Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education Hiring for 7th & 8th Grade English Teacher Job at Pittsburgh, PA Full Time

Mission Statement:
FAME’s mission is to educate, empower and embolden African American youth to become student ambassadors of today, leaders of tomorrow and stewards of their communities by providing access to college preparatory education at participating independent schools in the Greater Pittsburgh area through the provision of need based financial assistance.

To accomplish our mission, FAME provides African American students access to college preparatory education at participating independent schools via needs based financial assistance. FAME prepares students for success through attending FAME Academy and partner schools and by providing extensive ongoing programmatic support. Our programs help FAME Scholars develop through academic, extracurricular and holistic life experiences and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. FAME’s ultimate goal is to positively impact both the African American Community and society at large through the contribution of its scholars, leaders and programs.

FAME was established more than 29 years ago to provide need-based financial assistance to African American students, making a high-quality independent school education possible for students with limited financial resources. FAME also provides its scholars with tutoring, internships, academic enrichment courses, leadership and career awareness workshops and an annual college tour or leadership related excursion.

As FAME continues to prepare middle school students to fully realize their educational opportunities through the FAME Academy program, the organization is seeking experienced and enthusiastic teachers to serve as faculty for its 2022 school year program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reading and writing are core skills that students must master to be successful in any career. The FAME Academy English Teacher will be responsible for planning and delivering lessons to the 7th and 8th graders at FAME Academy.
• The teacher will meet with students on Saturday mornings to help them develop the English skills that they need to be successful in high school.
• This individual will be responsible for instructional planning, including, but not limited to, providing written lesson plans and preparation in accordance with the objectives of the instructional program, establishing positive learning expectation standards for all students, and evaluating students’ progress and maintaining current and accurate records of students’ achievements; implementing instructional methods, including, but not limited to, applying contemporary principles of learning theory and teaching methodology, drawing from the range of instructional materials available in the school, and participating in the development and implementation of new teaching techniques.
  
• The educator should demonstrate the ability to be a culturally-responsive educator who knows how to leverage students’ unique skills, interests, and learning styles to create a learning experience that unequivocally includes and empowers each and every student.
• We want students to leave FAME Academy prepared to communicate effectively in writing, and to be able to think critically and discuss a variety of complex texts.

The responsibilities of the Academy English Teacher include but are not limited to:

Develop and implement lesson plans. Collaboration with other teachers is encouraged.

Implement rigorous curriculum content to students.

Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying learning styles, needs and interests.

Ensure students are demonstrating knowledge and skills through projects and activities.

Manage a wide array of student needs and behaviors in the classroom.

Provides a safe environment for students.

Maintain accurate and complete records of student attendance and grades in a timely and confidential manner.

Develop and administer formal and informal student assessments in order to evaluate students’ progress.

Collaborate with parents and staff concerning students’ progress.

This is a contract position for the 2022-23 school year (Twenty-eight weeks from October 1 through May 13) that will require some preparation and orientation time during the month of September. This program will take place in person but will operate with contingencies to utilize remote instruction to preserve community health and safety. The position could also be extended to include work during the summer. No Saturday work is required during the summer or holiday breaks.

Ideal Candidates Demonstrate:

• Knowledge of effective English teaching strategies

• Persistence and the ability to work on a project from the ground up

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• The ability to differentiate instruction to diverse learning styles

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of culturally responsive practices

• Ability to work both independently and within a small team, lead projects and accept leadership

• Outcome driven, action-oriented work style

• Flexibility and the ability to handle ambiguous situations

• Understanding of diversity and the ability to work effectively with a broad cross-section of individuals

• Passion for the work of the organization and commitment to serving youth and supporting equity in education

• Ability to build meaningful relationships with families and students
• Willingness to travel with students for enrichment trips

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Criminal and child abuse clearances

Preferred Candidates will have:

• • • Three years of teaching experience, and preferably at the Middle School level
    • Comfort with Microsoft 365 Suite, student information systems and web based instructional tools

COVID-19 considerations:

Our organization has strictly adhered to best practices in COVID-19 mitigation protocols and will shift as necessary throughout the remaining planning process for this program to ensure student and instructor safety.

Work Location:

The Neighborhood Academy