Apprentice Teacher

Meridian Public Charter School; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Public Charter School seeks an Apprentice Teacher for SY26-27 to work with a special education classroom in a self-contained elementary setting. The role includes instructional support, student supervision, and collaboration with teachers to meet diverse learning needs.

Ideal candidates will have experience supporting or delivering instruction in small groups, adapt to individual needs, and comply with NCLB requirements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability and passion to work with students and families from diverse backgrounds and special needs.
• Apprentice Teachers must comply with NCLB, which requires being highly qualified; options include Associate's degree or two years of college, or passing the ParaPro assessment.
• Experience supporting or delivering instruction in small-group settings and ability to adapt instruction to individual needs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in planning and implementing daily lesson plans for students individually, in small groups, and in whole class.
• Assist in implementing instructional programs and lesson plans under supervision to improve student success.
• Plan lessons and instruction in whole group, small group, or one-on-one settings under supervision.
• Maintain classroom records and assist with assessments and progress tracking.

Skills

Diversity & inclusion

Special needs support

Student supervision

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree (or two years college)

ETS ParaPro assessment passing

Experience with students with special needs

Job description

about Meridian Pcs

Founded in 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers, Meridian Public Charter School is one of Washington, DC’s oldest continuously operating public charter schools. Serving students in grades K–8, Meridian has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to educating the whole child through its academic approach - Language, Literacy, and the Arts. Meridian operates across two campuses (Elementary and Middle), housed in historic buildings that reflect the school’s deep roots in the city. With our elementary campus located in the historic U Street Corridor of downtown Washington, DC, and our Middle School Campus located between the Petworth and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, Meridians Campuses are both located in vibrant neighborhoods known for their rich cultural history, diverse dining options, and bustling small business community.

What New Staff Can Expect

Meridian is deeply committed to attracting and retaining talented educators and professionals who believe in equity, growth, and impact. New staff join a collaborative, mission-driven environment where expectations are clear, support is intentional, and leadership is encouraged at every level.

• Competitive pay and benefits within the DC public charter landscape
• Ongoing professional development and instructional coaching
• A culture rooted in curiosity, resilience, and leadership
• Thoughtful onboarding and systems designed to support effectiveness and growth

A SCHOOL THAT STANDS OUT

What truly distinguishes Meridian among DC public charter schools is its ability to blend academic rigor, artistic expression, community connection, and educator investment within a historic and dynamic urban setting. Meridian is a place where students are known, staff are supported, families are valued, and learning is driven by purpose. Together, Meridian’s students, families, and staff form a vibrant learning community; committed to excellence, grounded in equity, and united by a shared belief in what’s possible when Arts, Language, and Literacy lead the way. Join us as we continue to take Meridian from good to great! For additional information about Meridian visit mpcs-dc.org.

About The Position

We are seeking an Apprentice Teacher for SY26-27. The Apprentice Teacher works alongside a special education classroom teacher to instruct elementary school students in a self-contained classroom. The Apprentice Teacher provides support services in the classroom, resource centers and other related school areas and performs a wide variety of duties including student supervision, direct support, and instructional support in a specialized setting of under 10 students. Candidates should have experience supporting or delivering instruction in small-group settings, with the ability to adapt instruction to meet students’ individual academic, behavioral, and developmental needs. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Collaborate in the planning and implementation of daily lesson plans by performing tasks that reinforce learning of assigned students individually, in small groups and/or the whole class.
• Implement, under the supervision of a classroom teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students' academic success through a defined course of study.
• Plan lessons and implement instruction to students in whole group, small group, or one-on-one setting under the supervision of the classroom teacher.
• Assist the teacher in regularly observing students and taking anecdotal notes to inform planning, arrangements of small groups, the set-up of the classroom and interest areas, and assessments.
• Administer tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
• Communicate with teachers as may be required for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives; 504 plans, or any other student plans/trackers.
• Maintain classroom equipment, work area, and manual and electronic files and records for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items; providing written reference; providing a safe learning environment; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Support classroom teachers and other school personnel for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of curriculum and teaching methodologies.
• Provide assistance to physical and occupational therapy, speech and language, vision and hearing support programs. Assist students with gross and fine motor activities including feeding and toileting.
• Assist with lunchroom duties, including carrying trays, organizing meal trays for students, and cleaning up meals.
• Respond to inquiries from other teachers, parents, administrators, students, etc. for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Provide a safe and positive learning environment by actively monitoring students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, playground, school grounds, hallways, restrooms, field trips, etc.).
• Help maintain accurate classroom, grade level and student records.
• Assist classroom teachers with organizing, setting up, arranging the classroom physical space and environment.
• Provide administrative support to the classroom teacher.
• Attend student, grade level, content level, and school meetings as assigned by administration or designee.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the administration.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have the following education and experience:

• Demonstrated ability and passion to work with students and families from diverse backgrounds and special needs.
• Apprentice Teachers must comply with the Federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 ("NCLB") which requires that all apprentice teachers or paraprofessionals working in Title I schools must be "highly qualified." In order to be "highly qualified" under Section 1119 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, instructional paraprofessionals must have a high school diploma or General Educational Development ("GED"), and must meet one of the following requirements:
• Possess an associate's degree from an accredited college/university, or
• Complete two years of full-time study (minimum 60 credit hours) at an accredited college/university
• Successfully complete the ETS ParaPro Assessment with a passing score of at least 461
• At least one year of experience working with students with special needs and/or middle school classroom support.
• Possess a commitment to educating students for academic achievement and empowering students to make healthy lifestyle choices
• Believe in the capacity of every student for high academic achievement and a commitment to creating a highly-structured, effective, and fun learning environment
• Small group instruction experience

Salary And Benefits

A recent TNTP Insight Survey of our teachers placed our staff’s satisfaction with compensation in the top quartile of all charter schools in DC. We also lead the charter sector in compensation transparency, and publish our salary scales for teachers here.

Meridian teachers and staff are compensated competitively for their time and have opportunities to earn additional income through leadership opportunities at the school level, offering extracurricular clubs and sports for students, and facilitating tutoring programs. Salary is based on Meridian's teacher salary scale and is determined by years of experience and level of education.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Meridian Public Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School’s EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Meridian PCS prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability. Under this policy, equal employment opportunity is required in recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as required by applicable law.