5th Grade Science Teacher - IDEA Spears Academy (26-27)

About the Role

IDEA Academy teachers are responsible for ensuring that every IDEA student masters the academic and social skills necessary to succeed in college, while also embodying IDEA’s values daily. Academy core subjects are state assessed in grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Teachers set ambitious goals for student achievement, create a powerful learning environment, plan and deliver purposeful, rigorous instruction, assess for mastery, track student progress, analyze data to adjust instruction, and seek excellence as an educator and team member.

Responsibilities

• Implement state learning standards and IDEA curricula and assessments to meet ambitious academic expectations.
• Submit weekly lesson plans two weeks in advance for feedback.
• Implement formal and informal assessments to track each student’s progress and learning needs; adjust lesson plans and update gradebook weekly.
• Communicate students’ progress with students and families on a weekly basis.
• Effectively use technology as a communication and educational tool to improve student achievement and manage work-related tasks.
• Implement a clear and consistent behavior management system aligned to campus-wide initiatives while developing students’ character and sense of community.
• Help shape and develop a school-wide culture that fosters a productive and enthusiastic learning environment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students and families based on trust, understanding, and respect.
• Host necessary tutoring sessions to meet all students’ needs.
• Participate in weekly manager check-ins, grade-level meetings, before and after-school duties, and school-wide meetings and functions.
• Engage in summer and year-long district, school, and personal learning and development.
• Spend a minimum of 40+ hours at school per week.
• Additional responsibilities may include after-school tutoring or Saturday school based on student needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution (required).
• Experience in a K-12 classroom setting (strongly preferred).
• High level of content-area proficiency as evidenced by teaching certification, field of study, or work experience (strongly preferred).
• Teachers of record for students in K-3 must possess appropriate Reading Academies certification in accordance with TEA requirements or be willing to obtain all relevant TX training within required timelines.
• Bilingual certification strongly preferred; content and ESL certification preferred (not required).

Skills

• Knowledge of core academic subject assigned and ability to pass an IDEA content assessment.
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
• Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment.

Pay

The starting teacher salary for 0 years of experience is $64,000. This role is eligible for various stipends based on certifications, credentials, and campus leadership ranging from $500 to $4,000 each. Additional performance-based compensation and hourly compensation for after-school tutoring or Saturday school are provided.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year (subject to manager discretion and budget availability).
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, and professional development.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Relocation allowance may be offered to defray moving costs, if applicable.

About IDEA Public Schools

At IDEA Public Schools, we believe every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Florida, and Ohio, with a legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college. Staff experience a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging, guided by core values promoting human connection and ambitious goal-setting.

Service Record Requirement: Candidates selected for this position must submit official electronic service records from previous educational employers to validate professional experience and determine creditable years of service and compensation.