Job Description
The Bridge Middle School Program
Middle School Teacher
Job Description
Educators for Quality Alternatives (EQA)
EQA is a New Orleans nonprofit with the mission of Providing struggling students with the skills, confidence and experiences to succeed in the education and career paths of their choice.
The organization currently runs three alternative high schools: The NET:Central City, The NET:Gentilly and New Orleans Accelerated High School for students who have dropped out of, been expelled from, or who have otherwise struggled in a traditional school setting.
EQA programs are built on the belief that alternative schools should not punish or “fix” young people; they should be vibrant, flexible, and restorative environments that support students in being their best selves.
The Bridge Middle School Program
Our middle school program, launched in August 2019, serves 7th and 8th grade students referred from middle schools in Orleans Parish or for their expulsion terms. The program is rooted in restorative and therapeutic practices: students will participate in intensive behavioral, social, and academic support and will work to build skills that will help them transition successfully back to their home school.
Position Summary
The Bridge’s innovative model pairs a teacher and a counselor in each classroom to ensure that students’ behavioral and mental health needs are being met along with their academic needs. While our program and classrooms are relatively in small in size, our teachers work hard to individualize instruction and support for each student.
The Bridge’s Classroom Teachers are responsible for:
- Curriculum development and instruction for all content areas
- Differentiating lessons, assessments and supports
- Building and leveraging transformative relationships for student growth
- Assessing and monitoring student progress on an individual and course level
- Constantly developing your craft
Position Requirements:
- 3+ years teaching at risk students with a demonstrated record raising student achievement
- A BA or BS required; Louisiana Teacher Special Education Certification preferred but not required
- Specialized interest and skills in working with students with learning and emotional difficulties
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, relationship building & management skills
- Learning mindset dedicated to effectively and innovatively problem solving and constantly improving
- Passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for being a part of a strong, mission-driven team
- Commitment to EQA’s mission, vision and growth
Details
- Start date: Spring 2023
- Schedule: All full time Bridge positions are year-round with a generous vacation schedule
- Salary: Initial salary is based on years of experience and degrees. Future salary increases are based on performance and responsibilities.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits and generous 403b retirement plan
- Reports to: Principal
Detailed Responsibilities
Curriculum development & teaching
- Develop curriculum aligned with the LA State Standards and LEAP2025 exams
- Develop and execute on Weekly and Daily lesson plans
- Develop and execute on Labs, Projects, and other hands-on learning experiences
Differentiate lessons, assessments and support
- Collaborate and/or co-teach with Classroom counselors, special education teaching assistants, teachers, and leaders to insure all students receive the appropriate, high quality modifications and accommodations
- Develop differentiated assignments and assessments
Build and leverage transformative relationships for student growth
- Participate in all aspects of students’ experience including: intake, RtI, special education, and behavior plans
- Conduct structured bi-weekly meetings with students’ to review their progress and develop plans for success
- Plan and conduct weekly community building activities for each class
- Plan student expeditions and experiences to develop social skills development and expose students to a variety of opportunities
- Actively practice restorative approaches and collaborative problem-solving in order to teach students how to take responsibility for improving their behavior and communication
Assess and monitor student progress on an individual and course level
- Develop rigorous, authentic assessments to accurately gauge student understanding and mastery
- Collect and analyze a variety of data to assess student’s strengths, gaps, and growth areas
- Use this information to appropriately adjust course curriculum and delivery and individualize approaches and supports
Constantly develop your own craft
- Set goals for student performance and professional growth
- Actively reflect on your own work and monitor progress toward goals
- Productively seek, give, and use feedback
- Positively contribute to the school’s collegial community
- Participate in all scheduled professional development activities and seek out additional opportunities
- Involve yourself in the continual development and improvement of the school’s curriculum, culture, and program
About EQA Schools
Mission and Vision
The mission of EQA Schools is to provide struggling students with the skills, confidence, and experiences necessary to succeed in the education and career paths of their choice. EQA programs are built on the belief that alternative schools should not punish or "fix" young people; they should be vibrant, flexible, and restorative environments that support students in being their best selves.
EQA serves students aged 12 – 21 through a year-round curriculum. True to the moniker, the schools are designed to meet students where they are, provide them with academic, career, and life training, and raise their own, their families’, and society’s expectations of their abilities and their future prospects.
Students at our high school campuses earn Louisiana High School Diplomas and complete professional internships which help them start their careers.
Hear what our students say about EQA Schools here.
Belonging
We believe that we learn best when we are in a community where adults and students respect, support and challenge each other.
Independence
We believe that we are each unique individuals with agency and responsibility for our own learning and achievement.
Mastery
We believe we can achieve amazing things when we hold each other accountable for ambitious levels of growth.
Generosity
We believe that when we act generously toward ourselves and others, we build a better world.
Why build a career at EQA Schools?
- Advance justice: be a part of ensuring that there are equitable opportunities for every young person in New Orleans so that, regardless of their challenges, they can leverage their unique brilliance for a great life.
- Realize your vision: have the time and space to give students the attention they deserve and the tailored supports they need to thrive.
- Work with like-minded colleagues: join a talented and aligned staff dedicated to the mission of supporting the city’s brightest and most vulnerable young people in an innovative, individualized, restorative and rigorous environment.
- Develop your skillfulness and build your career: work with leaders who understand this work is complex and provide continual coaching and actively support individual’s interests and careers within the organization.