Social Justice Educator - JFK Elementary - FY25 7/1/24

Why Winooski School District At Winooski School District, we believe that our strong connections among students, staff, and families in our diverse community is our greatest strength. We are dedicated to creating a learning environment where all students graduate, college and career ready, equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead healthy, productive, and successful lives within their community. We recognize the importance of representation, and we strive to increase diversity among our staff to ensure that our students see themselves reflected in their teachers and leaders. We aim to create a more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment. As a staff member at Winooski School District, you will have the opportunity to be a part of our community and build connections and relationships with our students and their families as you work alongside a collaborative team who shares your commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equity. We strive to offer a welcoming workplace culture and professional development opportunities to ensure an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed. Qualification Requirements: Bachelor's (master's degree preferred) in education, sociology, social work, or a related field. Currently have, or the ability to obtain a Vermont Teaching License. Deep understanding and proven commitment to social justice. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to facilitate difficult conversations and engage diverse audiences. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals. Summary of Position Responsibilities: Job Summary The Winooski School District is looking for a full-time Social Justice teacher to join our K-5 learning team. The ideal candidate will design and facilitate lessons consisting of Social Justice anchor standards and age-appropriate learning outcomes which encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential, as well as helps them develop their character, personality, and social and emotional skills. The Social Justice Learning Standards are designed to make schools more just and equitable and are a road map for anti-bias education at every stage of instruction. Additionally, the candidate will use the Spiraling Cultural and Holiday curriculum to develop engaging K-5 lessons. Divided into four domains—identity, diversity, justice and action (IDJA)—the standards recognize that, in today's diverse classrooms, students need knowledge and skills related to both prejudice-reduction and collective action. Together, these domains represent a continuum of engagement in anti-bias, multicultural and social justice education. Teaching Responsibilities: Cultivate and maintain a healthy and trusting learning environment, encouraging and nurturing relationships with students. Guide students in their social-emotional development and in their ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships. Teach daily social justice classes to students in grades K-5, grounded in the Social Justice Standards and the Spiraling Cultural and Holiday curriculum. Collaborate with faculty in grades K-5 to bring Social Justice education into their classes and the overall student experience. Develop and implement interdisciplinary curriculum and student-centered pedagogy. Support individual and small group student initiatives by mentoring them, and helping them bring their ideas to fruition. Communicate with families in positive and professional ways including email, phone calls, meetings and parent-teacher conferences. Attend relevant meetings during the school day and faculty meetings on Wednesdays before school. Share duties (recess, lunch, etc.) and participate in other aspects of school life set by school leadership. Other duties that may be assigned. Programmatic Responsibilities: Deliver K-5 Social Justice Curriculum Coordinate community wide service opportunities. Advocate for social justice throughout the school and broader school community. Collaborate with appropriate faculty Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, activists, and educators to enhance the impact of social justice initiatives. Assess and evaluate the effectiveness of social justice programs and initiatives, making adjustments as needed to meet objectives. A successful candidate will need characteristics that exhibit Passion for their role Positive role model Creative energy Empathetic and compassionate Continuous learner while educating others Active listener and open to feedback Strong communicator Commitment to working in and fostering an inclusive community.