Teacher

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

About the Organization

Five Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs.

At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources, including education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress.

Core Competencies

• Capacity to communicate effectively and collaborate with others while building positive relationships
• Strong problem-solving skills and a dynamic learning mindset
• Commitment to a high level of cultural and social awareness
• Ability to work well under pressure and observe appropriate boundaries
• High degree of emotional intelligence

Workplace Culture

At Five Keys, culture is central to daily impact. The organization is committed to building an inclusive culture that prioritizes collaboration over hierarchy, creating empowered work teams. Staff serve vulnerable populations daily, approaching everyone with compassion, patience, and a trauma-informed lens. The team engages in difficult conversations to drive positive change, fostering an inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Build a classroom culture of excellence and deliver rigorous instruction by developing content expertise in core curriculum
• Engage in cycles of data-driven instruction to personalize learning based on student needs
• Collaborate with special education staff to include students needing extra support
• Provide individualized educational planning to help students meet their goals
• Maintain confidentiality of student and staff information
• Ensure classroom coverage during staff absences
• Adhere to all Five Keys policies, procedures, and partner guidelines
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students of diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds
• Interact with students using a trauma-informed approach
• Perform other duties as assigned

Instruction

• Teach CCSS-aligned courses in subjects such as science, biology, English, social studies, mathematics, fine arts, and relevant electives
• Use a trauma-informed approach to support and encourage student success, adjusting teaching strategies as needed
• Maintain classroom management to ensure a safe learning environment
• Instruct students using a hybrid learning approach (online and in-person)
• Differentiate lessons and utilize effective teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs
• Provide instruction in various settings, including one-on-one, small group, and whole class

Assessment

• Maintain compliance systems to ensure student records are updated on time and meet state/school standards
• Support students with accelerated learning outcomes, including monthly progress reports
• Utilize, collect, and analyze formative and summative assessments to identify student growth areas

School Culture

• Commit to professional growth and skill development
• Attend professional development meetings, which may extend beyond regular school hours
• Take urgent and courageous actions in the best interest of students
• Meet professional obligations and proactively communicate changes
• Exhibit honest and humble self-reflection, owning both positive and negative outcomes
• Respond effectively to and implement constructive feedback
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and contribute to a positive staff culture
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure consistent and well-coordinated student support

Student and Parent Partnership

• Partner with students and families through frequent communication, building trusting relationships
• Embrace parents as their child’s first teacher and build authentic relationships
• Engage families on academic and behavioral goals, transparently sharing student progress

Requirements

Qualifications

• Previous teaching experience preferred
• Valid K-12 California Teaching Credential (preliminary or clear, intern credentials considered):
  • Preferred: Single Subject K-12 Credential
  • Acceptable: Multiple Subject Credential
  • Not Acceptable: CTE, Adult Education, Emergency, or Substitute Credentials/Permits

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices in education
• Effective teaching methodology and techniques to ensure student success and graduation
• Basic technology knowledge and willingness to learn new IT systems and software

Physical Requirements

• Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to safety guidelines
• Moderate to extensive physical and emotional stamina
• Travel to multiple sites may be required
• Frequent and prolonged standing, walking, and sitting
• Frequent talking and hearing conversations
• Occasional reaching with hands and arms
• Occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs
• Ability to follow oral directions in emergency situations

Additional Requirements

• Satisfactory results of a Live Scan (criminal background investigation)
• Successfully obtaining jail clearance for positions in county jails or probation locations
• Proof of clear TB results (dated within 60 days prior to hire)

Work Environment

• Willingness and ability to travel statewide to various locations or meetings as needed
• Moderate to high noise levels
• Work environment varies by site
• Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities

Schedule

This position supports the Five Keys San Bernardino Program. Hours vary from 6:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Temporarily for the 2026-2027 school year, this position will work 7 hours per day, 35 hours per week, with 195 working days annually. Based on organizational needs, the schedule may revert to 6.5 hours per day, 32.5 hours per week, with 210 working days annually.

Benefits

• Very low monthly costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous time off
• Various pre-tax flexible spending accounts and a retirement account (403(b))
• Annual reimbursements up to $100 for gym membership, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs
• Annual reimbursements up to $50 for athletic event participation and massages
• Company-paid benefits, including free wellness-related apps, an Employee Assistance Program, and a comprehensive mental health care platform for employees and dependents

Growth Opportunities

Five Keys is committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities, including conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans. These opportunities allow employees to grow into new positions within and across programs (e.g., schools, housing).