Eagle Rock School is Searching for a Math Instructional Specialist

If you possess a bachelor’ or master’s degree in mathematics, math education, or a related field, and you have a sincere interest in teaching math concepts and skills to high school students who have a history of not doing well in traditional schools — but who have recently committed themselves to becoming engaged in their own education — we might have a teaching position that is right up your algebraic alley.

Eagle Rock is a full-service not-for-profit educational reform organization that operates a year-round residential high school in Estes Park, Colo., and offers professional development services at school and community sites around the United States. In short, we’re committed to making high school a more engaging and inclusive experience and we’re noted for hiring instructors who work together in order to provide relevant learning experiences for our students.

To get a clearer picture of what we’re all about, it might help to visit our website — EaglerockSchool.org — where you’ll discover that our approach to learning isn’t limited to the traditional school day, nor do our mathematic experiences always take place in a traditional classroom environment.

Our progressive education model is based on an inherent trust of students. And to be honest, Eagle Rock doesn’t appeal to all teachers. For instance, if you think students need to be “taught math lessons,” we’re probably not your best option. Truth is, we’re looking for a math instructor who has Continue reading…

Innovative Interview Process Finds Innovative Teachers

Opening a new charter school is challenging, yet energizing in so many ways. Over the past few months I have worked as the primary contact of the school. Often times it can feel a bit isolating. However, beginning the process of hiring staff to join me on this journey is exciting. Knowing we are creating a team energized by each other, willing to become trailblazers in school reform, and eager to think from a new perspective gives me a sense of hope and confidence in the work we will embark on with our students at Health Leadership High School.

As an experienced principal, I approach the process of hiring new teachers with a bit of uncertainty and hesitation. I always hope to bring in teachers with positive attitudes, teachers that are enthusiastic about their contribution to their school and society through their work as a classroom teacher. As I look at bringing on new teachers to our staff, I also have to be cognizant of the effect the culture of the school will have on the teachers’ ability to work with students.

Often new teachers coming into the culture of the school are affected by veteran teachers. Their colleagues influence these new teachers as they navigate the culture of the school. Colleagues disenchanted with the work of the school may have a damaging effect on these new teachers and their longevity in the field of education.

In addition to bringing new teachers into an established culture of the school, I often had little choice in the teachers I could hire each year. District offices often give principals a ‘must-hire list’ that includes teachers who need to be placed in other schools due to budget constraints at their current school, as well as other issues that may cause them to be placed on this list. Prior to hiring teachers who apply directly to the school or may be applying from outside of the district, I must hire these teachers who are often placed to work in my school. This process of placing teachers in schools forces the school leader to Continue reading…