SY24-25 Coach*
I Dream PCS is seeking Full-Time Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Elementary Assistant Teachers
*Teachers at I Dream PCS are called "coaches". A coach facilitates the learning process, instead of directing and doing the thinking for learners. The role of coaches at I Dream is a critical example of our commitment to transform relationships between learners and themselves, the curriculum, and the community.
I Dream PCS Mission
I Dream PCS co-designs purposeful, self-directed learning with children and families, so they have voice and choice on the path to discovering and pursuing their dreams.
Why Join I Dream PCS?
I Dream PCS is growing! In August 2023, we expect to enroll 107 learners in PK3-5th grades for the 2024-2025 school year. I Dream PCS will remain a PK3-5th grade school as we grow to 240 learners at full capacity in subsequent years.
I Dream PCS is seeking coaches that will work to actively dismantle hierarchical systems of power that prevent young learners from realizing their full potential in the world. You will collaborate with other lifelong learners and social justice warriors to reimagine school design in a way that includes all voices in the decision-making process. You understand the task in front of us will require a monumental amount of work, but you see the vision and know this is difficult work we must do for our children.
Coach Overview
This position involves working directly in a multi-grade classroom of two grades OR across two classrooms. Both scenarios provide opportunities for vertical collaboration with other cohort teaching teams that span two grades. Coaches will have significant opportunities to learn from Lead Coach(es), Special Education Coaches, and the entire I Dream PCS staff. Coaches fully participate in the life of the classroom, gradually assuming more responsibility for planning and teaching as the year progresses.
This job description is meant to provide an overview of this position. There may be additional responsibilities assigned by the Lead Coach(es) or the Principal as the needs of children, families, and the school arise. The Coach will report to the Lead Coach.
Coaches are encouraged to take the Praxis exam and to pursue outside professional development that will lead to teacher certification.
Essential Mindsets
You are all about our mission.
When you read the I Dream PCS mission, your eyes light up and you smile on the inside. Our website speaks to you and you know you want to be a part of making this school a reality for children. You can see it. Our mission and vision align with your beliefs and passion.
You have a growth mindset about yourself and your work.
You are a lifelong learner that is in constant evolution. You know you are good at what you do, but you also know that you always have room to learn. You learn from your mistakes and failures as much as you learn from books and from others. Growing yourself and your expertise comes natural to you. You approach the growth and development of learners and school programs by leveraging strengths and assets rather than focusing on deficits.
You work with others positively and productively.
You can easily work alone, but you recognize how important and fun it is to be a positive and productive member of a team. You have excellent interpersonal communication skills. People want to work with you.
Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning
- Embrace a learner-centered instructional model and support/implement lessons based on this framework.
- Support culturally responsive instruction that values and celebrates the life and culture of each learner.
- Provide accommodations and strategies to support all learners with accessing grade level content.
- Participate in co-planning and co-teaching of individualized instruction with the Lead Coach and Special Education Coach to meet the academic and socio-emotional needs, as well as the dreams and interests of every learner.
- Participate in planning fieldwork and service learning that deepens academic understanding and connects with learners' dreams and interests.
- Be committed to and have urgency in developing learners' academic and emotional skills.
- Develops learner’s academic and social skills with commitment and urgency.
- Sets an example for learners by reporting to work regularly and on time.
- Be comfortable with ongoing feedback from instructional coaches and leadership and implement that feedback based on timelines provided.
- Be committed to and have urgency in developing learners' academic and emotional skills.
- Have a strong work attendance and on time arrival, to provide consistency for learners, and to model the behaviors we want from our learners.
Community Building
- Participate in the co-creation of a classroom management system with Lead Coach and learners to support building a community of self-directed and collaborative young people.
- Develop supportive relationships with learners, their families, staff, and community members.
- Communicate with families as agreed upon by you and your partner coach, including responsibilities for 3 Partner Visits throughout the school year.
- Believe in and support the implementation of Restorative Justice with learners, their families, colleagues, and the community.
Strategic Thinking/Data/Solutions
- Collaborate with learners, their families, and coaching team to continuously measure and celebrate learner progress toward mastery of standards and goals.
- Support the completion of narrative progress reports for learners in your classroom 3 times each year as agreed upon by you and the Lead Coach. This may include and is not limited to data collection and entry as well as written tasks.
- Identify and monitor goals and strategies to support your own professional learning.
Qualifications - At least two of the following are required:
- High school diploma or equivalent certification.
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or relevant field is preferred.
- 2+ years experience working with young children as a teaching assistant or similar role
- Solid understanding of classroom activities and teaching best practices.
- Must have a compassionate and positive attitude, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and basic fluency with technology and digital tools.
All candidates must be committed to meeting the needs of all learners and have experience working in urban communities.
Compensation and Benefits
I Dream PCS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package to promote self-care and overall wellness, including employer-covered health insurance for employee and 50% coverage for dependents, dental and vision insurance, free life insurance up to $100,000, 403b retirement including employer match, and included short term disability insurance.
I Dream PCS is excited to build a diverse team, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy/parenthood, veteran status, or disability. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodations, please let us know.