Middle School Teacher (Math & Social Studies)

Choice Schools Associates; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

New Branches Charter Academy (NBCA), part of the Choice Schools Associates family, seeks a Middle School Teacher (Math & Social Studies) in Grand Rapids, MI. The role emphasizes experiential, outdoor‑thematic learning and a commitment to helping every student succeed in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities include delivering engaging lessons, planning with learning goals, and using technology to track progress.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels.
• Or Bachelor’s degree with MTTC pathway endorsements for the relevant subjects.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum and ability to use technology for instruction and communication.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and empower students to reach their full potential.
• Plan and deliver instruction aligned to curriculum goals and learning plans.
• Create an orderly, engaging classroom with effective management and high expectations.
• Utilize varied materials and adapt methods to diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Collaborate with guardians and staff to support student success.
• Integrate technology for instruction, assessment, and communication.

Skills

Hands-on learning

Interpersonal skills

Creative teaching

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Michigan teaching certificate

Endorsements in appropriate grade/subjects

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Middle School Teacher (Math & Social Studies)

Choice Schools Associates Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

About this position

About Our Academy

At New Branches Charter Academy (NBCA), our mission is to provide a positive academic and social learning environment for all students. NCBA is a destination school, located on a 12 acre campus that is known for providing environmentally focused learning experiences and self-sustaining practices through dedication to academic excellence. NBCA knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands‑on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

The primary goal of a teacher is to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential. Teachers strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued, motivated, and challenged. They aim to foster a love for learning, encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and provide the necessary guidance and resources for students to succeed. Through effective instruction, personalized support, and meaningful engagement, teachers aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in their educational journey.

What you'll do

• Takes responsibility for students' academic achievement.
• Guides the learning process to achieve curriculum goals and individual learning plans.
• Demonstrates effective planning and organization for instruction.
• Selects suitable materials and adapts methods to cater to students' learning styles and abilities.
• Shows creativity and adaptability to maintain order and foster continued learning.
• Motivates students to reach their full potential, setting high expectations and acknowledging diverse abilities.
• Utilizes resources effectively to support learning in the classroom, academy, and community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, including effective questioning, clear communication, and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and engagement.

Classroom Management:

• Collaborates with guardians and instills their confidence.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students, creating a climate of high expectations and personal responsibility.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through being a positive role model.
• Establishes a classroom atmosphere based on firm, fair, and consistent practices, promoting responsible behavior.
• Shares responsibility for maintaining the academy's reputation in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of instructional policies and regulations.
• Utilizes technology effectively for instruction, record-keeping, and communication.
• Takes responsibility for personal growth and professional development, contributing to a cooperative learning community.
• Upholds professional and ethical principles.
• Strives to improve classroom methods, teaching techniques, and interpersonal relationships.
• Reflects personal qualities that positively represent the individual, group, and academy.
• Demonstrates pride in being a teacher and a member of the academy.
• Assumes other assigned responsibilities from the school leader.

Facilities:

• Ensures the learning environment is orderly and instructional facilities and equipment are used appropriately and safely.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly classroom, involving students in its upkeep.

Qualifications

• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels, meeting the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education and federal guidelines. Except as otherwise provided by law, the academy shall use certificated teachers according to the state board rule.
• Or, minimum of a Bachelor's degree and an alternative pathway, which includes passing the MTTC test(s) for endorsements in appropriate grade and subject levels.
• Proven knowledge and expertise in the curriculum and or specific subject area that will be taught.
• Ability to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom, as a means of analyzing academic achievement data, and as a tool to aid effective communications.

Desired Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written expression using standard grammar and vocabulary.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Recent teaching experience, coursework, or other activity in the area of primary instruction
• Demonstrated knowledge of current instructional strategies appropriate for students at the specified grade level
• Desire and ability to work with students at the specified age level with diverse backgrounds and levels of ability toward accomplishing their educational goals.

About Choice Schools Associates

New Branches Charter Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, New Branches is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight‑knit community school in your area.