SUSTAINABILITY STUDIO TEACHER (2nd-5th Grade Science)

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

MISSION OF THE SCHOOL

Compass Charter School is a safe and nurturing educational environment that honors the individuality of each learner. By engaging in a process of inquiry, our graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills to lead fulfilling personal and professional lives, including a developed sense of self, the ability to think in innovative and flexible ways, and the inspiration to make a positive impact on their community.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL

Compass Charter School is an inquiry-based, progressive elementary school that opened in the fall of 2014 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. We are committed to providing an experiential and democratic elementary experience to all children, with intentional access for children who typically do not get access to progressive education (children with special needs, children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and English language learners).

Our Integrated Curriculum centers sustainability in all forms: environmental, racial, and economic justice. Our staff works interdependently in collaborative teams and engages in professional inquiry (instructional coaching, reflection, restorative and trauma-informed practices). Compass enrolls approximately 330 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Compass Charter School is seeking reflective educators who are driven to provide a rigorous, justice-oriented educational experience to all children. The Sustainability Studio Teacher is highly reflective, collaborative, curious, and brings joy to their work with students and colleagues.Our Sustainability Studio Teacher implements sustainable practices in our school and also leads hands-on, science-based sustainability curriculum with 2nd to 5th grade students in our school. Our students visit the Sustainability Studio for one or two 50-minute sessions per week. Our Sustainability Studio Teacher will also collaborate with classroom teachers to create and implement integrated units of study in the classrooms. Classroom Co-Teachers engage fully in our professional development program, including instructional coaching, professional inquiry, and collaborative projects and committees.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree, Master’s Degree preferred

• 3 or more years of relevant teaching experience preferred

• Master’s Degree in Sustainability Education, Environmental Education, Science Education, or related field

• NYS Certification in Science, preferred

• 3 or more years of teaching experience in an applicable setting (sustainability-themed school, nature center, museum, non-profit, university)

• New York State Teacher Certification (Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education)

• Educational philosophy aligns with the mission and vision of Compass

• Previous success in raising academic achievement of students within an urban community

• Experience leading professional development preferred

• Reflective practitioner in a state of constant professional growth and a willingness to share their craft with others

• Commitment to integrating sustainability and the arts into core curricular subjects

• Knowledge of the school neighborhood

• Experience working with children with special needs in inclusive schools preferred

• Experience planning and teaching interdisciplinary units of study preferred

• Commitment to and knowledge of experiential and inquiry-based teaching and learning

• Commitment to diverse learning environments

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Experience collaborating with children, families, colleagues, and administrators

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Seek and coordinate partnerships with organizations that contribute to our commitment to education for sustainability

• Keep self and organization current with the ever-evolving field of educating for sustainability

• Plan and implement professional development for teachers, focusing on educating for sustainability

• Assist teachers in incorporating sustainability topics and practices into their unit plans and daily lesson plans

• Collaboratively plan and implement sustainability-focused interdisciplinary units with grade level teams, arts specialists, Lab Class Facilitators, and leadership team.

• Teach science-based sustainability classes to all students

• Use Next Generation Science Standards and The Cloud Institute’s Education for Sustainability Standards to inform planning and assessment

• Coordinate and administer NYS 5th grade science test

• Use a variety of assessments to measure student learning and drive instruction

• Use student performance data to tailor and differentiate curriculum to individual students and to determine small groupings and modifications

• Integrate the real world and surrounding community into units of study, lessons, and classroom culture

• Maintain positive relationships with students and staff

• Maintain confidentiality with student information and records

• Create a positive and safe classroom culture and community

• Report progress to families through progress reports

• Supervise and support sustainability initiatives within the school

• Actively participate in a professional learning community, including professional literature circles, peer coaching, reflection meetings, planning meetings, data meetings, and staff meetings

• Actively participate in the school’s decision-making process

• Assist with operations as needed (e.g. bus, lunch, recess supervision)

• Collaboratively plan interdisciplinary units of study

• Regularly communicate with families, students, and community partners

• Integrate the Compass CARES values into classroom culture, units of study, and interactions with staff, families, and students

COMPENSATION

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

• Salary range of 68K-135K commensurate with experience and education.

Compass is a unionized charter school and staff are represented by the UFT.