2024-2025 Lower Elementary School Apprentice Teacher

As a Lower Elementary School Apprentice Teacher at Coney Island Prep, your primary responsibilities include co-teaching or teaching lesson plans that are academically rigorous and culturally relevant, engaging with students in one-on-one and small group settings, and continuously analyzing student performance data in collaboration with your Mentor Teacher. You will also participate in school-wide community responsibilities and foster an inclusive and structured learning environment.

To qualify for the Lower Elementary School Apprentice Teacher role at Coney Island Prep, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, applicants should have experience with technology such as Google Suite and Macs, exhibit strong communication skills, and demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism and educational equity.

The apprenticeship program at Coney Island Prep is designed to guide aspiring educators through an immersive experience while obtaining their Master’s of Arts in Teaching and New York State Certification. Through collaboration with the Relay Graduate School of Education, you will gain classroom experience, professional development opportunities, and support from experienced mentors, all within a structured educational framework.

Apprentice Teachers at Coney Island Prep receive extensive support through mentorship from experienced teachers, a structured schedule that accommodates Relay classes, and access to professional development resources. This ensures that you not only grow as an educator but also thrive within the supportive community that Coney Island Prep fosters.

As a Lower Elementary School Apprentice Teacher at Coney Island Prep, you will earn an annual salary of $59,000, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions. You will also receive a MacBook Air and the necessary tools to succeed in your role.

In answering this question, articulate how culturally relevant pedagogy involves recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students. Share examples of how you would adapt your teaching to include diverse perspectives and engage students in learning that resonates with their cultural identities.

Discuss techniques such as differentiated instruction, fostering a classroom climate of respect, and incorporating diverse literature and materials that reflect all students’ backgrounds. Providing specific examples will showcase your proactive approach to inclusivity.

You can highlight your intent to use formative assessments, student feedback, and data analysis to tailor your teaching strategies. Mention how you would collaborate with your Mentor Teacher to improve student outcomes based on collected data.

Reflect on personal experiences or influential figures that have driven your passion for teaching. Share your values related to education and explain your commitment to anti-racism and fostering equitable learning opportunities.

Illustrate your approach to behavior management, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root cause of the behavior and employing effective conflict resolution strategies. Share how you would involve families and colleagues to maintain a supportive approach.

Express your familiarity with educational technologies, emphasizing how you would leverage tools such as educational apps and interactive platforms to enhance student learning and engagement, providing examples of their application in lessons.

When tackling this question, present an example of a lesson that includes all learning styles and cultural backgrounds. Discuss how you would adjust content, resources, and activities to meet varied needs effectively.

Argue for the importance of family engagement, providing examples of how you would involve families in their child's education and how you would communicate regularly to build strong relationships.

Speak to the significance of mentorship in your professional growth, highlighting your willingness to receive feedback, ask questions, and actively participate in discussions about instructional practices.

Discuss how you plan to create a positive learning environment that encourages curiosity and helps students see the relevance of their education. Emphasize the importance of building trusting relationships and recognizing individual achievements.