Resident Teacher | Elementary School | BTWA ES

About Booker T. Washington Academy

Booker T. Washington Academies (BTWA) in New Haven, CT, serves K–4 scholars at its Elementary campus and grades 5–8 at its Middle School campus. Founded in 2014 around Booker T. Washington’s credo—“Excellence is doing common things in uncommon ways”—BTWA balances a rigorous academic program with the cultivation of morals, character, self-discipline, responsibility for one’s actions, lifestyle, work ethic, and educational uplift. Scholars develop proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, discussion, and problem-solving to meet college and career goals, while embracing and demonstrating the morals, character, self-discipline, and work ethic to be leaders in life and community. Recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2018 (Category 1) and again in 2024 (Category 2)—the only New Haven public school honored that year—BTWA equips graduates to work hard, harness the power of education, elevate themselves, and give back to their communities in a transformational way.

About The Opportunity

Booker T. Washington Academy Elementary School is seeking a committed Resident Teacher to join our grades K–4 community and grow into a confident, skilled classroom educator. This full-time, school-based role is designed as a true teacher residency pathway: Residents support instruction, co-teach, and gradually take on increased classroom leadership as they build their competencies. While Residents provide classroom coverage when needed, the heart of the role is learning to teach well—through coaching, practice, and meaningful engagement with students. Residents work closely with mentor teachers, contribute to a consistent and joyful learning environment, and support scholars both academically and socially. The ideal candidate is reflective, eager to learn, and excited to build a long-term career in education. This role offers a unique opportunity to:

• Develop core teaching skills—gradually move from supporting instruction to leading sections of class with coaching and feedback
• Co-teach and co-plan alongside experienced educators across multiple grade levels and content areas
• Build strong relationships with scholars through academic support, small-group instruction, and extracurricular engagement
• Deepen practice in restorative and culturally responsive approaches in a high-need, high-support urban setting
• Pursue teacher certification through our partnership with RELAY Graduate School of Education, with structured coaching and coursework
• Grow into a lead teaching role within Elevate Charter Schools through our Resident Teacher Pathway

Key Responsibilities of the Role

As a Resident teacher at BTWA ES, you will be primarily responsible for:

• Instructional Excellence
• Classroom Culture & Student Experience
• Collaboration & Professional Learning
• Program Support, School Partnership & Flexibility
• Resident Teacher Development & Instructional Growth

Qualifications Of The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Interest in pursuing a career in teaching via our Resident Teacher Pathway Program
• Connecticut substitute teaching/long-term substitute certification or eligibility upon hire
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with middle school (grades 6–8) scholars, preferably in urban or high-need environments
• Strong classroom management skills and ability to build rapport quickly
• Excellent verbal, written, and restorative communication skills
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and professional demeanor

• Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience as a long-term substitute, resident teacher, or intern
• Connecticut initial or provisional teaching certification in any content area
• Familiarity with restorative justice practices and culturally responsive pedagogy
• Experience differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including ELs and students with IEPs
• Experience in project-based or inquiry-driven instructional models

Compensation And Benefits

Elevate Charter Schools offers a range of comprehensive benefits packages to all regular, full-time employees at a competitive value. The salary range for the Building Substitute/Resident Teacher is $43,000 to $50,000, commensurate with experience and qualification, and reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position. Final salary may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Mobility: Ability to move around the school building and classrooms, attend meetings, and participate in professional development activities.
• Vision: Clear vision to engage with students and stakeholders in a variety of settings and to monitor classrooms/school environments for student safety and well-being.
• Hearing: Ability to hear conversations and presentations in various settings.
• Communication: Clear speech to effectively communicate with teachers, staff, administrators, and families/caregivers.
• Occasional Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry light materials (such as books and documents), bend or reach to access files or materials, and stand for extended periods during meetings or presentations.
• Sterna: Ability to lead instruction across the school day with sustained energy and focus.

Mindsets We Value

Our team is passionately committed to the vision and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Booker T. Washington Academy. The ideal candidate will have a positive mindset, a very strong work ethic, an inner drive for excellence and will thrive working in an entrepreneurial and results-driven environment. Additionally, we deeply value, and are actively seeking candidates who demonstrate, the following mindsets and beliefs:

• Mission-Driven: In addition to deeply aligning and embodying the mission and values of ECS and BTWA, you believe in the brilliance and promise of all students, particularly students of color, and want to be part of their success story.
• Growth-Oriented: You welcome feedback, are deeply reflective on your personal practices, and are constantly seeking to improve your craft.
• Entrepreneurial: You are flexible, solutions-focused, and energized by the opportunity to build something from the ground up.
• Collaborative: You thrive in a team-based culture and believe that collective effort drives school success.
• Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself, and others, to the highest of standards and have a student-centric, “whatever it takes” mentality to create a learning community where all students and stakeholders can grow and thrive.