Lead Associate Teacher [SY2026-2026]
Application Deadline: August 21, 2026
About DC Scholars:
DC Scholars Public Charter School was founded in 2012 and serves approximately 500 students in Preschool - 8th grade in Washington DC, supported by a dedicated instructional team of approximately 100 teachers and leaders. DC Scholars develops life-long scholars who have the academic knowledge and skills, individual passions, and community-mindedness necessary to succeed in and contribute to an ever-changing world. We have cultivated a mission-oriented and collaborative team. Our staff is enthusiastic about constantly setting and reaching a high bar for students. In SY24–25, the percentage of students scoring 4+ on DC CAPE rose 13 points in math – compared to just 3.3% citywide, and the percentage of students scoring 4+ rose 9 points in ELA – compared to only 2.9% citywide.
As we build on this momentum, our next chapter is focused on ensuring more students reach and exceed grade-level benchmarks. We are committed to increasing the percentage of students on or above grade level by approximately 8% in SY26–27, through excellent Tier 1 instruction, targeted supports, and a culture grounded in our PATH values: Prepared, Attentive, Thoughtful, and Hardworking.
The Position:
DC Scholars Public Charter School is seeking Lead Associate Teachers for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Lead Associate Teacher teachers support classroom culture, support whole group instruction, and facilitate small groups throughout the day following the schedule set for them. At some points during the day, the Lead Associate Teacher is responsible for running operations and systems in the classroom. We are looking for individuals who foster a culture of achievement, invest in deep preparation for lessons and grading, and value feedback/continuous improvement. If you’re ready to join a team of dedicated educators who are committed to ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education that empowers them to actualize their dreams, apply today!
Key Responsibilities:
Classroom Culture
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Cultivate a productive, engaging classroom environment for students - foster relationships with and among students
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Establish strong classroom routines and systems in alignment with the DC Scholars Way
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Leverage DC Scholars’ culture systems to provide feedback to scholars aligned to our PATH values (Prepared, Attentive, Thoughtful, Hardworking) and use of our ladder of consequences for strong classroom management.
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In collaboration with the Lead Teacher, facilitate Morning Meeting in alignment with the DC Scholars Way
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Facilitate arrival and dismissal
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Lead transitions between classes and to lunch and recess
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Support with grading based on guidance and look-fors from lead teacher or coach
Planning For and Delivering Instruction
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In collaboration with the Lead Teacher, assist with the facilitation of whole group instruction
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Facilitate small group instruction; prepare and deliver data-driven small group plans following school provided plans and materials
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Be knowledgeable about individual student plans, including Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs), 504s, and other support plans, provide appropriate modifications and accommodations in accordance with student IEPs
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Prepare for and actively engage in weekly intellectual preparation meetings (PLCs) with coach and colleagues
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Systematically analyze and respond to all student data points, including daily exit tickets, Common Interim Assessments, student usage of the iReady individualized learning pathways, performance on iReady assessments, discipline data, attendance data, etc.
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Actively engage in coaching sessions (both meetings and in-the-moment coaching) and respond to feedback by agreed upon deadline
Family Collaboration
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Actively monitor student attendance data - collaborate with families to improve scholar attendance, collect absence notes, etc.
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Engage actively with families - attend family events (at least quarterly), support Parent Conferences, share academic and behavioral updates with families
School Community
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Demonstrate an unwavering belief in the ability of the organization, colleagues, students, and self to grow: Take personal responsibility, solicit and respond to feedback; Share constructive feedback so that others/the organization may grow
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Complete tasks by agreed upon deadlines
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Meet professional expectations for dress, time, and attendance
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Communicate clearly and frequently, responding to messages, calls, and emails following organization-wide norms for timeliness
Background and Experience
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High School Diploma required; Bachelors’ Degree preferred
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1-2 years professional experience in school settings; ideally working at an Associate Teacher or Paraprofessional level
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Experience working with students in underserved communities (e.g. educator, tutoring, mentoring, aftercare, etc.) preferred
Mindset
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Passion for educational equity and a commitment to the mission and vision of DC Scholars
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Alignment with DC Scholars’ PATH values: Prepared, Attentive, Thoughtful, and Hardworking.
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High standards of excellence for self and for others
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Desire to collaborate with others
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Evidence of well-developed emotional intelligence and empathy
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Values others’ time and contributes to a culture of professionalism through punctuality, preparedness, and clear, timely communication
The Rewards
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High quality, personalized development
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Over 80% of teachers at DC Scholars agree that they receive targeted feedback that improves their performance
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The opportunity to work in a caring school community that values relationships with students and families
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Opportunities for teacher leadership including Family Engagement Committee, mentorship opportunities, etc.
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Potential to receive performance bonuses for student growth and achievement
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Highly Competitive Benefits Packages including:
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403B Retirement Plan with matching contributions
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Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
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EAP
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Employee Discount through Life Mart
Salary Details
Please review the Lead Teacher Associate salary range from $57,000 to $89,984 in alignment with DC Scholars salary band and our compensation philosophy. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire's relevant experience and market demands.
Timeline and Application Process
Application Deadline: August 21, 2026
Interview Process:
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Phone or virtual screen
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Reference collection
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Demo Lesson and On-Site Interview
To apply, submit resume only and interview availability per the application instructions.
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What we are looking for in your resume:
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Years of experience
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Specific names of current or previous schools that employed at
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Subject/content and grade levels taught
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Any academic results/outcomes or leadership roles
Our Talent and HR Team will reach out to you via email to schedule an interview if we have an open Lead Associate Teacher position.
