Position Announcement: Math Teacher

POSITION START DATE - JANUARY 2009

POSITION SUMMARY

Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) is a small alternative high school and job training program dedicated to serving young adults, ages 17-24, who want to transform their lives. PYB's focus is on assisting our students to complete high school with a GED or Diploma, obtain job readiness skills, become critical thinkers and community leaders, develop a viable career pathway, and take the first steps to achieving their goals beyond this program. Further, PYB aims to support students through the completion of their post-secondary education and training goals.

PYB seeks a teacher of mathematics who is knowledgeable in his/her field and passionate about changing the lives of young people through high expectations, relationship, and the development of curriculum relevant to students' lives. While teachers at PYB have specialized knowledge in a subject, most teach multiple subjects with a focus on writing as a process and literacy across the curriculum. This position is an opportunity for a creative math teacher who wants to be a member of a community of learners and educators and who strives to engage students in the study of mathematical concepts through project-based, integrated, and experiential learning. At PYB, staff and students are committed to preparing ALL students to be successful in college, postsecondary training, and the work place.

As a member of the Instructors' Team, each teacher assesses students, develops curriculum collaboratively and individually, and provides whole class, small group, and personalized instruction to support all students in reaching their academic and career goals. PYB typically serves 60 students in the program at a time which results in class sizes of 7-20 students.

Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.

Reports To: Education Manager Starting Salary: $20,000-$22,500 half-time salary Employment Status: Regular, Exempt Benefits: Six weeks paid vacation during school closures (4 weeks, typically in July and 2 weeks in December) at regular half-time salary, prorated based on length of service; Most state recognized holidays paid, plus 4 hours personal time per month. $250 per month contribution to cafeteria plan for health care benefits, retirement savings, and/or flexible spending account; Dynamic environment with great team of students and staff

SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

> Teach: Intermediate Algebra/Math 95; Integrated Math

> Instructional Planning and Implementation: Take the lead in shaping PYB's math program which currently includes an integrated math class and a dual credit intermediate algebra/math 95 course. This would initially include co-planning the integrated math course. In addition, this would include aligning curriculum to algebra and other math standards required by the State and for students to have success in college level math courses. Plan curriculum and employ strategies independently and collaboratively that address the wide range of learning styles and strengths of the student body. Curriculum should focus on developing students' capacity to be successful in college level math courses when they complete PYB. In addition, strategies should address topics covered in GED and college placement tests as well as integration with school-wide social justice themes. Demonstrate cultural proficiency through use of culturally relevant instructional practices. Have experience and knowledge of developing curricular units that successfully integrate content and skill development in the areas of mathematical literacy and thought, discrete math concepts in algebra, geometry, statistics, and critical thinking. Incorporate service-learning related to quarterly themes.

> Monitoring and Assessment of Progress: Use a variety of tools to assess student progress and mastery of content and skills. Use the variety of assessments as data to inform instructional practices. Complete monthly narrative evaluations for students to assist them in monitoring their own progress.

> Reflection and Collaboration: Engage in reflection of teaching practice independently and collaboratively with the Instructors' Team. Seek out professional development opportunities that support instructional practice and personal growth as a PYB teacher.

> Organization and Coordination: Provide coordination and support for tracking student credit attainment towards High School Diploma, student GED testing and college placement. Enter data in PYB database as required. Assess student readiness to take official GED tests and college placement tests.

> Student Support: Participate on a small collaborative case-management team in order to support student progress from entrance in the program through transition into their placement.

QUALIFYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

> Master's degree in mathematics or education or related field and/or Oregon Teaching License preferred (it may be acceptable if Master's and/or teaching license are in-progress)

> Minimum two years teaching experience preferred

> Demonstrated experience and competency teaching a diverse student body

> Demonstrated competence in curriculum development with experience in teaching to diverse learning styles, scaffolding lessons, differentiating instruction, using experiential education and/or project-based-learning models, and integrating curriculum across disciplines

> Strong commitment to the organization's mission

> The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds

> Familiarity with the impact of class and cultural issues on teaching and learning

> Excellent organizational skills, multi-tasking abilities and the ability to improvise and work through uncertainties

> Capacity to collaborate with colleagues in order to improve students' academic performance

> Experience integrating technology into classroom instruction

> Valid Oregon Driver's License

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Deadline and closing date: November 25, 2008

To apply: Send resume and cover letter to Danica Fierman, Education Manager at [email protected].

For more information, visit our Website at http://www.pybpdx.org/jobopenings.htm

Portland YouthBuilders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief.

PYB employees undergo a drug test and a criminal background check.