Specialist Teacher (2026-27 School Year)

Start Date: 2026-27 School Year

Location: Columbia Heights Campus

Reports to: Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt

Updated: December 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

Specialist Teachers are committed members of a team that is closing the opportunity gap for not only the students in their classroom but also the school. A Prodeo Academy Specialist Teacher is intensely focused on each student's growth. To do this, the Specialist Teacher provides a loving, structured classroom rooted in high expectations for behavior and learning. The Specialist Teacher will report to the Principal and will work in partnership with all members of the school team and the Team Leader. This opportunity is ideal for someone who is energized by challenging work, hungry for feedback, and able to work collaboratively across lines of difference with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness.

ABOUT PRODEO 

Prodeo Academy, a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities, is a meaningful education solution that is closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture based on a foundation of five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement. Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for our scholars to reach their full potential. We are looking for team members committed to helping our students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute to the vitality of our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties represent the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Instruction

• Provides targeted instruction to students.
• Collect, analyze, and use data to provide differentiated instruction to scholars in small groups and individually.
• Create a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for scholars while maintaining high expectations and rigor. 
• Regularly adopt and internalize the curricula and the most effective instructional practices. 

Classroom Management

• Radiates warmth; is a positive presence when standing in front of students.
• Creates a safe, predictable environment for students; has high expectations for students.
• Values school-wide consistency and implementation of the most effective practices, follows school's Common Picture routines, procedures, and expectations.
• Ensure safety and supervision of students at all times.

Data Analysis

• Sets and achieves ambitious goals with students.
• Manages and shares data regularly.
• Participates in regular grade-level and data meetings by sharing, analyzing, and reflecting on goals for scholars, self, and school. 
• Identifies and analyzes strengths and growth areas in classroom/ grade level/ schoolwide data. 

Professional Development

• Attend all professional development offered by Prodeo Academy, including a 3-week training in August.
• Participate in Prodeo Academy's coaching model and feedback cycle. 
• Demonstrate receptiveness to feedback; implement feedback. 
• Demonstrate growth, progress, and achievement of professional goals. 

• Attend, participate, and present during weekly grade-level and data meetings.
• Approaches teamwork with humility and offers help even when it hasn't been asked for
• Share resources, plans, and ideas openly with teammates. 

Communication

• Check and respond to team and family communication within 24-48 business hours.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance, which is an essential function of the role.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the school and organization.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Prodeo Academy reserves the right to modify duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education required: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree preferred. 
• Certification/Licensure Required: Appropriate MN teaching license in (or ability to obtain).
• Record of exemplary results with students.
• Knowledge and application of assessment tools and data management.
• Experience working in a K–8 urban public or charter school setting preferred.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Commitment to Prodeo Academy's mission and values.
• Outstanding attention to detail and willingness to get the job done.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and implementation skills.
• Able to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships and communicate and interact effectively with multiple stakeholders, including scholars and families.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and support diverse learners.
• Data-driven mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Professionalism, reliability, and strong ethical judgment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and move around the classroom for extended periods.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs (e.g., instructional materials, student supports).
• Ability to support students physically as needed, which may include kneeling, bending, or assisting with mobility.
• Ability to engage in crisis intervention or student safety procedures when necessary.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a school/classroom environment with typical levels of noise and activity.
• Exposure to students with varying emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.
• Occasional exposure to bodily fluids may occur as part of student support.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for certain tasks.
• The role may require travel between classrooms, school buildings, and occasional off-site events.

COMPENSATION 

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience, educational background, and academic outcomes. Prodeo's total rewards program offers benefits that are the best fit for you at every stage of your career including:

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision).
• Retirement planning through Teacher's Retirement Association (TRA)/Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) and optional 403B plans.
• Generous Paid time off, federal holidays, and academic breaks throughout the school year.
• Leadership Development Opportunities including Grade Team Leadership, Instructional Coach, Data Team Leadership, and Extracurricular Coaching.

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Prodeo Academy is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this job, please contact Human Resources. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will not be denied unless they present an undue hardship to the organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Prodeo Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Prodeo Academy is committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.