Science Teacher, YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School

Posted by YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School on June 16, 2014

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School is a nationally-recognized leader in alternative education. We help transform the lives of older (18 – 21), urban youth through a holistic approach that includes academic instruction and vocational training. Students attend YouthBuild for one year, during which they work towards earning a competency-based high school diploma and a vocational certification.

Our committed staff and talented students make YouthBuild an inspiring place to teach. The school is known for its positive climate and culture. Teachers and students benefit from being part of a close-knit community built through community meetings multiple times a week, school-wide service projects and a restorative-justice approach to discipline. Both teachers and students also benefit from the many layers of support students receive beyond the classroom, including case management and mentoring.

Responsibilities

Teachers at YouthBuild are creative, flexible and passionate about seeing students succeed. They have a large amount of autonomy over curriculum and are innovative in how they design learning experiences to engage their students. In addition to teaching academic content, they take a strengths-based approach to youth development, preparing students to be self-sufficient members and leaders in their communities. Their goal is to build students’ confidence and independence by asking them to stretch higher than they could ever have imagined, and supporting their growth.

Within the classroom, teachers:

· create a positive learning environment built on strong relationships

· design learner-centered units that make classwork meaningful while developing transferrable academic competencies aligned to postsecondary preparedness

· use instructional strategies that focus on student voice and thinking

· design assessments to ensure student learning, with a focus on summative “demonstrations” that allow students to showcase original work

· develop learning experiences that explicitly focus on dimensions of personal and social growth including teamwork, high quality work and self-development.

Beyond the classroom, teachers are part of a complex, multifaceted organization that provides its students with intensive support. As part of this organization, teachers:

· act as mentors to four students, forging special relationships that ensure their mentees stay connected to the school community and on track

· work in inter-departmental teams to support the success of a group of 25 students as they move through the demanding school year

· participate in a highly collaborative, fluid school culture that requires strong interpersonal skills and flexibility.

YouthBuild’s Science teacher envisions science content as a vehicle for teaching inquiry and research skills, including strengthening reading and writing skills. Guided by this vision, he or she:

· designs units and lessons that strengthen students’ ability to ask questions and use evidence to answer them

· designs units and lessons in which students learn how to conduct both primary and secondary research

· incorporates explicit teaching about non-fiction reading strategies and writing in expository and argumentative genres

· engages students with personally and culturally relevant, intellectually provocative scientific topics/content that he or she chooses (there is freedom to draw from any scientific discipline)

Qualifications:

· Certification in General Science (would consider other Science Certifications)

· 3 — 5 years teaching experience

· Demonstrated commitment to focusing on scientific thinking and processes rather than any specific content

· Ability to evaluate and design curriculum

· Experience with and commitment to positive youth development

· Creative, innovative approaches to curriculum and instruction

· Demonstrated commitment to continual professional growth

Please note that all applications are submitted through our Human Resources department; to apply, applicants can send a letter of interest and a resume to Frederick Bader, Human Resources Coordinator, at fbader@youthbuildphilly.org with  “Science Teacher” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.