Elementary Apprentice Teacher

Elementary Apprentice Teacher, Brooklyn, New York
In-Person Work Required This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime

WHO WE ARE
Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing nearly 2,000 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions that nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.

WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

WHO YOU ARE
Explore Schools is seeking passionate and dedicated educators to join our faculty. You have some experience working with children but may have limited or no experience leading a classroom. You are interested in contributing to an environment where you can prioritize student engagement, critical thinking, and relationship building in the classroom. The most successful teachers in our network love challenges, collaboration, and building meaningful relationships with all students. Additionally, you possess the following the qualities:

• Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced

• Committed to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues

• Exceptional level of patience and focus to overcome challenges, and achieve results

• Strong classroom management skills: you can set high expectations in the classroom and keep scholars engaged

• Exceptional communication skills: you shine in front of the classroom and through written and verbal communication

• Detail-oriented and highly organized

• Experience working with children preferred

• Bachelor’s degree required

WHAT YOU’LL DO
This role will work as a support teacher in one classroom, while refining skills under the guidance of an experienced teacher. The Apprentice Teacher will receive professional development in many aspects of teaching, including classroom management, planning standards-aligned lessons, and delivering rigorous instruction that puts the cognitive load on students, not only from a highly qualified Mentor Teacher, but as part of the network-wide Apprentice Teacher Cohort experience. As an Apprentice Teacher, you will be expected to manage the following daily:

• Serve as the lead teacher for one period of instruction each day

• Support the mentor teacher throughout all instructional blocks

• Lead small group instruction across core content areas and/or grade levels, and build up to teaching 1 whole-group-lesson daily

• Attend and actively participate in all meetings including PLCs, grade-level meetings, and PD sessions

• Collaborate with colleagues across content areas and grade levels

• Participate in creating, revising, administering, and grading assessments

• Keep accurate and organized records of student information

• Conduct parent-teacher conferences as needed, as well as ongoing parent communication

• Ensure the safety of students at all times

• Assist with non-instructional supervision of students, such as arrival/dismissal, hallway monitoring, substitute teaching, lunch and playground duty, or supervision of extracurricular activities

• Support with occasional coverage and substitute teaching as needed

• Participate in monthly Apprentice Teacher cohort trainings and professional development sessions facilitated by the network Apprentice Teacher cohort leader

• Actively engage in identity work and necessary conversations in order to dismantle white supremacy culture

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Explore Schools offers our staff a competitive salary and generous benefits package. Our incoming salary for this role has been established using an equity lens and is based on relevant years of experience.   

• The salary for an incoming Apprentice Teacher is $55,000 annually for the 24-25 SY. This is our good faith range at the time of posting. 

• We also offer a variety of additional compensation opportunities including pay for additional time worked and more.   

• Additional training and professional development to support Apprentice Teachers becoming a full-time teacher.

Additionally, you can expect: 

• A competitive and comprehensive benefits plan, covering up to 95% of the cost for employees and their families. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, employer paid disability and life insurance, parental leave benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time and paid holidays, professional development, continuing education scholarships, referral bonuses, employee assistance program (EAP), childcare assistance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, and more

• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities

• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment 

• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning 

• Our school-based staff also receive: 

• • Professional development: weekly PD, year-round retreats and trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals 

• • Continued education support: staff are eligible to receive scholarship funds towards qualifying towards role relevant New York State certification costs, higher education tuition, and professional development

• A flexible work environment with the ability to choose your work location during non-student hours 1-3 days a week when possible, all within a structured 45-hour work week.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Explore Schools is a network of 6 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our schools are currently operating fully in-person. For this position:

• In-person work is required.

• This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.

• The standard work week is 45 hours, though at times you may work more.

• This role requires that you be able to stand for at least 5 hours a day, take multiple trips up and down the stairs in a day, and move quickly in an emergency.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As discussed in our Who We Are section, Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is important to us that all staff members have a place of employment that is free of discrimination of all kinds and where staff can bring their authentic selves to work. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran, or military status. If any employee or applicant believes they have been discriminated against, they should let Tiffany Williams know immediately.