5th/6th GRADE CLASSROOM TEACHER FGCS is seeking applications for a 5th/6th grade mixed-age classroom teacher position. To apply, send resumé, letter of interest and three letters of reference to principal Vanessa Gray at v.gray@fgcschool.org. Forest Grove Community School is a small, public charter school (204 students in 1st-8th grades). We are a highly successful school, as evidenced by our strong academic achievement, high enrollment demand, and solid organizational strength. We attribute our success to the dedicated, caring, and talented people who work here. We offer a supportive, inclusive, and positive workplace. Our school uses a place-based pedagogical approach. While academic standards for our students are the same as those of other public schools, instruction emphasizes subject-matter integration and experiential learning, which is facilitated through our weekly curricular-based field trips (called Out and Abouts). POSITION SUMMARY We are looking for candidates who are excited about the opportunity to be creative in their lessons, who are inspired by John Dewey’s learn-by-doing philosophy, and who want to be a part of a community that is focused on our goals of scholarship, stewardship, and citizenship. Our ideal candidate would have experience teaching this age group and experience in project-based learning. As a public school, we proudly serve all students, and teachers here embrace the idea of teaching the whole child, whoever he/she/they may be. This means we are looking for candidates who are committed to meeting the varied needs of students based on their learning differences and backgrounds. In addition to classroom instruction, teachers participate in Outdoor School with students each year (4 days, 3 nights); take part in the weekly Out and Abouts connected to classroom content that they have helped plan; and plan and host twice yearly Celebration of Learning open houses that showcase student work. Level 3 at FGCS is comprised of 2 classes of 5th & 6th graders. Level 3 teachers teach all content areas to their mixed-age classes, except for math, which is taught in grade-level groupings. The teacher in this position teaches 5th grade math. Teachers have a prep period 4 days a week. QUALIFICATIONS:
Background and criminal history clearance required before hiring
Licensed applicants must hold a current relevant Oregon teacher license. Under state law, public charter schools like FGCS may consider unlicensed applicants who can demonstrate content knowledge. (Please contact Principal Vanessa Gray at v.gray@fgcschool.org for more information.)
Preference given to candidates with successful experience working with students in the age range
Preference given to candidates with 3 or more years of experience
Preference given to candidates with experience in project-based learning
Preference given to candidates who have Spanish language facility and/or ESOL credentials
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Create a positive, productive, and inclusive classroom culture through regular class meetings, clear expectations for classroom behavior, and supportive communication with students
Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, including relevant and judicious use of technology to support and differentiate instruction
Some portion of all instruction is project-based, therefore, teach place-based, project-based integrated units, lessons and projects for class activities following requirements of CCSS and NGSS and schools expectations
Support students in the development of study skills, time management, empathy, and the traits of stewardship (care for place) and citizenship (care for community members)
Collaborate with other teachers to ensure curricular alignment, to evaluate program efficacy, and to discuss students’ needs and progress
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
Regularly assess students in order to evaluate their progress. Use assessment results to inform instruction
Participate in special education and 504 meetings. Implement IEP/504 accommodations and modifications
Participate in twice-yearly conferences with parents and students
Prepare student report cards twice/year
Confer and partner with parents, teachers, and administrators in order to support students' social, emotional, and academic success
Maintain open lines of communication with parents to discuss their children's progress and to support their needs
Attend Outdoor School with students each year
Present student work at and attend Celebrations of Learning (two times/year)
SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS:
Demonstrate support for school and its mission
Establish and maintains a supportive, positive and respectful learning environment and working relationships with students, staff, parents/guardians and community members
Demonstrate high level of communication skills and meet standard for oral and written language proficiency in English and preferably in Spanish too
Organizational skills for effectively managing record keeping, organizing materials, and completing multiple tasks
Learn and apply school policies and practices (available in employee handbook)
Demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to multicultural and multilingual values and environments
Participate in professional development activities in order to maintain and improve professional competence
Participate in various meetings for the purpose of receiving information or sharing information and expertise with students, colleagues and parents/guardians
Hold expectations for high performance of self
Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary procedures of the school
Assess results of performance for improvement on a regular basis
Demonstrate computer literacy and operate software programs as related to job responsibilities
Maintain accurate, complete and confidential student records as required by law and school policy and regulations
Maintain the integrity of confidential information relating to a student, family, or colleague
Follow all laws, school policies, rules, regulations, memos, announcements and reasonable requests by proper authority
Maintain regular attendance at work and work activities,meet deadlines, attend meetings and following schedules
Work collaboratively with all
Be a positive role model for students
Perform other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the school program