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Form of workJob Description
Working at UP Academy is a unique experience in a unique school. We aim to provide the same amount of agency and support for our educators and leaders as we seek to instill in our students. Our values of Respect, Innovation, Strength and Empathy are true to our working culture as well as our school environment.
We are seeking a lead educator to launch our new Middle School project. In 2018 we opened the peninsulas premier micro school, a progressive elementary school that focuses on conceptual learning through project based instruction, a culture of social emotional intelligence development, and inclusion of students with physical disabilities. In 2023 we are adding grade 6, to be followed in subsequent years by grades 7 and 8. We are seeking to do Middle School differently and create a curriculum and experience that is truly student centered and created for the outcomes of our learners.
Learning at UP Academy is a differentiated and active experience led by its students and facilitated by it's educators. You will work with students to set goals, create projects and measure progress. We believe in student agency and building the skills necessary for success in a changing world. We focus on social/emotional development, executive function skills, scientific thought and empathetic action as well as achieving academic milestones.
As a fully inclusive school, you will be required work in conjunction with our team to maintain that all projects and activities are accessible to all students. It is a collaborative environment that respects new research and opinions. An open mind, creativity, and curiosity to learn new ways of teaching are necessary. As a well rounded educational team you will have access to mentors and consultants to assist with curriculum development, vetting ideas and personal and professional growth.
The ideal candidate is an experienced educator with expertise in leading successful school environments, developing new programs and curriculum, and meeting student outcomes. Must be organized, hard-working, and ready to be a changemaker in education. Strong interpersonal communication skills and leadership are a must. Open-mindedness, willingness to learn, ability to be coached, and a strong emphasis on relationships with colleagues and families is essential. Understanding differentiation for a small group of gifted, neurodiverse, and neurotypical learners is important for success. We can't wait to meet you, collaborate with you, and advocate for inclusive learning together!
We need exceptional, diverse, and mission-aligned leaders and educators to join our team to help prepare our students for a fulfilled life.
Duties:
Create and lead age appropriate curriculum
Work with student, family and UP Academy team to create individual learning opportunities that draw on the students interests to promote a love of learning and skill mastery
Maintain a high level of integrity, intensity, purpose, communication and transparency
Provide a learning environment that stimulates creativity and individuality to support student
success
Differentiate learning and scaffold projects for each students strengths and challenges.
Create an environment of love and joy where students feel free to express themselves, create, learn, and ask questions
Promote a healthy self image in students
Demonstrate flexibility and enthusiasm in the classroom
Develop lesson plans and projects - project may be used on our rebel educator community website
Support students in the process of developing projects and staying on task for their individual projects and effective use of their agency time
Work with students on executive function skills, goals, planning, milestones, and self assessment
Ability to map and plan year long curriculum and learning goals
Ability to learn and adapt quickly to changing educational restrictions and structures
Curiosity and resourcefulness to develop and create new, engaging material for students
Lead advisory and support the social, physical, mental health and education of students
Create opportunities for apprenticeships and service work
Coordinate and Lead outdoor learning experiences and travel experiences
Participation in the admissions process, family visits, marketing fairs, shadow days, open houses, and other admission events
Other duties as assigned/necessary
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
• Ability to translate student interest into learning and skill building projects
• Ability to write and speak effectively
• Provide instructional leadership and assume curriculum development responsibilities when needed
• Foster positive professional relationships and ability to work well with students, peers, families and community organizations and businesses
• Use technology to perform professional duties, including support for instruction, student
learning, monitoring and communication of pupil achievement
• Child Development, Therapeutic knowledge helpful
Bilingual preferred (Spanish and/or Mandarin)
Data Management & Student Academics
Utilize a program that regularly collects and analyzes data to best improve student outcomes.
This includes maintaining student records in accordance with all federal, state, and local guidelines.
Work with students to create portfolios of learning and skill development
School Culture
Collaborate with all faculty, staff, students, and parents to support a strong school culture that embraces the mission and vision of the school; provides an engaging and supportive environment; and develops effective strategies to inspire students to implement student culture goals.
Ensure a positive student experience.
Develop and implement effective restorative practices and discipline strategy for students.
Relationship Management
Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders - this includes all school staff, community partnerships, student families and students.
Develop and maintain a strong relationship with community partners.
What You Need:
Key Qualities and Skills
Commitment to uphold UP Academy values, belief that all children deserve a rigorous and equitable education that prepares them for college and for life.
Entrepreneurial mindset
Bachelor's Degree is required.
A Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, English, Literature, Humanities, or similar program is preferred.
Proficiency in Google Platforms, including Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Google Slides.
Strong Curriculum development skills and knowledge of Middle School standards
Demonstrated evidence of effective classroom management, PBL, SEL, direct instruction
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to plan and organize
Possesses positive personal qualities such as flexibility, patience, and sensitivity
Solid understanding of blended learning ideas
Clear TB and background check.
Experience with special education helpful
Who You Are:
You maintain high expectations for all students and believe all students can find success in school and life.
You thrive while collaborating and are excited to work with your colleagues. You find positivity in shared successes.
You share our vision to reimagine what schools should be and are excited to make an impact on the education landscape.
You are empathetic and culturally competent. You proactively facilitate courageous conversations to advance anti-bias anti-racist practices and dismantle racism in our organization.
You are data driven and have the ability to collect, evaluate, and utilize data in meaningful ways.
You have expertise in planning learning experiences that model skills-based, personalized instruction.
You are positive and resilient in the face of big challenges.
You take initiative and ownership in driving your work to meet personal and team goals.
You possess strong relationship skills, with the ability to motivate, inspire, develop, and communicate with a diverse group of teachers, leaders, staff members, and community members.
You have an ability to apply honest, actionable, and timely feedback that results in improved performance.
You have a strategic mindset when it comes to executing professional development initiatives.
You thrive in innovative environments, and are comfortable with the ambiguity that can come with a dynamic and progressive workplace.
You're committed to continuous improvement, see feedback as a positive, and have a growth mindset.
UP Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, age or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to having a faculty, staff and student body that reflect the diversity of the Bay Area.
