The Middle School Math Teacher is responsible for collaboration with the Middle School math department to design and implement a program that is consistent with the Day School Mission Statement; builds on an ever-growing knowledge of how young people, particularly adolescents, learn best; and reflects those students’ developmental abilities, needs, and interests. The curriculum should be individualized as much as possible to develop and extend the unique strengths of each student while, at the same time, supporting the needs of each student. Using the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum on the Desmos platform, the Middle School Math Teacher will construct math lessons that reflect a thorough knowledge of concepts and skills necessary for students to master in their study of pre-algebra and algebra, specifically in an educational setting for young adolescents.
In order to accomplish learning objectives, the Middle School Math Teacher will:
stay current with research in related fields;
maintain plans articulating objectives and detailing lesson plans for each class;
create content-rich, skill-based lessons for middle school-aged students;
create lessons that are differentiated to meet the needs of all students;
maintain a safe, organized environment that fosters student creativity and risk-taking; and,
work closely with other teachers and Administrators to develop consistency regarding academic expectations.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
monitors and assesses the progress of each student;
provides individualized support and extension to students during study hall periods;
keeps advisors, administrators, and parents informed regularly concerning student growth and development, intellectual and social, with particular attention to any difficulties and outstanding accomplishments a student experiences in class.
COMMUNICATION/REPORTING TO PARENTS
The Middle School Math Teacher introduces St. Patrick’s math programs to parents and establishes and maintains positive communication with parents through formal and informal communication regarding classroom curriculum and student progress, including:
participation in special events such as Back-to-School Night, open houses and curriculum presentations;
regular reporting to parents including during Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences in October and March; trimester reports that consist of a detailed inventory of skills and behaviors supported by narrative comments in the fall and spring that describe each student’s progress; and interim reporting in January and April for selected students;
posting homework and related information connected to Grades 7 and 8 math on our Learning Management System;
prompt return of homework with feedback;
sharing class work with feedback on a regular basis; and,
responding promptly to emails and voicemails.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
serves as an advisor to a group of eight to ten students
is a vital presence in the Middle School program and an active participant in all aspects of the life of that program and of the school as a whole;
becomes familiar with and observes the policies and procedures in the Faculty Handbook;
assumes a role in the larger school community by enforcing school rules, participating in all-school events, maintaining vigilance regarding the physical plant, and notifying the Head or Associate Head of Middle School of safety or other maintenance issues;
completes the required annual health examination and maintains required first aid and bloodborne pathogen training;
attends the grade-level overnight trip(s);
performs other school duties as assigned by the Division Head or Head of School.
COMMITMENT TO ST. PATRICK’S
The Middle School Math Teacher demonstrates a deep commitment to the St. Patrick’s community. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
assuming a role in the larger school community by enforcing schoolwide policies and procedures and actively supporting and implementing the school’s Mission Statement, Statement of Philosophy, and Mission Statement for Equity and Diversity;
working towards schoolwide goals and curriculum decisions;
serving as an advocate for the school in the wider community; and
participating in school events outside regular school hours such as graduation, certain evening parent and professional development opportunities, and other special performances and gatherings.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Day School teachers assume responsibility for their own professional growth consistent with the criteria listed in St. Patrick’s Faculty Handbook. They participate actively in regular faculty meetings (normally Thursdays beginning at 3:45 p.m.) and on committees of the school. They demonstrate a commitment to growth in setting annual goals and in their collaborative involvement in the school’s evaluation process. St. Patrick’s considers professional development an integral and vital part of each teacher’s personal growth and learning and is committed to providing generous resources, opportunities, and guidance in this area.
QUALIFICATIONS
A successful candidate will have at least a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in a relevant content field (such as mathematics or mathematics education); a proficient knowledge of relevant topics in math, including current issues and approaches to pedagogy; a minimum of three to five years of teaching experience (middle school teaching preferred); a strong interest in the particular academic and social-emotional needs of adolescents; and successful completion of the required background check.
ORGANIZATION
St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, located in the Palisades section of northwest Washington, D.C., is a parish day school enrolling approximately 480 students on two campuses. The program begins at the three-year-old Nursery level and continues through Grade 8. St. Patrick’s students, whose families live throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, go on to a variety of fine independent schools upon graduation.
Three academic divisions comprise St. Patrick’s: the Nursery School (3’s, 4’s, and young 5’s), the Lower School (Kindergarten to Grade 5), and the Middle School (Grades 6 to 8). Students attend school on the Whitehaven Campus through Grade 5 and on the MacArthur Campus, about a half-mile away, for Grades 6 to 8.