Teacher, Middle School

Our 100% tuition free K-8th Grade campus in the Cleveland Central Neighborhood emphasizes academic expectations that promote a sense of worth, personal responsibility, civic engagement, and a “no excuse - every child can succeed” attitude. Stepstone Academy has the “whole child” “whole family” “whole community” mindset. We are changing more than just the narrative around urban education. Stepstone Academy is Changing Lives.

Stepstone Academy School is looking to hire a Middle School Teacher. The ideal candidate will be passionate about our students' learning and is driven by changing the way urban students are educated. Teachers at Stepstone Academy are open to their peers and eager to collaborate as a team to meet the mission and vision and the needs of the students at Stepstone Academy. Teachers will be expected to spend time becoming familiar with families of students served by engaging them in the home as well as in the school. Teachers will work Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm. Experience working in urban settings is preferred! 

The Middle School Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a programs of study enabling a student to learn, play and develop in an optimal manner producing successful outcomes in accordance with Federal, State and Local standards.

Essential Functions:

• Designs and implements lesson plans and activities which guides students towards meeting and exceeding academic standards to include but not limited to: developing creative curriculum incorporating technology and the opportunity for stretch assignments; engaging students and extending thinking by brings lessons and materials to life; differentiate instruction addressing a wide variety of intellectual and academic needs; assessing students by utilizing data to inform instruction.


• Develops and communicates timelines related to the common core.


• Conducts daily instruction, portfolio development, evaluates students’ academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares progress reports.


• Independently manages classroom environment and all associated responsibilities by creating a positive, structured atmosphere for students to observe, understand, and exemplify the Stepstone Academy mission.


• Maintains student attendance and manages the transient student population and changing room dynamics.


• Establishes and maintains standards of what students needs to know in order to reach or exceed Annual Yearly Progress (AYP).


• Encourages students to grow as human beings and to develop academically


• Communicates regularly with parents/guardians through home visits, conferences, family engagements and other means to become familiar with families, discuss students’ progress and interpret the school program.


• Responds appropriately, maintains composure and possesses a professional demeanor to any situation at all times.


• Advocates for and provides emotional support to individual children and families based on issues related to poverty, social problems, dysfunctional families, violence, stressors outside of school, lack of parent involvement, etc.


• Demonstrates culturally competency and ability to relate to individuals with various ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds and socio-economic status.


• Creatively collaborates through parent-teacher relations and interfaces with the school’s educational support service specialist to ensure outcomes are aligned with the school’s mission, culture and student success.


• Fosters an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration by sharing ideas and responsibilities with colleagues; providing and accepting support and encouragements from colleagues; eager and open to receiving and offering nonjudgmental feedback to benefit the whole.


• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by Stepstone.


• May be involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of special events, specific projects, or program changes.


• Exhibits positivity, flexibility and a willingness to take on new responsibilities as requested or required.


• Demonstrates positive leadership, promote a team-based work environment and present the school in the most positive light with all internal and external contacts.

• Maintains regular attendance and the confidentiality of students or collateral interaction within Stepstone’s defined standards.

• Committed and works towards the values, virtues, vision, mission and success of the whole through a What-Ever-It-Takes attitude.


• As part of the What-Ever-It-Takes philosophy, assists in areas outside their normal job duties with students outside their normal classroom in an effort to ensure the overall success of Stepstone Academy.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.


• Computer literacy skills, including Windows applications, Microsoft Office Suite, and basic database usage, as well as moderate level typing and the ability to operate computerized office equipment.


• Strong critical thinking and communication skills to problem solve and interact verbally with staff, representatives from outside agencies and families.


• Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines.

• Ability to set, communicate and maintain HIGH expectations and a deep responsibility for each student’s progress, not accepting failure.


• Ability to manage student conduct through consistent expectations and organizes subject matter so that students are engaged.


• Personally committed to using every moment of every day for instruction, academic and personal, in and out of the classroom.


• Passionate about changing the way urban students are educated.


• Ability to demonstrate inspiration, persistence, motivation, drive at exceptional levels


• Ability to support and follow through with Stepstone Academy’s “no excuses” school and organizational culture


• Ability to commit to modeling the virtues at all times with students, parent/guardians, colleagues and community contacts.


• Possesses an exceptional level of professionalism, intellectual curiosity, ambition and goal oriented drive.

Performance/Physical Requirements:

•  Work consist of walking, bending, stooping, ascending/descending stairs, move equipment weighing up to 15 pounds, lifting up to 30 lbs. and remaining in a stationary position 50% of the time, including positioning self to an equal level in order to assist children of all ages.


• Available by phone for crisis management and work flexible hours, in and outside of school setting including but not limited to: planning, tutoring, extra-curricular activities, home visits and events.

• Must be able to clearly and confidentially communicate with other employees, students, and other stakeholders.


• Must be able to verbally exchange information in a confidential manner with students and/or families in various settings regarding performance of students.

• Work environment is based in the community and can include an office, school-based setting, child care facilities or participant’s homes. 

• Must be able to drive frequently due to work varying work environments including agency office, school based, community based locations which may include participant homes in various communities and may include transportation of students.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education required. Master’s Degree in Education preferred


• Middle Childhood Licensure (4^th–9^th) or Ohio Resident Educator License required


• Highly knowledgeable about content area theory and best practices


• Expert knowledge of and enthusiasm for academic subjects and projects this enthusiasm to students

• Must have a valid Ohio Driver’s License with a safe driving record and valid insurance.


• Ability to take and pass a physical exam, tuberculosis clearance and drug screening.


• Employment is contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.

Applicants will be required to complete a pre-employment screening process upon receipt of an offer of employment. We require and cover the cost of a fingerprint background screening, physical, Tuberculosis test, and drug screen after an employment offer is made. Any employment offer is contingent upon receipt of all satisfactory pre-employment screenings. 

We believe that fostering a workforce that reflects diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthens our organization. Embracing diversity not only promotes a culture of respect and belonging, but it also enhances creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, ultimately contributing to our collective success.