Overview

　　We’re excited about middle school ELA teachers who are fired up about their lessons—who want to spend their time discussing, preparing, and immersing themselves in the rich content they teach. We value teachers who truly listen to what students are saying—who create a space for students to think their way through to answers, and who praise their insights and curiosities along the way. We value educators with a hunger for feedback and professional growth, and a dedication to excellence.

　　Our teachers embrace a rigorous liberal arts program and a positive approach to discipline, believe in the power of family and community partnerships, and commit to helping students succeed in college and beyond.

　　Why extraordinary teachers teach at Ascend

　　Ascend is a network of K-12 public charter schools serving 6,000 students in 15 schools across Brooklyn—New York’s most populous borough. Our undertaking is to lead our students on a great intellectual adventure, provide them with an exceptional college preparatory education, and place them firmly on the path to success in college and beyond.

　　We guide our students to think critically and independently, and to enjoy education as an end in itself. We teach a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that nurtures students’ natural curiosity about the world. We foster a positive, non-punitive school culture where students feel connected, empowered, and safe to take academic risks. And we design our school buildings to reflect the incredible accomplishments that happen within their walls and our high aspirations for teaching and learning.

　　To create this kind of vibrant learning community, we invest heavily in our faculty by providing ongoing professional training and support, and encourage our educators to collaborate closely and push each other to achieve great outcomes.

　　Visit our website to learn more about the Ascend approach.

　　Responsibilities

　　The middle school ELA teacher will develop and teach engaging lessons that follow the rigorous, Common Core aligned Ascend curriculum. Additionally, the ELA teacher will:

　　Use formal and informal assessment data to drive instruction and ensure student mastery of standardsBuild a warm and inclusive classroom environment, implementing the practices of Responsive ClassroomEstablish and maintain strong relationships with students and familiesActively participate in grade-level meetings, collaborative planning, and professional development, including an annual summer instituteAccept ultimate responsibility for the academic progress of his or her students, and work actively to overcome setbacks

　　Staff and reporting relationships

　　The middle school ELA teacher reports to the assistant principal.

　　Qualifications

　　Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree and certification preferredThe ability to create a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, engaged, and academically challengedTeaching experience in an urban school setting and in the subject to be taught preferredPassion for teaching students in underserved areas and commitment to closing the achievement gapRelentless drive to set and achieve ambitious goalsStrong collaboration and teamwork skillsGrowth mindset and ability to use feedback to improve practiceExperience teaching in underserved areas preferred

　　Diversity at Ascend

　　Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.

　　Compensation

　　Initial salary offers for this position range from $60,000-$90,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.