Responsibilities

1. Prepare lessons that reflect best practices and accommodations for individual differences of students.

2. Prepare lesson plans and internalizations for classes assigned, upload to appropriate platform for review by supervisor, and communicate any supplies needed for lessons in advance of lesson delivery.

3. Classroom management; set and maintain standards of classroom behavior, maintains an organized, neat, clean, and functional classroom environment; Communicate student behavior to parents via Schoolrunner and School Communication Folder daily; Implement classroom behavior chart system.

4. Implement scripted lessons with fidelity to address curriculum bottom lines and lesson objectives

5. Make appropriate data-driven decisions to drive instruction based on student data (STEP,NWEA, etc).

6. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media (i.e. PPT, videos, websites, etc) consistent with best practices, specific content knowledge, the physical limitations of the space provided, and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.

7. Strive to implement, by instruction and action, the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals, and policies.

8. Assess student learning, through observations, authentic performance, and more formal methods, in an ongoing manner, providing frequent student feedback, information to parents and written progress reports.

9. Utilize diagnostic assessment tools to identify learning strengths and needs of every student, on a regular basis, for the purpose of intervention and/or acceleration toward academic and leadership standards.

10. Collaborate with the Special Educator and ELL teacher to plan for students with special needs
(Individualized Language Plan, Section 504, Individualized Education Plans, Health Plan, Safety Plan, and Crisis Plan).

11. Take necessary and reasonable precautions to assure safety in the classroom and the school for all students.

12. Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.

13. Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct:

• Develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior
• Maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner

14. Make provisions for being available to the students and to the parents for education-related purposes outside of the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.

15. Provide time in the evening, by phone or email, for questions and concerns that students and/or parents may have regarding education-related issues that could not be handled during the school day.

16. Plan and supervise a purposeful assignment for teacher aide(s), teaching fellow(s), and co-teachers(s), while coaching and supporting their professional growth.

17. Maintain and improve professional competence: a. Participate in all professional development opportunities b. Actively participate in team meetings and serve on staff committees c. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues d. Consistent punctuality

18. Establish and maintain open lines of communication with staff, students, parents, and community members.

19. Participate in community outreach opportunities. (University Night, Spirit Night, School Programs, etc.)

20. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Tennessee teaching certification required for level and/or subject are of assignment, if applicable
• Experience working with underserved communities, families, and/or students
• Strong computer skills, including Google Platform, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Desired Experience

• Demonstrated success in building relationships and trust with leaders, teachers, parents, and community
• Experience in managing and influencing teams and individuals to meet specific and strategic outcomes
• Proven written and verbal communication skills with all levels of management, both internal and external to the district

Disclaimer: This job description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals hired into this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Memphis Merit Academy Charter School reserves the right to change any or all content of this job description based on business needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 – $70,000.00 per year

COVID-19 considerations:
Memphis Merit Academy Charter School can share the Staff Re-entry Plans with the candidate.

Memphis Merit Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy or veteran status.