Saturday Academy Lead Teacher

Horizons Greater Washington

Saturday Academy Lead Teacher

About Horizons Greater Washington

Horizons Greater Washington (HGW) provides year-round academic enrichment and summer learning opportunities for more than 400 students in grades 1–9. Through long-term partnerships with students, families, schools, and communities, we inspire the joy of learning while supporting academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and confidence.

Position Summary

Horizons Greater Washington (HGW) is seeking dedicated teachers and youth development professionals with classroom experience and a passion for cultivating students' lifelong love of learning. The Saturday Academy Lead Teacher creates an engaging, project-based learning environment for students in Grades 1–8, fostering academic growth, creativity, collaboration, and confidence through hands-on, student-centered instruction.

Lead Teachers are supported by the Site Director and play a critical role in building strong relationships with students and families while implementing Horizons' Positive Youth Development approach. Successful candidates are flexible, creative, highly organized, and committed to educational equity and continuous growth.

2026-2027 Program Dates

24 Saturdays: September 19, 2026 – April 10, 2027

2026: Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 12,

2027: Jan 9, Jan 16, Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 13, Feb 20, Feb 27, Mar 6, Mar 13, April 3, April 10

Schedule

Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (or until student dismissal).

Program Location

Bancroft Elementary School, 1755 Newton St. NW, Washington, DC 20010

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Student Engagement

• Deliver engaging, project-based learning experiences aligned with the Horizons Saturday Academy curriculum and session theme.
• As needed, develop lesson for 1st-2nd, 3rd-5th, or 6th-8th grade students
• Facilitate hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that promote critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, developmental, and social-emotional needs of learners
• Foster a classroom culture that is safe, inclusive, engaging, and conducive to learning.
• Build positive relationships with students while modeling respect, responsibility, and perseverance.
• Support students' social-emotional development using Positive Youth Development practices and restorative behavior management strategies.

Classroom & Program Management:

• Establish and maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning. HGW’s programs adhere to the Pyramid of Program Quality designed by the David Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality. All HGW staff strive to support the domains of Engagement, Interaction, Supportive Environment, and Safe Environment to support the needs of youth.?
• Ensure student safety and well-being during all program activities, including transitions, recess, lunch, field trips, and bus transportation as assigned.
• Implement classroom routines and behavior expectations that create a positive learning environment.
• Address behavioral concerns proactively and communicate significant issues to program leadership.
• Meet regularly with the Site Director to proactively accomplish goals and problem-solve as issues arise.?
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and staff to support student success and ensure seamless program operations.
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, safety procedures, and applicable state regulations.
• Maintain reliable attendance and actively contribute to a positive team culture.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Position-relevant teaching credentials are strongly preferred, but equivalent content expertise or teaching experience will be considered in lieu of certification
• Knowledge of best practices for classroom management as well as socio-emotional learning and the ability to implement specific strategies for developing children’s non-cognitive skills such as focus, determination, empathy and self-discipline
• Ability to relate well to diverse children and families as well as plan and deliver engaging, challenging lessons for school-aged children
• Excellent communicative, organizational, and time management skills
• Leadership experience and demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Willingness to make changes in instruction based on feedback and observation

Preferred

• Experience teaching elementary and/or middle school-aged students in a classroom setting is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of effective teaching strategies for second language learners
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Pay Rate and Hours

$32.19 per hour.

Background Check Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required DC background screenings, including:

• FBI Fingerprinting
• DC Child Protection Registry
• Metropolitan Police Criminal Background Check
• National Sex Offender Registry

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Brief cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Environmental and Physical Conditions

This position requires standing, walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, supervising children indoors and outdoors, and responding appropriately during emergencies.

Horizons Greater Washington is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, matriculation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, homeless status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.