GSRP Associate Teacher (2024/2025 School Year) - Choice Schools

GSRP Associate Teacher
2024 - 2025 School Year

Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child's love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES 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.

As the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Associate Teacher, your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Assists the GSRP Teacher in preparing classroom or laboratory for instruction.
• Helps the GSRP Teacher collaboratively prepare lesson plans and distribute lesson materials.
• Participates in Team Teaching and instructs students under the supervision of the GSRP Teacher.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of the PQA and the teaching practices described therein.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of MDE's Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of BCHS Child Care Licensing Rules.
• Follows the Academy approved GSRP curriculum and the GSRP grant policies and procedures as the instructional model.
• Assists the GSRP Teacher in maintaining individual student records when asked.
• Assists the GSRP Teacher in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
• Collects and displays suitable materials for bulletin boards and other educational displays.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating, an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression and student and teacher experiences in large and small groups.
• Effectively implements and uses the Academy-approved screening assessment tool and ongoing developmental assessment and is able to explain and interpret the information for students' parents.
• Effectively uses home visits to introduce the program and staff to the parent, develop collaboration for the child's learning, and gather, or report, assessment data.

Classroom Management:

• Works cooperatively with parents and guardians to enhance confidence in the GSRP Teacher.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Assists GSRP Teachers with supervision of students during play periods and lunch periods.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, respect for individual children and development of responsible citizenship.

Student Enrollment & Retention:

• Shares responsibility for marketing the GSRP Program, and the Academy, in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
• Shares responsibility for professional, cooperative staff relations and for out-of-class activities important to the operation of the Academy.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the Academy.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.

Facilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.
• Assumes responsibility for adherence to all licensing regulations and for educating others on the regulations.

Job Goal: To foster a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for students, setting them on a path of academic and social success. By supporting the lead teacher, they aim to create engaging lesson plans that promote age-appropriate development in areas such as language, motor skills, and social interactions. Through patient guidance and individualized attention, they encourage children's curiosity and exploration, helping them develop a love for learning. Additionally, the collaborate with parents and caregivers, ensuring effective communication and involving families in their child's educational journey. As a vital member of the preschool team, the associate teacher strives to provide a positive and enriching experience that builds a strong foundation for each child's future.

Essential Skills and Competencies: While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:

Minimum Requirements:

• CDA certificate or Associates degree in Early Childhood Development or related field.
• Compliance with all requirements established by the DLARA's BCHS' child care licensing staffing requirements including.
• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.

Desired Qualifications:

• Valid State of Michigan Teaching Certificate.
• Knowledge of and skills working with At-Risk students.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

Work Location:4463 Leonard ST NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, a competitive 401(K) plan, professional development, and much more. View our benefits options here - https://choiceschools.com/careers/careers-choice-experience/

Please contact Abby Cervone at abbycervone@choiceschools.com with any questions.

Working for Choice Schools Associates

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science 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, West Michigan Academy 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.

Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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