Durham Charter School is seeking an outstanding individual to be part of the State of North Carolina’s first charter school to open its doors to students in 1997. Located in a historic building in the West End neighborhood of downtown Durham, Durham Charter School is an independent charter school, founded 20 years ago by members of the Durham community. Durham Charter School serves approximately 600 students from across Durham and surrounding counties in grades K-9, the vast majority of who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch.

We believe students must be balanced and healthy to succeed in high school, college, and life. We focus on rigorous academics, physical fitness, and social-emotional learning to prepare our scholars for high school, and by doing so, provide them with the diverse experiences necessary for achievement in the 21st century.

Our Mission and Vision

Our mission is to prepare K-8 students to succeed in high school through rigorous academics, physical fitness, and social-emotional learning.

Our vision is that Durham Charter School will be an A-rated K-8 charter school of approximately 600 students. Our graduating scholars will leave prepared for success in selective private high schools or to participate in Honors and AP track courses in traditional public and charter high schools. Durham Charter will be recognized as a model across the state of how to effectively integrate rigorous academics with physical fitness and social-emotional learning.

A Unique Opportunity

Our school is led by a dynamic and proven leadership team. We look for driven teacher-leaders who seek to transform the school while preserving its history and connection to the Durham community. We believe that race, income, or zip code does not determine destiny, and we are seeking teachers who want to be part of this unique opportunity to serve those students who most need an outstanding educator and want to play a critical role in a multi-year school turnaround.

Why You Should Be Part of Our Team

We believe great teaching closes the achievement gap, and your leadership and development will be essential to making it happen for our scholars. You will be extensively trained, supported, and part of a committed team determined to achieve results for our students while working in partnership with their families and the surrounding Durham community. You will play an integral role in a small school and your class size will not exceed 18 students if you teach K-3 and no larger than 22 students in grades 4-8. You will receive weekly coaching and PD driven by proven teacher leaders. You will be backed by a supportive administration that holds a high standard while responding to the needs of teachers. You will be provided high-quality curriculum and training on that curriculum that ensures your ability to execute effectively. You will also have the opportunity to work in Downtown Durham, a community that has undergone an exceptional revitalization and is now home to the best restaurants, arts, and entertainment in the state - making it a most desirable place to live and work for people transitioning to North Carolina. Most important, you will build relationships and have a lasting impact on children who deserve an excellent education. You will do all of this while part of a true team, not an isolated individual on an island in a classroom.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate has the right mindset and skill to succeed in an environment of high expectations while also being a true team player. Most important, we look for individuals that exemplify our core values (listed below) because we believe that your mindset and attitude will ultimately determine your success. The ideal candidate has teaching experience, preferably in an urban or rural setting. Teaching as part of a successful charter network such as Uncommon Schools, Achievement First, Success, or a school that utilizes the Teach Like a Champion framework, is highly desirable but not a requirement. Alumni of Teach For America are strongly encouraged to apply. Certification is preferable but not required.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be highly qualified and state certified in the subject area. The candidate must be knowledgeable about current North Carolina state standards, classroom management practices and methods. The candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. The candidate should be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

The teacher will:

• Plan, prepare, pace, and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that create an active learning environment and ensure each student meets individual learning goals that adhere to North Carolina state standards;
• In the event of an anticipated work absence, prepare lessons plans for substitute teachers;
• Provide data-driven instruction and collaborate with fellow teachers to enable student success;
• Adapt teaching strategies based on data-driven information;
• Integrate online and computer technology into the curriculum when such integration will promote student learning;
• Monitor as well as report individual student progress in a timely manner and participate in individual learning plans;
• Maintain ongoing communications with parents and guardians of all students;
• Prepare, schedule, and conduct conferences with students, parents, and colleagues to provide information on student progress as well as student needs;
• Provide all progress reports and post within secured online tool in a timely manner;
• Maintain the classroom in a manner that promotes positive student behavior and a consistent learning environment for all students;
• Maintain discipline in accordance with the rules and disciplinary systems of Durham Charter;
• Protect the safety of students and student confidential information as required by Durham Charter;
• Participate actively in professional and curriculum development;
• Participate in appropriate professional development activities;
• Participate across grade levels to coordinate curricular and extracurricular activities, attend school functions such as athletic and class events, field trips, Parent-Teachers Organization meetings, fundraisers, awards ceremonies, and commencement exercises;
• Represent and promote Durham Charter in the community; and
• Perform additional duties that may be assigned, including those which do not directly relate to the subject area or licensure field, however, may benefit Durham Charter.

Our Values

Positive Attitude

We make the weather - our attitude is that each day determines our environment, so we choose daily to be positive. We recognize that complaining and negative thinking saps our collective strength, so we remain optimistic and energetic in the face of challenges. We love to laugh and value good humor.

Respect

We believe that a healthy organization is built on people treating each other with kindness and civility, regardless of the circumstances. We model this with each other as well as with scholars and their families. We do not gossip nor tolerate those that do.

Integrity

We put the School and the scholars before our own personal preferences, recognizing that consistency and follow-through determine success. We do what we say we will do. We make decisions based on what is the right thing to do rather than what is the easy thing to do.

Determination

We set ambitious goals and work hard to achieve them regardless of the obstacles. We are humble and hungry to grow. We actively seek out feedback that will help us get better faster. We celebrate the small wins along the way to achieving our goals.

Empathy

We believe that creating a successful school requires partnership and connection with our families. We hold our scholars to the highest standards while also building rich relationships with their families during their time at the Academy. Additionally, we continually seek to balance the ambitious goals of the Academy with meeting the needs of our personal lives and families.

Application Process

The application process is simple and requires you to upload a current resume and respond to three short questions. You apply via this link:

The selection process is conducted on a rolling basis and strong applicants will be contacted to schedule a phone screening. There is no need to follow-up if you haven’t heard anything. Successful candidates will be invited to campus for a demo lesson and on-campus interview.

Benefits

Salary is competitive and based on experience and health benefits are provided for employees. We participate in an excellent state retirement system. We also offer signing bonuses to top candidates.

Work Remotely

• No