Elementary Teacher

About Our Academy

Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child's love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

The primary goal of a teacher is to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential. Teachers strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued, motivated, and challenged. They aim to foster a love for learning, encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and provide the necessary guidance and resources for students to succeed. Through effective instruction, personalized support, and meaningful engagement, teachers aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in their educational journey.

What you'll do

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Accepts responsibility for the achievement of students.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and implementation of personal learning plans of students.
• Demonstrates effective planning and organization for instruction.
• Selects appropriate materials for implementation of the curriculum and adapts materials and methods to the learning styles and abilities of students.
• Is creative and adaptive in responding to situations to maintain order and continued learning.
• Motivates students to achieve at their highest level of ability and potential through classroom activities, assignments, relationships, participation and feedback; holds high expectations and demonstrates sensitivity to different abilities and readiness.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning to build independent learners; clarity of communication and clear directions; building an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression; and positive, engaging student and teacher experiences in large and small groups.

Classroom Management:

• Works cooperatively with guardians and generates guardians' confidence.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through one's actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, and responsible citizenship.

Student Enrollment & Retention

• Shares responsibility for the reputation of the academy in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and the conditions of success.
• Uses technology effectively for instruction, record-keeping, communication, and other administrative tasks.
• Accepts responsibility for their personal growth and implementation of professional development; contributes to a cooperative and collaborative learning community in and out of the classroom.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional and ethical principles.
• Continually strives to improve classroom methods, teaching techniques and interpersonal relationships in accordance with academy training and expectations.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the academy.
• Displays pride in being a teacher and a member of the academy.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the school leader.

Facilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly classroom that involves students in its upkeep.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels, meeting the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education and federal guidelines. Except as otherwise provided by law, the academy shall use certificated teachers according to the state board rule.
• Or, minimum of a Bachelor's degree and an alternative pathway, which includes passing the MTTC test(s) for endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels.
• Ability to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom, as a means of analyzing academic achievement data, and as a tool to aid effective communications.

Desired Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written expression using standard grammar and vocabulary.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Recent teaching experience, coursework, or other activity in the area of primary instruction
• Demonstrated knowledge of current instructional strategies appropriate for students at the specified grade level
• Desire and ability to work with students at the specified age level with diverse backgrounds and levels of ability toward accomplishing their educational goals.

About Choice Schools Associates

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, WMAES is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

#IND100