Middle School Social Science Teacher
About the school:
Chartered in 1997, Perspectives Charter School (PCS) has earned its national reputation as a model of how a small school with innovative, effective education can transform urban schooling. Perspectives is launching a new school on Chicago’s south side, Perspectives Calumet High School of Technology, that will educate approximately 200 students during the inaugural school year. Students will be digitally immersed in all aspects of school life and will participate in a yearlong technology curriculum focused on digital technology and media PCS provides urban students with a rigorous, relevant education that will prepare them for a changing and competitive world. Its mission is to help students become intellectually reflective, caring and ethical people en route to a lifetime of meaningful work. Perspectives prioritizes academic rigor, high achievement, and a “college for certain” environment.
They grow educators, engage parents as partners, and connect students to the community. Their unique character education curriculum called “A Disciplined Life©” underlies their efforts to address students as whole people and provide them with skills that will support their transition to higher education and beyond. They are seeking a Science & Technology Instructional Leader who has the courage, expertise, heart and dedication needed to create an exemplary school in its second year.
Ideal Qualities:
·Exhibits a strong commitment to the ethos of Perspective Charter Schools;
·Displays discretion, confidentiality, honesty and integrity in his/her relationships with the differing sectors of Perspectives and wider community;
·Demonstrates initiative and responsibility as the Middle School Social Science Teacher;
·Serves as an advocate for social justice, the development of character, and the right to receive and pursue an exceptional education.
Specific Skills and Attributes:
The Middle School Social Science Teacher possesses a bachelor’s degree and holds teaching certification in social studies or social sciences.
The Middle School Teacher exhibits:
·Strong social science and literacy content knowledge;
·Pedagogical knowledge that accentuates conceptual knowledge, and critical and reflective thinking;
·A high ability to work collaboratively with teams and nurture collegial relationships;
·An aptitude for mentoring and fostering teacher-student relationships;
·Efficient organizational, and short-term and long-term planning skills;
·Proficient classroom management.
Detailed Duties:
The following list of duties is descriptive of the Middle School Science Teacher’s role. In some areas specific descriptors have been listed, while in others the description is listed in more general terms. As such, the duties should be regarded as an indication of the areas of responsibility and involvement, but that time and experience determines extent. The Middle School Teacher must understand that in a rapidly developing school situation a reasonable degree of flexibility is essential. The role often demands after-hours involvement at meetings, presentations and attendance at school and associations’ conferences. The Middle School Teacher, then, is required to undertake the duties specified in the following areas:
Instruction
The Middle School Social Science Teacher will ensure social science instruction builds students’ conceptual and tacit knowledge, whereas students excel and become proficient in historical reference, political and economic systems, and how events, trends, personality, and movements relate to local, national, and world history. Instruction will promote the study of social science as a means of developing students’ ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world. As social science is the integration of various disciplines such as geography, anthropology, and the humanities, student construction of knowledge from those areas are expected.
Specific aspects pertaining to this role include:
·Provide an academically rigorous curriculum that aligns with Perspectives’ standards and the Illinois Teaching Standards;
·Submit timely lesson plans, outlines, and/or syllabi that reflect proficient planning and the cultivation of scholarship, critical and reflective thinking, creativity, the celebration of differences, and the importance of social justice;
·Offer alternative, performance, force-choice, and creative assessments and activities to ensure fair and accurate student assessment and success;
·Guide and offer independent writing and research activities to foster proficient oral and written expression, critical thinking, applications, and ethics;
·Maintain accurate student grades, records, and/or portfolios, and provide its timely submission;
·Attend and support grade level, subject-matter, and instructional leader-led meetings to facilitate improved pedagogy, professional development, and academic success.
Professional Development
The Middle School Social Science Teacher will participate and often lead professional development during Perspectives’ traditional professional development programs, and those that result from identified areas of need. Professional development is one of Perspectives guiding principles so its adherence is strongly supported and monitored.
Specific aspects pertaining to this role include:
·Attendance and participation at CORE and CAMP every summer;
·Weekly participation in grade level and content-specific meetings;
·Acquisition of various learning opportunities (school, district, privately sponsored events) throughout the school year;
·Reflective and effective implementation of new knowledge.
School Culture and Discipline
The Middle School Social Science establishes a classroom culture and supports a school culture that emphasizes the importance of leading A Disciplined Life, the promotion of safety, and the execution of excellence.
Specific aspects pertaining to this role include:
·Teaching and/or facilitating the A Disciplined Life curriculum;
·Modeling and teaching The Perspectives Way;
·Monitoring and implementing the school uniform and discipline codes;
·Supporting and cultivating strong parent and family involvement through the curriculum and school life.
Please visit their website to apply: www.perspectivescs.org
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