Detroit Achievement Academy exists to holistically support the education and development of students who have the determination, drive, and skills to shape their own path of high achievement with the ultimate goal of creating civically engaged, joyful citizens who are ready to change the world. POSITION OVERVIEW:​
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TEACHING FELLOW (GRADES K­4) We are looking for extraordinary leaders and learners to join our team who: ● Teach to give students a strong foundation of academic excellence, ● Foster the social­emotional and character development of young learners, ● Build a love of learning in all students, ● Engage families as partners in our students’ education, ● Commit to constant learning, reflection, and improvement of their own practice, ● Bring their passions, personalities, humor, and joy to school every day, ● Thrive in a start­up environment, and ● Are committed to equity and the belief that all children in Detroit can reach their full potential. Teaching Fellows will assist with instruction and planning and fully participate in the life of one or more classrooms, depending on need and grade­level preference. The Teaching Fellow will begin the year in more of an assistant role, but will gradually move toward a co­teaching model as the year progresses. The Teaching Fellow will have significant opportunities to learn from the Lead Teachers and the entire Detroit Achievement Academy staff, as well as participate in outside professional development. If both parties agree that it is a good fit, the Teaching Fellow could then have the opportunity to transition to being a Lead Teacher at DAA the following school year. The Teaching Fellow will report to the Principal. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Curriculum/Instruction ● Support the Lead Teacher with instruction. Instructional duties and roles will be discussed and mutually agreed upon by the Teaching Fellow and Lead Teacher. ● Instructional duties may include: working with small groups of students, working individually with students, assessing student learning, and assisting with the planning and preparation of classroom lessons and activities. ● Support the implementation of the Expeditionary Learning and Responsive Classroom models. Teachers at DAA are expected to commit to learning these models. ● Support our inclusion program by meeting the individual needs of students as specified in student IEPs and in plans developed and discussed. ● Assist with the planning of learning expeditions and expedition projects. ● Assume lead teacher responsibilities when a Lead Teacher is absent. Assessment/Accountability ●
Learn to administer schoolwide assessments and work with the Lead Teacher to complete assessments according to the school​
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s schedule. ● Support the Lead Teacher as needed in preparing progress reports. ● Regularly analyze student data to improve instruction, insure equity and make program recommendations and improvements. Social Curriculum/School Culture ● Implement the principles of the Responsive Classroom. ● Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students. Communicate respectfully to students at all times. Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students. ● Uphold and support the school­wide discipline policies. Document serious and less serious infractions to the policies and seek help and support from colleagues and administrators when discipline concerns arise. Collaboration, Collegiality and Professionalism ● Meet at least twice weekly with the Lead Teacher to plan for instruction. ● Be on time for classes, duties, team meeting and professional development activities. ● Communicate about and plan for absences in advance with teaching partners and the Principal. ● Be welcoming to visitors. Professional Development ● Meet regularly with the Lead Teacher to reflect on progress and gain feedback. ● Observe in other classrooms to gain ideas and learn from other experienced educators. ● Participate in outside professional development activities to support school­wide and individual goals. ● Attend and participate in weekly professional development sessions held on Thursday afternoons. ● Participate in DAA’s Summer Professional Development, held two weeks in August before students return. Parent Communication and Involvement ● Coordinate parent communication with the Lead Teacher. ● Work with the Lead Teacher to keep parents informed and involve parent volunteers. ● Participate in parent­teacher conferences. Other Professional Responsibilities ● Attend and participate in school events. ● Check voicemail and e­mail daily and respond promptly to requests from parents, administrators and colleagues. ● Assist as needed with the monitoring of lunch, recess and outdoor activities to ensure safety. QUALIFICATIONS ●
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Dedication to our mission:​
A steadfast belief that all students can achieve at the highest levels, regardless of demography. Determination: ​
A willingness to make things happen and a sense of urgency around educational equity for all students. Strong communication:​
The ability to communicate in a direct and sensitive fashion with students, parents, and colleagues. Team player:​
A desire to work in a team­oriented environment and collaborate with colleagues. ●
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Growth mindset:​
An ability to receive frequent feedback with humility and a strong desire to grow and develop as an educator. Reflective attitude:​
An ability to constantly reflect on student data as well as personal areas of strength and growth. Flexibility:​
Willingness to work in an ever­changing field and face challenges with a positive attitude Professional integrity:​
A personal alignment with the values and ethical standards of Detroit Achievement Academy. Bachelor’s degree (required) A current teaching certificate (required) Strong technical skills (required) WHAT IT MEANS TO WORK AT DETROIT ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMY: ●
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Being an active participant as we develop our school culture and environment Having a deep commitment to social justice and equity for all children Engaging in significant curriculum development work Working hard to provide results for our students Working with a diverse student body Welcoming visitors who are interested in our school Being challenged to examine your work in order to increase student achievement Engaging in a deep and meaningful way with the parents/guardians of all students at Detroit Achievement Academy Having extraordinarily high expectations for all students, staff, and faculty at Detroit Achievement Academy Being supported by your peers, Head of School, Executive Director, and Board HIRING PROCESS AND TIMELINE January ­ April 2016​
// Resumes and cover letters accepted. 30­minute phone interviews scheduled and conducted. Site visits and in­person interviews scheduled. Early April 2016​
// Site visits and in­person interviews conducted. Late April 2016​
// Job offer extended to selected candidate. May ­ June 2016 ​
// On site training and observation days. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to: [email protected] Detroit Achievement Academy is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. Detroit Achievement Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job­related qualifications, and the ability to perform a job without regard to gender, age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or disability. It is our policy to maintain a non­discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.