Elective Teacher - Middle School (25.26 School Year)

As an Elective Teacher at KIPP St. Louis, your responsibilities include developing and executing a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum that captivates students' interests and passions. You will create lesson plans and assessments tailored to diverse learning needs, provide daily feedback, and help foster a positive school culture through strong relationships with students and families.

To join KIPP St. Louis as an Elective Teacher, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree and possess a valid Missouri Teacher Certification, or be willing to secure one promptly. Experience working with middle school students aged 10-14 is also crucial, as is a commitment to closing the opportunity gap for all students.

KIPP St. Louis is dedicated to ongoing professional growth for Elective Teachers. You will enjoy regular coaching sessions, weekly school-based professional development, and in-person PD days throughout the year to enhance your teaching practice and support your ambitions.

At KIPP St. Louis, we value the well-being of our Elective Teachers. Our generous time-off policy includes paid leave for personal days, holidays, and a one-week Thanksgiving break, as well as Fabulous Fridays, allowing you to leave early every other month to recharge and focus on your personal life.

KIPP St. Louis stands out with its passionate team committed to cultivating an inclusive and supportive environment. As the largest charter school system in St. Louis, you’ll have the opportunity to make a significant impact while being part of a community that values equity, joyful learning, and celebrates success together.

To effectively engage middle school students in elective classes, I would incorporate interactive techniques, such as hands-on projects, collaborative group work, and integrating technology into lessons. For example, if teaching an art elective, I would allow students to explore various mediums and encourage their creative expression through themed projects that resonate with their personal interests.

In developing curriculum for electives, I prioritize aligning lessons with educational standards while also ensuring they are relevant and engaging. I would focus on identifying student interests and adapt projects that not only align with standards but also spark enthusiasm and promote critical thinking skills.

Fostering a positive classroom culture begins with building strong relationships with students. I believe in creating a welcoming environment where students feel valued and empowered to share their ideas. This can include establishing class norms collaboratively, celebrating achievements, and maintaining open communication channels that develop a trustful atmosphere.

To differentiate instruction, I would assess each student's prior knowledge and interests and then tailor activities accordingly. This could involve offering choice in how they demonstrate understanding or providing varied scaffolding methods like guided practice, peer collaborations, or extension activities for advanced learners.

Parent involvement is crucial for student success in elective programs, as it encourages a support system beyond the classroom. I would engage parents through regular updates, invitations to showcase events, and feedback meetings to ensure they feel invested in their children’s learning, amplifying the connection between school and home.

Effective classroom management involves setting clear expectations from day one and using engaging activities to minimize disruptions. I would employ strategies such as establishing routines, consistent reinforcement of positive behaviors, and respectful conflict resolution techniques to create a harmonious learning environment.

I would use a variety of assessment methods, including formative assessments such as class discussions and reflections, as well as summative assessments like projects and presentations. Incorporating self-assessment opportunities enables students to reflect on their learning journey, further engaging them in the process.

I plan to stay updated on current educational trends by engaging in professional development opportunities, attending workshops, reading relevant literature, and networking with fellow educators. Continuous learning allows me to bring innovative practices into my teaching that keep students excited and connected to the material.

A potential challenge includes varying levels of interest and ability among students. To overcome this, I would implement interest inventories at the curriculum's outset to tailor lessons around student passions. Flexibility in lesson planning will also allow me to adjust activities that best meet my students’ diverse needs.

As an Elective Teacher, my long-term goals include not only impacting students’ lives through engaging classes but also contributing to curriculum innovation within my school. I aspire to take leadership roles that advocate for the importance of electives in holistic student learning and proactively develop programs that excite future educators.