Job Description: Upper Elementary Math Teacher

 

Background: Libertas is a public charter school serving the Frayser neighborhood in Memphis. Our mission is to be a school for human flourishing: cultivating minds, hands, and hearts for lives of wonder, work, and love. We offer a rich, rigorous, and personalized liberal arts education through the method of Dr. Maria Montessori, with an attachment village of wraparound family supports. We currently serve birth through 6th grade; operate a nationally-accredited, state-licensed teacher training program; and are preparing to expand through 8th grade on a new middle school campus. Libertas is a TVAAS 5 school and a Tennessee Reward School. Learn more on our website.

 

Role Summary: This role is focused on teaching standards-aligned math courses to fourth and fifth grade children in a departmentalized program, with an emphasis on close collaboration with Montessori classroom staff. (Montessori certification is not required for this position.)

 

Role Information

• Full-time role. Instructional hours roughly 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM (faculty meetings until 4:30 PM on Wednesdays). Most lead teachers spend approximately 4-6 hours per week outside of the regular school day for planning, collaboration, and preparation.
• The role primarily follows the school calendar, although it may require approximately 1-2 additional weeks of work in the summer for an introduction to Montessori math education. 
• Reports to: Principal. Key relationships: Students, Families, Assistant Principals, Instruction Team members, Upper Elementary Teachers & Assistant Teachers

 

Measures of Success

• Fidelity of implementation of, and student progress through, curriculum
• Student growth on annual published school metrics (e.g. internal benchmarks, MAP, TN Ready, etc)
• Excellent instructional and classroom management practices
• Timely, high quality planning
• Satisfactory performance evaluations
• Other indicators

 

Key responsibilities

• Implement an upper elementary (4th and 5th grade) mathematics curriculum that instills a sense of wonder and joy in the study of mathematics; promotes deep understanding of mathematical concepts; supports development of grade-level math skills; is aligned to state standards; and helps prepare children to excel in middle school courses.
• Coordinate with supervisor and classroom teachers to ensure that instruction is aligned to state expectations; aligned with the most effective instructional practices; and matched with the specific needs of each child.
• Collect and record data about each child’s academic abilities and needs, and share this data with other teachers and support staff.
• Foster habits of excellence, including order and grace & courtesy, through schoolwide and classroom-level practices and rituals, such as connecting before redirecting, using a warm and firm tone, matching children with work in the environment, tending the heart of virtue through presenting beautiful literature, and sharing responsibility for all our children.
• Be a model of character and striving toward virtue for students.
• Supervise students within the classroom and outside of the classroom as needed, including at lunch and recess.
• Conduct or participate in family communication and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications and Traits

• At least three years of effective math teaching experience with upper elementary or middle school children in high-need communities
• Exceptional classroom management skills and instructional practices
• Willing to serve all children, regardless of background or needs, in an inclusive and supportive setting
• Knowledge of curriculum content and children’s developmental needs
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree and relevant Tennessee teaching license required
• Love of learning
• Flexibility, initiative, and personal responsibility to work in fast-paced, startup environment
• Fortitude for the challenges we will face
• Warm and firm demeanor
• Work collaboratively, with a growth mindset. Give and receive feedback in a spirit of craftsmanship.

 

Compensation

• Salary/wage competitive with the local school district and nearby charter schools. 
• Eligible for increases for performance or stipends for additional duties.
• Investment in faculty professional development and growth. We also offer to eligible applicants our Teacher Residency program, which provides financial sponsorship and additional coaching and support to achieve Montessori certification. Please contact us for more details.
• Paid sick leave for full-time employees. Deferred pay model distributes salary throughout the year (including breaks and vacations).
• Full time employees are eligible for health insurance benefits, which we sponsor at an above-market rate (including family coverage). We also offer dental, vision, and other benefits, and retirement plans similar to local schools.

 

Application process

Interested candidates should apply online at www.LibertasMemphis.org, where candidates can also learn more about our school. Please submit a resume, at least three references, and a cover letter (required) explaining why you would be a good fit for this position. Please direct any questions to talent@LibertasMemphis.org. Libertas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.