Middle School Teacher Math & PE Teacher: 26-27

About the Organization

Educators for Quality Alternatives (EQA) is a New Orleans nonprofit with the mission of providing struggling students with the skills, confidence, and experiences to succeed in the education and career paths of their choice. EQA currently runs three alternative high schools and a middle school program, The Bridge, serving students who have dropped out of, been expelled from, or otherwise struggled in traditional school settings. EQA programs are built on the belief that alternative schools should be vibrant, flexible, and restorative environments that support students in being their best selves.

About the Role

The Bridge Middle School Program serves 7th and 8th grade students referred for expulsion terms or from Orleans Parish middle schools. The program is rooted in restorative and therapeutic practices, providing intensive behavioral, social, and academic support to help students transition successfully back to their home schools.

The Bridge’s innovative model pairs a teacher and a counselor in each classroom to ensure students’ behavioral, mental health, and academic needs are met. Teachers work in small classrooms to individualize instruction and support for each student.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver high-quality lessons for math and PE for 7th and 8th grade students using project-based learning and multi-modal instructional methods.
• Differentiate lessons, assessments, and supports to meet individual student needs.
• Develop and implement curriculum aligned with Louisiana State Standards and LEAP2025 exams, modifying it to address student needs.
• Develop and execute weekly and daily lesson plans, labs, projects, and hands-on learning experiences.
• Collaborate and/or co-teach with classroom counselors, special education teaching assistants, teachers, and leaders to ensure all students receive appropriate modifications and accommodations.
• Build and leverage transformative relationships for student growth by:
  • Participating in all aspects of students’ experience, including intake, RtI, special education, and behavior plans.
  • Conducting structured bi-weekly meetings with students to review progress and develop success plans.
  • Planning and conducting weekly community-building activities and student expeditions to develop social skills and expose students to new opportunities.
  • Actively practicing restorative approaches and collaborative problem-solving to teach students responsibility for improving behavior and communication.
• Assess and monitor student progress on individual and course levels by:
  • Developing rigorous, authentic assessments to gauge student understanding and mastery.
  • Collecting and analyzing data to assess students’ strengths, gaps, and growth areas.
  • Using this information to adjust curriculum, delivery, and individualize supports.
• Constantly develop your craft by:
  • Setting goals for student performance and professional growth.
  • Actively reflecting on your work and monitoring progress toward goals.
  • Productively seeking, giving, and using feedback.
  • Positively contributing to the school’s collegial community.
  • Participating in all scheduled professional development activities and seeking additional opportunities.
  • Involving yourself in the continual development and improvement of the school’s curriculum, culture, and program.

Requirements

• 3+ years of teaching at-risk students with a demonstrated record of raising student achievement.
• A BA or BS required; Louisiana Teacher Certification preferred but not required.
• Experience teaching students with exceptionalities.
• Specialized interest and skills in working with students with learning and emotional difficulties.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, relationship-building, and management skills.
• A learning mindset dedicated to effectively and innovatively problem-solving and constantly improving.
• Passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for being part of a strong, mission-driven team.
• Enthusiasm and joy for working with children and a desire to provide a whole-child-focused educational experience.
• Commitment to EQA’s mission, vision, and growth.

Schedule

All full-time Bridge positions are year-round with a generous vacation schedule.

Pay

Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 based on years of experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits.
• 403b retirement plan.

Location: 12000 Hayne Blvd., New Orleans, LA.

Start date: July 2026.

Reports to: Academic Dean.