Job Title: Comet Academy Teacher- Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, & High School Education

Department: Instructional

Reports To: Principal

Compensation Range: $69,000 + $16-21,000 Bonus

TRS Classification: Classified

Summary:

The Comet Academy model is a new and exciting pilot program for Epic Charter Schools. The Comet Academy Teacher will administer instruction to a roster of around 32 Early Childhood PK-2nd graders, Early Elementary 3rd-5th, Middle School 6th-8th graders, or High School 9th & 10th graders located in their geographical region. Epic is a unique learning environment that provides a non-traditional educational setting utilizing Internet-based, individualized, self-paced instruction in nearly any Oklahoma location. Epic Comet Academy Teachers are remotely based and travel to designated educational sites to meet with students in classroom environments on a weekly basis.  Each elementary or middle school student is assigned one teacher who will be certified in their grade level. Each of our 9th & 10th graders will have a homeroom teacher and then a pod of high school subject-level certified teachers.  Comet Academy is an inclusive program. Regular education teachers will work collaboratively with a special education teacher.  

Successful candidates should also have the following experiences and characteristics:

• Have an eagerness to learn and a growth mindset;
• Hold exceptionally high standards for the quality of work and a reflex to improve at every turn; 
• Have well-developed emotional intelligence and moral character; 
• Possess an ability to build strong relationships, thoughtfully navigate challenging situations, and get excellent results from others; and
• Have problem-solving and clear communication skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Work with assigned students within their certification area to provide instruction in a learning environment.
• Meet face-to-face with students weekly.
• Provide learning experiences and teach students in pre-reading, reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, and other electives.
• Use technology as an everyday teaching, learning, and communicating tool.
• Directs the distribution of curriculum to students
• Teach students and their families how to use online curriculum and supplemental curriculum
• Provide consultation and/or technical assistance to students and families
• Adapt instruction and curriculum to the needs of the student
• Serves as a liaison between the school and family
• Assists families with the interpretation of Epic Charter School’s policies and procedures
• Communicate with each student through Zoom, instant message, email, and/or phone as needed.
• Work to coordinate, schedule, assess, and implement appropriate instruction for each student.
• Conducts assessments of student needs, including those with English as a second language
• Counsels students to promote self-awareness, self-identity, and positive social and academic skills.
• Promote parental involvement and parental responsibility in the learning process.
• Identify opportunities for additional tutoring for assigned students
• Communicate with parents professionally through conferences and other means to discuss the student’s progress and interpret the school program.
• Perform administrative tasks for day-to-day management including: tracking student grades, managing schedules and meetings, and conferring with the school, while scheduling and monitoring student course progress.
• Translate lesson plans into learning experiences to best utilize the available time for instruction.
• Review coursework for every student.
• Design, deliver, evaluate, and revise a planned sequential developmentally appropriate program in accordance with district standards and indicators.
• Select and requisition books, instructional aids, and instructional supplies for the student and assist with collecting school property when the relationship between the school and the student ends.
• Maintain grades on the required database for school record
• Systematically develop, deliver, and evaluate student planning 2nd through 5th grade addressing academic goal setting and transition plans
• Develop and follow Individual Learning Plans to assist in developing measurable goals for continuous improvement of assigned students
• Stay current with relevant research and teaching/learning trends as required to improve academic achievement
• Understand school resources
• Maintain updated curriculum training
• Analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum and teaching methods
• Develop guides and other support materials necessary for relevant programs while locating additional learning resources
• Work closely with other teachers in the development of lesson plans that encompass the use of technology
• Monitor the progress of small groups using the DIBELS Assessment
• Formulate new strategies to ensure that teaching to Epic Charter School standards is evident throughout the academic school year
• Report suspected child abuse/neglect
  

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Education and/or Experience              

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or a related field is required. 

Qualifications 

• Ability to collect and analyze data from a variety of sources
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and demonstrates leadership abilities
• Ability to build effective relationships, work collaboratively, and gain credibility quickly to instill confidence of teaching ability
• Strong decision-making, organizational, planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Use effective positive interpersonal communication skills
• Resolve issues and conflicts
• Strong technology skills in up-to-date computer software, including Zoom, word processing, and spreadsheets
• Current new instructional technologies
• Ability to coach, mentor, and teach students grades PK-2nd, 3rd - 5th, 6th-8th, or 9th & 10th subject specifics.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others
• Demonstrates self-discipline and initiative
• Passionate commitment to the mission of school choice
• Ability to maintain professional confidentiality and comply with FERPA guidelines

Language Skills                   

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or business community members.  Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and coworkers verbally and in writing.  Ability to effectively present information to students, families, and supervisors. Elementary school teachers should be able to teach research-based reading and writing concepts. 

Mathematical Skills                   

Basic math skills are required for elementary positions.

Middle school-level math skills are required for the middle school position. 

High school math certification is required for high school mathematics teacher applicants. 

Reasoning Ability                   

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 

Computer Skills                   

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Google applications, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. They must also be highly apt to learn new software as necessary for the school's business operations.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

• Current driver's license and valid car insurance
• Valid Oklahoma Teaching Certificate - Grade level certification required
• Google Certification Preferred
• Appropriate grade and subject level certifications for specific positions.

Other Qualifications                  

• Must be able to pass a state-mandated background check after a conditional offer of employment is made
• Must have favorable employment references

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities this job requires include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Epic Teachers are remotely based and travel to class sites or other designated locations to work with each student and meet with parents regularly throughout the year. This requires spending significant time in the car, driving in various conditions and at various times of the day. The noise level is quiet to moderately loud (when students are present.)