What are the responsibilities and job description for the 9th Grade Seminar Teacher position at Intrinsic Schools?
Introduction to Intrinsic Schools
Intrinsic Schools is a public charter network whose mission is to create a revolutionary new school model that prepares all students for postsecondary success and world-changing endeavors. We offer a chance to make a unique impact in urban education by creating an academic model that leverages great teaching and the precision of technology to personalize education for each student. At our Belmont campus, we serve students in grades 7-12. At our downtown campus, we serve students in grades 9-12. Our student demographics are 90% people of color, 86% free and reduced lunch and 19% students with disabilities.
Why Intrinsic
We offer a chance to make a unique impact in urban education by creating an academic model that leverages great teaching and the precision of technology to personalize education for each student. Our goal is to prepare all students for post-secondary success as demonstrated by high quality student work, growth on assessments and “noncognitive” factors such as empathy, student independence, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity.
Our Postsecondary Model
We individualize the postsecondary process for each student and celebrate all decisions: 4 year college, 2 year college, workforce, Military, or service. We are committed to helping each student create the best plan based on his or her interests, skills, values, and finances. We have a data-driven approach to college match and help students through each step of the college application process. Finally, we believe families are a crucial part of the postsecondary process and are committed to involving parents, families, and other influencers in the decision making process.
In order to help students and families make the best postsecondary decision, we believe in providing enriching experiences throughout their academic career. Seminar courses are where students will explore their strengths, interests, and values while strategically planning their academic future. The seminar teacher, in collaboration with the Postsecondary Team, will be responsible for designing this original curriculum to meet the needs of the grade level.
The purpose of 9th grade Seminar is to support students’ transition to high school and set them up for success by:
- Using a data-informed approach to teach and practice strong habits of organization, time management, and task initiation
- Introducing postsecondary pathways and the the profile of a Highly Qualified Graduate; providing space for strategic short-term and long-term goal setting (GPA, attendance, PSAT, early college coursework)
- Promoting after school and summer programs to encourage postsecondary exploration
- Reinforcing the importance of literacy in partnership with the Humanities team
- Conferencing 1x1 with students for personalized feedback
Job Responsibilities
- Adopt a consistent structure for a class that meets 90 minutes every other day that allows for literacy practice, reinforcement of executive functioning skills, and periodic lessons on postsecondary pathways
- Modify an existing curriculum to address the essential skills listed above
- Collaborate with grade level team to identify and address student habits and trends and support grade-level wide interventions
- Operate as a member of the Postsecondary Team to prepare all freshmen for postsecondary success and opportunity
- Seek to improve practice through data analysis, observation, and feedback
- Readily give and receive feedback from teammates
- Lead an advisory that meets daily
- Demonstrate 100% commitment to preparing every student for postsecondary success
- Uphold Intrinsic student culture
- Collaborate with Administrative Team, Culture Team, and Social Worker to respond to needs of students
- Participate in IEP meetings, as needed
- Occasionally support students and families outside of school hours (Saturday workshops, office hours, family meetings)
- Contribute to the overall Intrinsic Team by supporting colleagues, participating in school-wide events and seeking ways to improve the school
Qualifications
- 2 years of teaching, social work, or counseling experience
- Comfortable organizing and analyzing data using google sheets in order to make decisions are student support needs
- Experience adapting curriculum to meet the long-term and daily needs of students
- Ability to adapt quickly to new information, have flexibility to modify lesson plans on the spot as needed
- Strong influencing and motivating skills; able to build relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Organized and able to manage multiple projects, meet all deadlines and respond to action items in a timely manner
- Hold valid teaching certification (Illinois or out of state)
- Prior leadership experience (grade level lead, department chair, etc) preferred
- Track record driving student outcomes or a history of achievement with students of a similar population
- Experienced using technology in the classroom or early adopter of technology in personal life or other areas
- Spanish speaking, strongly desired
Equal Opportunity Employer
Intrinsic Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Intrinsic Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Intrinsic Schools has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.
