8th Grade Biology Teacher - IDEA Spears College Prep (26-27)

About the Role

IDEA College Prep 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. Teachers set ambitious goals for student achievement and diligently track student data to inform dynamic and effective daily lesson plans. They seek feedback and continue to develop their teaching practice to better serve students. The goal is accomplished in two ways: by giving students the chance to experience rigorous and challenging material in high school and by giving them the opportunity to gain college-credit through dual-enrollment, AP, or IB courses.

Responsibilities

• Implement state learning standards and IDEA curricula and assessments to meet ambitious academic expectations.
• Learn, master, and deliver content and grade-level curriculum, core content objectives, and texts.
• 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 accordingly, and update gradebook weekly.
• Communicate students’ progress with students and families on a weekly basis.
• Effectively facilitate and personally 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 the needs of scholars.

Requirements

• High level of content-area proficiency as evidenced by teaching certification, field of study, or work experience (strongly preferred).
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution (required).
• Experience in a K-12 classroom setting (strongly preferred).
• State certification preferred but not required.

Skills

• Aligned or relevant coursework that indicates experience or exposure to subject-matter content.
• Knowledge of core academic subject assigned and ability to pass a grade-level aligned IDEA content assessment.
• Basic knowledge of curricula and instructional practices or implementation.
• 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.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children.

• Paid Family Leave: Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Staff may apply for 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 within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services available at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Parenting benefits.
• Flexible spending account options.
• Generous vacation time.
• Referral bonuses.
• Professional development.
• 403(b) plan.
• Relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving, if applicable.

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-$4,000 each. Additional performance-based compensation is also offered. Additional hourly compensation is provided for after-school tutoring or Saturday school as assigned.

About IDEA Public Schools

At IDEA Public Schools, we believe each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools 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, and is on-track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college.

When you choose to work at IDEA, you are part of our IDEA Team and Family. You will work alongside team members who set and reach ambitious goals every day, are excited to continue to grow with IDEA, and work relentlessly to make college for all a reality.