OVERVIEW
Tennessee Nature Academy (TNA) is hiring founding teaching positions for the 2024-2025 school year. As our 5th and 6th grade matriculate, we have positions open for all subjects! We are looking for people who are excited to share our mission of cultivating happy and healthy young adults who are knowledgeable about the world, passionate about the outdoors, and committed to doing good work. Founding teachers will be instrumental in developing TNA’s academic and school culture, systems, and community in our first year of operation.
WHO WE ARE
Tennessee Nature Academy is a new nature-based public charter school in Davidson County, Tennessee committed to preparing students for a sustainable life. We welcomed our first cohort of 5th and 6th grade students in Fall 2023 and will grow to serve students in grades 5-12 over the coming years. Our students belong to a diverse, affirming community and engage in nature-based and project-based learning in order to impact the world around them. Our approach to learning and teaching acts in service of four key principles:
Learning through Challenges
Building Connectedness
Sustaining Health and Happiness
Impacting the Community
OPEN POSITIONS
Tennessee Nature Academy is hiring for the following teaching positions for SY 2023-2024:
- Founding Math Teacher (Grade 7)
- Founding English Language Arts Teacher (Grade 6)
- Founding Science Teacher (Grades 6 and 7)
- Founding Social Studies Teacher (Grades 6 and 7)
- Founding Special Education Teacher
- Founding English Language Learner Teacher
WHAT WE PROVIDE YOU
- Our salary structure currently exceeds that of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS).
- TNA will offer a comprehensive insurance plan through Tennessee State Government.
- Ten days of PTO per year (plus holidays).
- Ongoing commitment to your development as an educator and professional. This includes access to future leadership opportunities that will guide the future of TNA.
- A workplace that values health and happiness and encourages daily activity in nature.
Tennessee Nature Academy believes that the best practices are sustainable practices. We recognize the need for sustainability to exist throughout our organization, and especially in our work as educators. We are committed to creating a sustainable workplace environment that achieves high results and shows care for staff, students, and the community.
KEY TEACHING TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop curriculum and lead instruction for middle school students, including in content area classrooms, homeroom blocks, and intervention and enrichment classes;
- Collaborate with learning and language specialists to ensure that the learning needs of all students are met;
- Design and implement assessments that evaluate students’ mastery of Tennessee Academic Standards as well as other metrics appropriate for the content area;
- Collect, analyze, and use data to improve student performance outcomes;
- Collaborate with members of content area, grade level, and school wide teams to support students’ success and well-being;
- Partner and communicate regularly with families regarding their students’ academic and behavioral progress, which periodically includes attending family and community events like conferences and showcases of student work;
- Create a safe, inclusive, and affirming learning environment;
- Develop and support academic and cultural systems that achieve TNA’s mission and vision;
- Provide coverage as needed during non-instructional times like arrival, dismissal, recess or lunch;
- Participate in regular development opportunities including instructional coaching and professional development;
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree is required;
- Active Tennessee educator license, or Tennessee educator license expected by June 2024, is required;
- Minimum of two years’ teaching experience is preferred, but not required;
- Experience with nature-based or project-based learning is preferred, but not required;
- Committed to equity in education and serving the needs of families and students;
- Ability to problem-solve, develop and revise systems, and work effectively on a team in a start-up environment;
- Alignment to TNA’s mission, vision, and core values.
Preference will be given to applicants who also:
- Have experience and demonstrated success in working with English language learners and students with disabilities;
- Hold dual certification in their content area and in Special Education, English as a Second Language, or Gifted Education.
INTERVIEW PROCESS
Resume Review (Beginning Oct. 2023)
Performance Task and Phone Screening (Beginning Nov. 2023)
In-Person Interview (Beginning Jan. 2024)
Reference and Background Checks (Ongoing)
Offer Extension (Beginning late Jan./early Feb. 2024)
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Our zip code is the most diverse in Tennessee. As a diverse-by-design school, we are working to reverse the trends of school segregation and create a school community that mirrors our zip code’s demographics. Historically, “nature-based” environments have lacked inclusivity, so our model promotes equity in the outdoors by bringing this model to a diverse space. Inclusive practices and systems are crucial for all members to feel a sense of belonging to be able to thrive in the community. We constantly audit for an equitable environment in which practices are anti-racist and fair and just to all. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Ready to Apply? Please use this linkto access our application form. Later during the phone screening, you can indicate your interest in any of our available positions for the 2024-2025 school year. Please reach out to us with any questions.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,408.48 - $70,499.36 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Nashville, TN 37211: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
License/Certification:
- Teaching Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person