2019 Brain Forest Summer Learning Academy

Teacher Job Description

The Brain Forest Summer Learning Academy is a 5 week program that works to prevent summer
learning loss. The full-day program offers rising fourth, fifth and sixth grade students mornings of math
and reading instruction and afternoons of enrichment and physical activity.

Each grade engages in a novel study which serves as the core for both reading and math instruction. The
students are immersed in a deep study of the novel and all instruction links to the novel. Each classroom
is led by a certified Classroom Teacher and a Classroom Assistant that is typically a college student
majoring in an education related field. Classroom size is 20 students per classroom.

A nationally-normed math and reading assessment is used for pre and post assessment. The teacher will
be responsible for developing daily lesson plans, along with the Instructional Director, to meet the
specific learning targets identified for his/her class. Teachers will receive ongoing support and
coaching from the Instructional Director. Every teacher is also expected to mentor and coach his or
her classroom assistant, as the classroom assistant will be a college student and thus, an emerging
leader in education. This is a collaborative environment, teachers are expected to engage in daily
reflection and analysis with their peers to develop high quality instructional plans.

Brain Forest staff members will be fully immersed in an environment that encourages project-based,
inquiry-based instruction and the use of technology in the classroom. Each teacher will be provided with
a copy of the book Leaders of Their Own Learning by Ron Berger and will be asked to participate in
weekly, powerful discussions about the material with other instructional staff members. As the summer
provides more flexibility and opportunities for innovation, the experience will differ in some ways from
the regular school year environment. Because of the brief and intensive nature of the program, the ideal
candidate for this position is one who believes deeply in children and is eager to challenge him/herself.

Mornings are spent in the classroom. Instructional staff planning time is scheduled daily from
12:00-1:00. On Fridays, students and staff members will “leave to learn” on field trips to cultural and
sites around Birmingham. Teachers will supervise students during transition periods, Friday field trips,
breakfast, and lunch as needed. Afternoon enrichment is staffed and led by the classroom assistants and
community based partners.

Responsibilities include:
● Implementing math and reading curricula in the classroom.
● Developing daily engaging lesson plans aligned to specific learning objectives.
● Utilizing formal assessment data to refine and adapt curriculum lessons and inform instructional
practices.
● Creating a positive, supportive, and achievement-oriented environment for students.
● Motivating and holding students to high academic and behavioral standards.
● Communicating with students and parents to ensure that every student’s academic and developmental
needs are met.
 Qualifications:
● A bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate.
● Previous teaching experience; recent experience with 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grade strongly preferred.
● Previous experience with technology-based assessments like Global Scholar, STAR, etc.
● Knowledge of differentiated instructional practices and strategies.
● Excellent organizational and communication skills.
● Belief that all children can succeed.
● Flexibility, a sense of humor, and a team player attitude.
● A plus: experience with iPad education

Timeline: The Brain Forest Summer Learning Program operates June 10 to July 19; Staff training takes
place June 3rd to June 7th. The program is closed July 1st to July 5th.
Wednesday, June 5 and Thursday, 4:30PM-6:30PM Parent/Guardian Orientation
June 6

Monday, June 3-Thursday, June 6 9 AM-3 PM (30 min lunch Training & Planning for All Brain
break) Forest Staff

Monday, June 10-Friday, June 14 8 AM-1 PM (no break) Brain Forest Program Week 1
PD Day - 8 AM-2PM (TBD)

Monday, June 17-Friday, June 21 8 AM-1 PM (no break) Brain Forest Program Week 2
PD Day - 8 AM-2PM (TBD)

Monday, June 24-Friday, June 28 8 AM-1 PM (no break) Brain Forest Program Week 3
PD Day - 8 AM-2PM (TBD)

Monday, July 1-Friday, July 5 CLOSED PROGRAM CLOSED

Monday, July 8-Friday, July 12 8 AM-1 PM (no break) Brain Forest Program Week 4
PD Day - 8 AM-2PM (TBD)

Monday, July 15-Friday, July 19 8 AM-1 PM (no break) Brain Forest Program Week 5
PD Day - 8 AM-2PM (TBD)

Compensation:
$25/hour paid bi-weekly. No other benefits.

To Apply:
Please complete online application with resume attachment.
https://goo.gl/forms/eUoxQgDJZRJG9opU2

If you have any questions, please contact Ann Sikes, at ann@montgomeryed.org or call (334) 647-1700.

The Brain Forest is a program of the Montgomery Education Foundation. www.MontgomeryEd.org .