Lead Teacher at Chicanos Por La Causa – Los Fresnos, Texas

The Lead Teacher provides culturally responsive education to unaccompanied children, supporting their growth and guiding staff to meet ORR standards. Chicanos Por La Causa empowers individuals and strengthens communities through education, housing, health, and economic development.

OBJECTIVE AND POSITION SUMMARY

The ORR Lead Teacher is responsible for overseeing and delivering high-quality, culturally responsive education to unaccompanied children (UC) in care. This role focuses on teaching foundational skills, supporting students’ academic development, and creating a structured classroom environment that fosters learning, inclusion, and personal growth. The Lead Teacher also provides mentorship and guidance to other teaching staff, ensuring that all educational services align with ORR standards, contractual requirements, and the individual needs of students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervise teaching staff and teacher aides through observation, feedback, and modeling effective teaching practices. Evaluates performance of supervisees and assists with screening and hiring of staff within the education department.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead classroom instruction for unaccompanied children in subjects including English, reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
• Develop, implement, and adapt lesson plans to meet the diverse educational needs of students, ensuring access to grade-level content.
• Utilize varied instructional techniques, including differentiated instruction, group work, hands-on activities, and educational technology.
• Design and modify curricula that address the academic, linguistic, and cultural needs of unaccompanied children.
• Ensure curriculum and lesson plans align with ORR, federal, state, and local educational standards.
• Monitor student progress through regular assessments and provide timely feedback on academic performance.
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs, ensuring support services are delivered effectively.
• Provide tutoring and additional academic support as required.
• Offer leadership, guidance, and support to other teaching staff and teacher aides.
• Conduct staff meetings and collaborate with educators to share best practices for student success.
• Coordinate with caseworkers, counselors, and program staff to address children’s academic needs.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, progress notes, and ORR educational assessments.
• Participate in assessing, identifying, and documenting the educational needs of all children in care.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as ORR educational guidelines.
• Teach assigned subject areas as needed to support program requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child, staff, and program operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education /Background:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in education, TESOL, Special Education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
  • Certification in ESL (English as a Second Language) or bilingual education is a plus.
  • Must be certified to teach in the state of employment.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 2-5 years of teaching experience, with at least 1 year working with unaccompanied children.
  • Experience developing and implementing curriculum for students with varied educational backgrounds.
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in leadership or supervisory roles is desirable.

Credentials, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of instructional strategies, curriculum development, and classroom management.
• Experience teaching foundational subjects such as English, reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
• Ability to develop and adapt lesson plans to meet diverse academic, linguistic, and cultural needs.
• Experience creating and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
• Strong classroom leadership and mentoring skills for guiding teaching staff and teacher aides.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with students, staff, caseworkers, and program stakeholders.
• Proficiency with educational technology and interactive teaching tools.
• Ability to monitor student progress, assess learning outcomes, and provide constructive feedback.
• Knowledge of ORR standards, federal and state educational regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards in all areas of child and program operations.

Other Requirements:

• Commitment to continuous professional development and learning.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Fluency in a second language (especially Spanish, Arabic, or other refugee community languages) is a plus.

BENEFITS:

We recognize that our success is driven by great talent, and that's why we provide a comprehensive and competitive suite of benefits to serve you and your family.

• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Free preventive care & 24/7 telehealth (no copay)
• HSA with CPLC contributions up to $2,400/year
• Employer-paid life & disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness rewards & exclusive discounts
• Optional pet, accident & critical illness insurance