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Little Water Prep, a growing K-5 public charter school in Poughkeepsie, New York, invites passionate and revolutionary educators to apply to the position of Founding Classroom Teacher. Little Water Prep is founded on the belief that like water, all our scholars are essential and capable of taking on whatever shape and can excel academically when in environments that are challenging, affirming, and loving. We project to serve over 300 students in the Poughkeepsie City School District over the next five years. We are looking for committed, culturally competent Founding Classroom Teachers who have a “by any means” mentality when it comes to educating and affirming our students. 

JOB SUMMARY 

Little Water Prep exists to provide the students of Poughkeepsie, NY with an educational experience that equips them with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to thrive in school and beyond. Our mission is to work in partnership with the community to provide a rigorous and affirming environment for all K-5 scholars through reflective data-driven teaching practices and a responsive curriculum that allows our scholars to recognize their power and have agency over their futures.

Little Water Preparatory will serve as the container for where our scholars' will experience many of their educational "firsts," and become immersed in experiences that shape them for years to come. When designing a school that promotes the achievement of all students, we first asked ourselves, "What shape do we want our Little Water Prep scholars to take? How do we design a container (a school) that provides our scholars with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on that shape?" As a Founding Teacher at Little Water Prep, you have the opportunity to be a part of designing a school environment that honors and affirms student’s identities while expanding their knowledge of and experience with the world around them. You will ensure each and every scholar receives the academic foundation and life skills necessary for their success. You will ensure that scholars experience an educational environment that is challenging, affirming and supportive. You will foster a classroom culture that pushes deeper, conceptual learning, restorative practices, and demonstrates our core mindsets daily. With on-going support and development, a team of like-minded educators, and the use of data-informed instruction and culturally responsive practices with the guidance and support of your instructional coach, you will be prepared to positively shape the lives of your future scholars. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Create and sustain an affirming classroom environment with a focus on deeper-conceptual learning 
• Intellectually prepare to execute lesson plans and differentiate daily in order to ensure 100% of students reach and exceed their year-long academic goals 
• Use data informed practices to drive instruction and ensure all academic gaps are closed for all students 
• Support of the professional habit growth of all scholars, including organization, time management, and communication 
• Execution of all classroom systems supporting the Little Water Prep Core Mindsets and Positive Recognition Behavior Response System 
• Provide consistent and clear high academic and classroom community expectations through Responsive Classroom Practices 
• Collaboration and co-planning with other general education teachers and special education teachers to plan lessons, asses’ students, and interpret academic data 
• Participation and engagement in weekly individual coaching meetings, weekly Professional Development, Summer Orientation, and Monthly Staff Book-Clubs 
• Assist with operational support of various school systems to ensure efficiency of scholar arrival, dismissal, transitions, and needs
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and staff 

Key Qualifications and Competencies 

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s degree preferred (may be in progress as part of a NY teacher certification program) 
• New York State Certification in the subject area taught, or for grades K-5, Childhood or Middle Childhood Education Certification is Preferred,
• Commitment to mission and vision of Little Water Prep 
• Strong work ethic and willingness to be coached and grow daily 
• Knowledge of assessment-driven planning principles, culturally responsive teaching, direct instruction, and inquiry-based instruction 
• Demonstrated success in an urban classroom, as measured by scholar performance preferred 
• At least two years of proven experience teaching a similar population of scholars preferred
• Knowledge of data-driven instruction preferred 
• Demonstrated ability to engage in conversations around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through prior roles  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with ethnically diverse students 
• Strong commitment to anti-racist and social justice teaching preferred   
• Professionalism and ability to model Little Water Prep’s Core Mindset values for scholars 

Salary and Benefits 

Little Water Prep offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement benefits. Aside from extensive professional development, all of our staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary instructional supplies. 

Start Date 

August 2024