Who We Are

Achievement Prep is an award-winning public charter school network dedicated to empowering underserved communities in Southeast Washington, DC. Our mission is to prepare students to excel as high-achieving scholars and leaders, not only in school but also in life.

Our Values:

• All Scholars are Deserving: Every scholar receives an equitable, top-tier education
• Love is at the Core: We embrace authenticity while setting high expectations
• Exceptional Academic Results: Achieved through daily, data-driven, individualized learning
• Platinum Teachers are a Main Ingredient: YOU are the key to excellent outcomes for our scholars
• Families as Partners: Together, we do “three-generational work”

What You Will Do

The Music Teacher simultaneously serves as a teacher and leader at Achievement Prep. S/he teaches a full load of music classes to elementary (K–3) or middle school (4–7) scholars daily. S/he serves on a determined team of educators who push one another to create and sustain an outstanding environment for teaching and learning characterized by joyful rigor. The Music Teacher fosters creativity, self-expression, discipline, and confidence through engaging, culturally responsive music instruction while cultivating scholars’ appreciation for the arts.

Music Instruction

• Teach music classes to elementary or middle school scholars daily
• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate music curricula focused on foundational music skills, music appreciation, music history, vocal and/or instrumental performance, rhythm, composition, and artistic expression
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of scholars with differing needs
• Utilize a variety of assessment data to adjust short-and long-term plans, refine curriculum, and diversify instructional practice to meet scholars’ learning needs
• Exhibit an unwavering commitment to high academic achievement and character development in our scholars
• Embody our core values of Determination, Respect, Enthusiasm, Accountability, and Mastery
• Create, monitor, and sustain a disciplined classroom culture of high academic and behavioral standards
• Adhere to classroom and school-wide behavior management systems with fidelity to reinforce rules, incentivize positive behavior, and dis-incentivize negative behavior
• Hold yourself and peers accountable to create and sustain an outstanding environment for teaching and learning

Family Engagement

• Establish and maintain relationships with scholars and families based on trust and respect
• Communicate effectively, proactively, and often with families to share scholar progress, triumphs, and challenges
• Call and/or meet immediately with parents/guardians when scholar grades decline significantly or when a scholar is failing
• Attend and support monthly Family Nights/events that invite families into the building

Continuous Development

• Work with colleagues on a daily basis to improve scholar achievement
• Improve professional practice through weekly coaching sessions, weekly professional development and data-driven reflection
• Participate actively in weekly professional development sessions, grade-level meetings, and content team meetings
• Receive continuous feedback from peers and school leaders on your practice and be expected to give the same

General School Support

• Fully integrate into the school community
• Assume additional school-wide responsibilities, such as lunch/recess duty, hallway posts, events committees, etc.
• Manage time, tasks, deadlines and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Be on campus from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and until 5:00 PM on Wednesday

Be willing to take on additional responsibilities as necessary to fulfill Achievement Prep’s mission for our scholars

You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree

It Would Be Nice for You to Have

• A Master’s degree in education
• Teacher leadership experience (grade level lead, department chair, mentor teacher, etc.)
• 2+ years of experience as a teacher of record in a K – 12 setting
• 1+ years of experience working with children in historically underserved communities
• 2+ years of lead experience as a youth coach

Who You Are

You know and understand the power of education and have seen, first hand, that power manifested either in your life or in the lives of others. You are committed to serving historically underserved communities knowing that your work is part of a larger ecosystem committed to change. You believe in a quality public education for all and are determined to serve every child that comes your way. You are unapologetically mission driven and will do whatever it takes to advance the work and ensure scholar achievement. You are excited about not just the work, but doing the work at Achievement Prep. You are familiar with our community and are not afraid of or by all the beauty and challenges that come with living in impoverished communities. You value and respect everyone and demonstrate that respect in words and actions.

You are a results-driven educator who holds scholars to consistently high academic and behavior expectations because you know they can rise to the challenge and grow up to change the world. You approach your practice with a sense of urgency to maximize instructional time because every minute counts for our scholars and receipt of a quality education is paramount to their options, opportunities, and ability to push beyond systemic oppression to live a fulfilling life. You respect timelines and know that meeting the same are not optional or to be taken for granted. You are open to feedback, eager to grow, and bring your best to everything you do. You know the work isn’t easy and don’t expect for it to be. The grind of our mission ignites you. You are not only capable of performing but thrive in circumstances involving ambiguity and nuance. You look for or create the joy in your day-to-day and want to work with others who do, too.

What We Value

• 100% Scholars: You prioritize what’s best for scholars first.
• Results Without Excuses: You set, track and achieve ambitious goals; and you own the mistakes.
• Sweat the Small Stuff: You pay attention to the smallest details to ensure smooth, predictable, and effective outcomes.
• Community Matters – Mightily: You show care and respect for others – even when the work is taxing.
• Unapologetically Mission-Driven: You have a “whatever it takes” mentality in achieving the mission.
• Many Minds, One Mission: You value and partner with parents and the community for the good of scholars.

Why Platinum Teachers?

Our teachers are worth more than gold, they’re platinum!

• Development: Teachers receive ongoing (weekly or bi-weekly) development from school leaders:
  • Formal and informal observations and feedback
  • 1:1 meetings to discuss teaching practice, scholar data, curriculum, and goals
  • Content team meetings
  • Wednesday afternoon professional development tailored to teacher needs
• Compensation & Benefits: Achievement Prep offers highly competitive compensation and benefits
  • Medical, vision, dental benefits
  • Flexible spending accounts for transit, dependent care, and medical expenses
  • 401k with automatic immediate employer matching up to 4%
• It Pays to Stay: Upon completion of 2 full school years of service, employees become eligible for annual loyalty incentives
  • Gifts and Achievement Prep swag
  • Bonuses

Salary - $65,000 - $95,000 (max)

Achievement Prep encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal opportunity employer fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. Achievement Prep does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.