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Primary (K-2) Classroom Teacher

School Name: Polaris Charter Academy
Mailing Address: 620 N Sawyer Ave Chicago, IL 60624
Website: www.pcachicago.org

Background:

Polaris Charter Academy is an Expeditionary Learning School located in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on Chicago's west side. PCA is committed to helping students become academically successful life-long learners with a strong sense of personal and civic responsibility. PCA believes that students must be active participants in their own learning and must continually build their cultural capital by engaging and learning from the world around them. Through active pedagogy, learning expeditions, fully integrated and infused literacy, and consequential service to others, Polaris seeks to create the next generation of exemplary citizens.

Description of Position:

A Polaris Charter Academy educator will:

• Develop and implement cross-curricular units of study that utilize active pedagogy and expeditionary learning in a multiage classroom
• Plan and implement creative, organized and engaging lessons based on Illinois Learning Standards
• Differentiate instruction to support all students in the learning process
• Plan, support, and collaborate with fellow educators and staff
• Utilize the readers and writers workshop approach to teaching literacy
• Provide an inviting, exciting learning environment

An ideal candidate is someone who:

• Is committed to meeting the needs of every child in a diverse population and has demonstrated success working with urban students
• Believes every child can learn and reach high levels of academic achievement
• Has a clear understanding of curriculum, instruction, and child development
• Has a proven ability to work as a member of a team with a commitment to his/her own learning and professional development
• Has experience designing and implementing readers and writers workshop within a balanced literacy curriculum
• Has the capacity to teach mathematics and science using inquiry-based and hands-on methodology
• Thinks children can make a significant contribution to the school, community, and the world
• Understands that family involvement is integral to student success
• Wants to be part of an organized, professional learning community

Applicants should possess the following knowledge and experience:

• A degree in education or equivalent
• Two or more years of classroom teaching experience
• Teaching certification is preferred but not required
• Spanish speakers and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply

Candidates are encouraged to visit the Polaris website at www.pcachicago.org and also attend an informal information session to learn more about Polaris and the available positions. Information sessions are held every Friday from 2:30 - 4:00. No RSVP required. All candidates should be self-starters interested in working in a fast-paced, startup environment that requires flexible roles. Professional development for position begins June 22, 2009.

Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Roel Vivit at rvivit@pcachicago.org. Or by mail: Polaris Charter Academy Attn: Roel Vivit 620 N. Sawyer Ave Chicago, IL 60624