Mission Statement: The Growing Up Green Charter School (GUGCS) supports children to be conscious, contributing members of their community through a rigorous, anti-racist, anti-bias, curriculum and an engaging green culture. Graduates of GUGCS will be prepared to attend high-performing schools where their interdisciplinary academic foundation, knowledge of sustainability, and strong sense of self sets them apart as leaders and social justice advocates of the future.
School Culture: GUGCS teaches students our school culture through the acronym GREEN: Giving, Respect, Empower, Embrace, and Nurture. Students are taught the expectations of our GREEN culture through assemblies, class meetings, and various lessons.
Associate Teacher Overview
A two year program, based on performance and experience, designed to nurture and develop teachers early in their career
A gradual release program beginning with observations and support to planning, preparing and implementing lessons independently
Associate Teacher Responsibilities
Learning Environment
Guide and support the Growing Up Green school community in fulfilling its mission and charter goals
Establish and maintain ongoing positive relationships and constructive interactions with students, families, colleagues, and administration
Demonstrate commitment to working with diverse populations of families and students and model behavior which depicts respect and a feeling for the dignity and worth for all students
Use the Responsive Classroom model for community-building, behavior management and communication with students throughout the school building
Create and maintain an engaging and organized physical classroom environment, making learning accessible to all students
Curriculum and Instruction
With support from coach, plan and implement GUGCS curricular programs as well as units written in-house
Adhere to grade level pacing calendars
Participate in grade-level team, and curricular planning meetings, and AT Program professional development meetings, as needed
Use and eventually create daily lesson plans to help drive instruction
Differentiate instruction in meaningful ways to support student learning
Work closely with the Special Education department (learning specialists, interventionists, service providers)
Collaborate with the Special Education and Counseling department to help meet the needs of all students
Understand and implement interventions recommended for students as outlined by an IEP, support services or the counseling department
Assessment (With support of coach and coordinators)
Maintain organized records of anecdotal notes and assessments
Administer formal and informal assessments throughout the school year (examples: Fountas & Pinnell running records, conferencing, end-of-unit rubrics, student portfolios, etc.)
Use assessment data to modify lesson plans, inform groupings, and support student referrals
Use assessment data to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners
Share data systems with classroom teacher
Parent and Community Engagement
Establish and maintain ongoing positive relationships with families
As necessary, communicate social, emotional and academic success and concerns with families
Encourage our “open door” classroom design, inviting families to regularly be a part of classroom activities
Related Professional Responsibilities
Actively help establish and participate in the school community through weekly staff meetings, PD opportunities, staff committees, school events, etc.
Fulfill breakfast, lunch, and recess
Act as in-house substitute teacher for designated grade bands and subjects, as needed
Fulfill duties, responsibilities, and commitments as outlined in the GUGCS faculty handbook
Work closely with Master teacher, responding and implementing feedback
Collaborate with Master teacher to ensure all students are supported
Work with instructional coach on specific goals throughout the year
Actively participate in weekly Associate Teacher meetings
Respond productively to ongoing, year-round professional feedback
Assume any other duties from time to time as delegated by the Executive Director and/or the School Leader (note: The Executive Director and/or the School Leader may make any adjustment in the scope of responsibilities as outlined above which will be in the interest of Growing Up Green)
Minimum Qualifications
Strong commitment to Growing Up Green Charter School's mission, anti-racism, anti-exclusion, and green culture
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team
Ability to integrate technology into teaching
Excellent organizational skills
Commitment to participating in adult learning communities