STIPEND OPPORTUNITY: February Acceleration Academy ENRICHMENT TEACHER (SY24-25)

Overview of Program: 

The BPS Department of Expanded Learning and Opportunities is thrilled to announce the return of Acceleration Academy programming for February and April 2025. We are seeking enthusiastic and highly effective teachers who will commit themselves to accelerating student learning through personalized instruction during school vacation weeks. This is a valuable opportunity for motivated educators to work with small groups of selected students to dive deep into engaging, rigorous, standards-aligned lessons that reconnect students to a love of learning and help narrow persistent achievement gaps. 

The overall goal of the Boston Public Schools Acceleration Academy is to provide students with an opportunity to build academic and social emotional skills through a holistic programming model that includes 20+ hours of targeted small group instruction in ELA (February) and/or Math (April) as well as enrichment activities designed to extend the academic concepts being taught in core classes. Acceleration Academies work to accelerate learning for students by providing a focused, nurturing environment during school breaks where they can receive personalized instruction, develop key academic skills, and engage in enrichment activities that enhance their overall well-being. 

The February Acceleration Academy will take place February 17-20, 2025 and will serve students who are identified as needing additional support to meet standards in ELA. Students will participate in approximately 26 hours of programming that includes 20+ hours of standards-aligned lessons in ELA as well as daily enrichment classes, breakfast, and lunch. Specific daily schedules will vary by school. 

Please note that the following schools are eligible to participate as an Accelerated Academy, and the final list of selected schools will be determined by the end of December. All qualified educators are welcome to apply; however, preference will be given to educators currently working at one of the selected schools. Additionally, if your home-based school is identified as an Accelerated Academy, you will also receive preference for placement within that school.

Young Achievers K-8 School, Brighton High School, Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, Higginson-Lewis K-8 School, Charlestown High School, Ellis Elementary School, Frederick Pilot Middle School, Orchard Gardens K-8 School, Clap Elementary School, Community Academy of Science and Health, Blackstone Elementary School, Greenwood Sarah K-8 School, Boston Community Leadership Academy, TechBoston Academy, Dearborn 6-12 STEM Academy

Enrichment Teacher Responsibilities: 

• Design and implement hands-on, project based extension activities supplementing the academic content learned during core class time. Enrichment teachers will need to connect with Academic teachers to identify which academic standards will be focused on for each grade level during the Academy week to guide their lessons. The Enrichment teacher will work with up to 15 students per grade level and deliver a series of 1 hour lessons throughout the day.
• Participate in 4 hours of required pre-program professional development, including 2 hours of mandatory DESE PD offered remotely during after school hours prior to the program
• Prepare classroom and instructional materials prior to Acceleration Academy start date so academic structures and routines begin on time on the first day of programming.
• Play a significant role in family outreach and communication; including making phone calls, sending letters and incentivizing students in order to recruit and maintain high student participation rates.
• Take daily attendance to ensure accurate Acceleration Academy data collection.
• Collect evaluative student work and projects and record student performance as directed by the site coordinator.
• Assist Site Coordinator with program and logistical duties such as arrival, dismissal and cafeteria duty.
• Participate in feedback/debrief activities including filling out an end of program survey.

Required Qualifications: 

• Highly qualified teacher; Relevant DESE certification
• Has participated in required 12 hour inclusion PD
• At least three years of professional teaching experience
• Experience teaching Students with Disabilities
• Experience teaching students who are English Learners
• Experience with developing & implementing project-based curriculum
• Experience with engaging students in complex tasks and texts
• Current authorization to work in the United States
• Dedication and commitment to Expanded Learning Opportunities and making the Acceleration Academies a highly effective and meaningful experience for students.
• Priority will be given to BTU members currently employed at the selected program site

Preferred Qualifications:

• ESL certified
• Special Education certified
• Current assignment as a specialist teacher or in a related assignment

COMPENSATION: Stipend – $65 per hour worked, up to 40 hours

• 26 program hours
• 14 hours of planning, prep, and PD time

Required for Application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference/recommendation letter from supervisor or school leader

Job Contact

Heather McCormack, Deputy Director of Expanded Learning and Opportunities

Email accelerationacademies@bostonpublicschools.org 

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

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