QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, in content area preferred
• Master’s degree preferred
• Valid/Current Texas Teacher Certification in content
• Previous Lead Teacher/Mentoring experience, preferred but not required
• Minimum 3 years experience teaching in content area, with demonstrable academic results

Organizational Overview

Founded in 2001 and rooted in the Christian faith, Yellowstone Schools collectively educates 600 children in Pre-K through 9th grade and will grow a grade each year to serve 12th grade by 2026. Yellowstone partners with students and families—regardless of financial means—to provide a life-changing education, develop a strong moral foundation, and prepare scholars for life beyond high school. The K12 campus is located in the Third Ward, one of Houston's oldest historically Black neighborhoods.

Most students served live in communities without access to strong educational opportunities. With an average class size of 16 to 18, our students experience a rich academic and co-curricular model while receiving bus transportation, two meals a day, and access to a comprehensive student support program.

Yellowstone Schools consists of a cooperative of two school systems: a lower school (a private Christian school serving PreK-5th grade) and an upper school (a tuition-free, public charter school growing to serve 6th-12th grade).  The lower school and upper school are distinct legal and financial entities with separate governing boards. The name Yellowstone Schools reflects each school system’s shared mission, vision, values, culture, and leadership. Each school complies with all applicable federal and state laws.

Position Overview

The educator has a hugely important role on the Yellowstone campus. Through the teacher’s leadership, students will learn in a classroom environment that is rooted in Christian faith, academically rigorous, emotionally supportive, community-minded, and inspirational. Educators must be knowledgeable in their content area, have a passion for working with students, be open to feedback and constant growth, and work hard on behalf of Yellowstone students and families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Student Academic Performance

• Set ambitious targets for annual student achievement and track student progress towards these goals.
• Develop appropriate assessments to measure student understanding and create lessons and assessments for reteaching concepts and objectives.
• Meet regularly with grade-level teams and vertical planning teams to share best practices, develop intervention strategies, and collaborate on lesson plans and instruction.
• Manage a gradebook and a cycle of grading/assessments that provides an accurate reflection of student performance throughout the school year.

Instructional Strategies

• Instruct students individually and in groups, adapting teaching methods to meet students' varying needs and learning styles.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects following guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency.
• Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials that align with the scope and sequence for each subject/grade level.
• Plan and conduct lessons with a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to learn, observe, question, and investigate.
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.
• As needed, plan and supervise assignments for instructional aides and classroom volunteers.

Student Growth and Development

• Observe and evaluate each student's academic performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
• In addition to planning classroom lessons, organize and lead grade-level appropriate activities and field trips designed to promote academic, physical, mental, and social/emotional development.
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their student's progress and to determine the priorities for their student’s growth and success.

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of all students.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with the Yellowstone Student Code of Conduct.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and campus facilities.
• Maintain a classroom that is orderly, organized, and promotes student learning.
• Create and foster an environment that is culturally relevant, supportive of inclusion, and emphasis on character

Professional Growth and Development

• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with state and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Attend and actively participate in faculty meetings, and serve on staff committees as needed.
• Participate in an instructional culture that values feedback, seeks out growth opportunities, fosters innovation, and always puts student achievement first.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Yellowstone Values

Every employee at Yellowstone is committed to our PRIDE values.

Positivity: At Yellowstone, we smile first. We are a positive presence on campus and extend a good-natured grace and enthusiasm in all personal interactions. 

Responsibility: We follow through on our promises and commitments. We own our actions and will never settle for less than our best effort. 

Integrity: We demonstrate integrity in all circumstances and always put the best interests of the Yellowstone community first. We “walk the talk” and lead by example. 

Determination: We anticipate and overcome challenges. We are resilient in the face of obstacles and are committed to the success of every member of the Yellowstone community. 

Excellence: We hold everyone (families, students, colleagues) to the highest standard of excellence and constantly look for ways to enhance the Yellowstone experience. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Yellowstone Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical (including HSA), dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, $50K employer-paid accidental death and dismemberment insurance, supplemental life ( short-term disability insurance, cancer, hospital, accident), EAP, wellness day off and generous paid time off program, and 10-weeks paid parental leave, 3% matching SIMPLE IRA.

YELLOWSTONE SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IT IS OUR POLICY THAT ALL APPLICANTS BE CONSIDERED SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITY, WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, SEX, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, GENETIC INFORMATION OR VETERAN STATUS.