Secondary ELA Teacher

Secondary Ela Teacher/Advisor

Job Description

Reporting Structure

Position Title - Teacher/Advisor

Direct Reports - Director of Academics

Certificated Role - Yes

Salary Range - Based on Experience according to the Board Approved Salary Scale

Assignment Category - Regular, Full-Time: 187 Days

Start Date - 2026-2027 Instructional School Year

About I Dream Big Academy Charter School

I Dream Big Academy Charter School is a visionary learning community dedicated to reimagining education through personalized learning, student agency, and real-world experiences. Inspired by the Big Picture Learning model, we believe education should be built around students' passions and interests, fostering their growth as creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and engaged citizens. As a startup charter school, we seek educators who are ready to innovate, collaborate, and lead in a dynamic environment. Join us in redefining education and empowering students to Dream Big!

Position Overview

We are looking for creative, forward-thinking educators to serve as Teachers/Advisors who will guide students on personalized learning journeys. Advisors act as mentors, facilitators, and coaches, helping students explore their passions, develop real-world skills, and take ownership of their education. This role requires flexibility, creativity, and a commitment to student-centered learning in a non-traditional school environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Serve as a primary Advisor for a small cohort of students, building deep, meaningful relationships and guiding their academic, personal, and social growth.

Design and facilitate personalized, interest-driven learning plans that incorporate core academics, project-based learning, and internships.

Support students in developing critical thinking, self-advocacy, and problem-solving skills through inquiry-based instruction.

Create a student-centered environment that fosters curiosity, engagement, and independence.

Act as a liaison between students, families, and community partners, ensuring a collaborative and supportive network for student success.

Integrate real-world experiences into the curriculum, including internships, mentorships, and fieldwork.

Utilize assessment as learning, focusing on competency-based progress over traditional grading systems.

Model lifelong learning, adaptability, and innovation, continuously refining teaching practices to meet the needs of each learner.

Collaborate with colleagues to develop a culture of shared leadership and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Passion for reimagining education and a commitment to student-centered, personalized learning approaches.

Bachelor's degree (required); teaching certification (preferred, but not mandatory for exceptional candidates).

Experience in project-based learning, real-world education, or advisory models (Big Picture Learning experience is a plus).

Strong ability to build relationships and mentor students in an entrepreneurial, innovative setting.

Creativity and flexibility in designing non-traditional learning experiences.

Commitment to ensuring all students are valued and supported.

Willingness to collaborate, take initiative, and problem-solve in a startup school environment.

Strong communication skills and the ability to engage families and community partners in the learning process.

Proficiency in using technology for personalized instruction and student engagement.

Nice to Haves

Sense of humility, urgency, and customer service mindset.

Strong ability to proactively solve problems and make decisions quickly.

Ability to lead, influence, and hold others accountable to high standards of operational excellence.

Unwavering commitment to I Dream Big Charter's mission and willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of IDB students, families, and staff.

Why Join I Dream Big Academy Charter School?

Be part of a groundbreaking school that puts students at the center of their learning.

Work in a collaborative, innovative, and supportive environment.

Engage in professional growth opportunities focused on educational innovation and leadership.

Help shape the future of education by developing authentic, meaningful learning experiences for students.