AXL is a college preparatory charter school in Aurora, CO, preparing students pre-kindergarten through 8th grade to create their own futures. Our urban school community is diverse ethnically, linguistically, and socio-economically. In 2012–2013, AXL will have approximately 450 students across all ten grades.

AXL delivers high academic achievement, character growth, and equity for all learners through an active pedagogy (Expeditionary Learning) and a strong school culture. Students are organized into single-gender divisions and loop for 2 years with their teacher. We operate on an 11-month calendar.

For 2012 – 2013, we seek teachers for our 7th/8th grade loop: both in Math and Humanities (Literacy & Social Studies/History).

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Establish a culture of high expectations that includes college preparation for all students

•  Develop and implement curriculum and instructional practices consistent with AXL instructional guidelines and Colorado Content Standards

•  Actively engage all students in their own learning through organization, instructional practices, culturally competent modeling, and community-building

•  Know each student and his or her family well; create productive and positive relationships

•  Assess students’ learning regularly in accordance, examine student data, and refine instructional and classroom practices to differentiate instruction as needed

•  Provide students and their families with regular and timely information on classroom activities and students progress; find ways to involve families/parents/guardians in their students’ education

•  Actively participate in professional development, working with lead teachers, grade level teams, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Head of School, and student support personnel

•  Collaborate with other AXL teachers to improve own and others’ instructional practices; share best practices

•  Track critical student information and maintain accurate student records, including attendance

•  Identify unique student needs and collaborate with other team members and outside service providers to diagnose and address learning challenges

•  Demonstrate commitment AXL Academy’s mission, vision, value statements, core practices and benchmarks, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and code of character

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must:

•  Meet “highly qualified” criteria per NCLB

•  Maintain an unyielding commitment to students’ learning: No limits, no excuses

•  Boast an unfailing sense of humor

•  Love deep content

•  Demonstrate track record of success teaching high-risk students of color

•  Be determined to reflect and improve instructional practice

•  Appreciate child developmental needs and different learning styles

•  Thrive in a diverse, intellectually challenging, startup environment

Ideal candidates:

•  Speak English and Spanish

•  Can demonstrate facility developing project-based curriculum

•  Hold an advanced degree in Education or specialty field depending on position sought (Math, US History, Reading, Secondary Social Studies, etc.)

COMPENSATION AND DEVELOPMENT

•  Competitive Salary

•  Medical benefits

•  PERA retirement benefits

•  Performance Bonuses

•  Weekly professional development based on individual and grade-level instructional needs

•  On-going Professional Development with Expeditionary Learning Schools including one-on-one technical assistance with ELS staff, regional and national training institutes, and opportunities for tuition/sabbatical funding

•  Annual evaluations of teaching performance are performed by the Head of School using authentic instruments, including a professional portfolio, learning plans, student growth over time, staff development, and input from colleagues

How to apply:

Please visit

http://www.applicantstack.com/client/axlacademy/x/openings

to see all current job openings and apply for a position. Be prepared to respond to two of the three essay questions:

1. In your teaching experience, which comes first: self-esteem or academic achievement? Explain your reasoning and how you approach these issues intentionally in your classroom.

2. How does your classroom invite students to "think like mathematicians"? Describe the instructional strategies that you have found effective to teach critical thinking in math.

3. How do you engage and motivate students who avoid challenging work? Please include specific strategies that have been effective for students as well as strategies you've tried that have not been as effective and what you learned.

Posting removal date: 5.25.12