Lead Teacher (Summer Session)

Organization Background: 

Horizons Atlanta (HA) believes that every child in Atlanta, regardless of background, should have the same chance at making a positive impact on his or her community. By eliminating the critical barriers to success that many of our children face, we aim to put them on a path to: 

• Read proficiently by the end of third grade 
• Achieve eighth grade math proficiency
• Build swimming skills and confidence
• Graduate from high school, college and/or career ready

We accomplish this by providing our students access to high quality academics in an engaging, tuition-free, six-week summer enrichment program focused on literacy, math, and swim skills, as well as complementary school year activities. The student/teacher ratio at Horizons is approximately 5:1. Building lasting connections and relationships are very important for us at Horizons Atlanta.  It is our hope that Horizons summer staff members will return to the program for more than one summer as we continue to work together, support our students, and build the program and the community.  

For more information about Horizons Atlanta and the specific sites, please visit www.horizonsatlanta.org.  

Position Overview

Horizons Atlanta is seeking dedicated and effective Lead Teachers for our summer program with a dynamic talent for creating and nurturing a lifelong love of learning in children for our sites across metro Atlanta. We are looking for talented, passionate, caring professionals to be team players to support our vibrant programs, fulfill the Horizons mission, and create a joyous, inclusive, inspiring and educational culture. Lead Teachers are an integral part of the Horizons team, working with all of the Lead Teachers, the Teacher Assistants and Interns and will be supported by the Site Directors. Each classroom will have one Lead Teacher, one Teacher Assistant and one Intern to maintain a 5:1 student to teacher ratio. It is our hope that the Horizons summer staff members will return to the program each summer as we work together, support our students, and build the program and the community. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

A “good fit” Horizons Lead Teacher will have a strong commitment to the Horizon’s mission and will possess the knowledge of best practices in 21st Century instruction with a focus on literacy, math and STEAM creating practical hands-on instructional experiences. This ideal candidate must be flexible, well organized, positive, capable of taking initiative, and full of enthusiasm for both teaching and learning. 

• More detailed qualifications for this position include:  Current teaching certification (K-12); at least 3 years of teaching experience.
• Experience teaching elementary/middle school children, with a gift for both building the student’s love of learning and bolstering their basic academic skills.  
• Experience designing and delivering curriculum in a child centered, risk-free environment for elementary students.  
• Proven ability to relate well to diverse families, to plan and deliver engaging, challenging lessons for school-age children.
• Knowledge and skills in classroom management, social emotional learning and specific strategies for developing children’s non-cognitive skills such as focus, determination, empathy and self-discipline.
• Understanding and knowledge of the issues and challenges facing low income families living in Fulton, DeKalb, and Paulding County. 
• A strong passion for working with youth and a strong desire to help make a difference in the lives of low-income students.  
• Have clear expectations and directions, and provide feedback.
• Possess excellent communication skills, model interpersonal, organizational and time management skills.
• Be a leader; work as a member of a team with the mission of the child’s success. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Design and teach a high quality, culturally competent, project-based curriculum, engaging students in reading, writing, math and science throughout the six-week enrichment program.
• Plan, lead or facilitate fun, learning activities that challenge the students, through community-building games, experiential learning opportunities, and field trips.
• Model teacher-facilitated small group activities. Mentor the Teacher Assistants and Interns so they understand the data and learning goals for each student in order to meet each student’s needs and align curriculum across subject areas.
• Participate in daily meals with the students, attend faculty meetings, and other duties that may be required.
• Develop and nurture a positive, safe and respectful learning environment.
• Be a good listener and be aware of the child. 
• Find something positive and uplifting in every child. 
• Take pictures of heart warming situations throughout the program. 
• Attend a one day Atlanta Horizons Regional Training on April 22, 2023. 
• Assist in the training and supervision of program staff, including assisting with planning or facilitating professional development and ongoing coaching for staff, sharing instructional strategies and student information. 
• Be professional when communicating with others.
• Meet as requested with the Site Director and/or Academic Director (where applicable) to accomplish goals. 

The position is full-time during the six weeks of the program. Salary is $5,000 - $7,000, depending on program site, dates/hours worked, and experience.

Dates for 6-week program vary per site, but will follow one of the following:

• June 5, 2023 - July 14, 2023 
• June 12, 2023 - July 21, 2023 

* All sites observe Juneteenth (6/19) and July 4th (7/3-7/4) and are closed those days. 

For more information about Horizons Atlanta and the specific sites, please visit www.horizonsatlanta.org.  

To Apply: Please upload a resume and cover letter, outlining your skills and experience (PDF format, please) to info@horizonsatlanta.org with subject line “Horizons Atlanta Lead Teacher.”

Horizons Atlanta is an equal opportunity employer.