Pensar Academy

Our Unique Mission…Pensar Academy exists to develop middle school students with the essential skills to be agents of change in a 21st century global society. These essential skills are to navigate new challenges to resolution, collaborate and communicate with purpose and production, and reach their full potential in post-secondary education to become agents of change within the community. Pensar Academy is a free public charter school serving 4th-8th grades students in west Phoenix/Glendale Area. Misión: Pensar Academy se desarrollan los estudiantes de secundaria con las habilidades esenciales para ser agentes de cambio en una sociedad global del siglo 21. Visión: Todos nuestros estudiantes van a navegar críticamente los nuevos retos de la resolución, colaborar y comunicarse con el propósito y la producción, y alcanzar su pleno potencial en la educación post-secundaria para convertirse en agentes de cambio dentro de la comunidad. Our Educational Model will be a unique within the community. We will be the first school servicing middle school students in this community intentionally designed to focus systematically on excellence in student achievement through:

1. A Rotational Model that integrates through blended learning best teaching practices, Response to Intervention, and technology in all core classes.

2. A Project-Based curriculum.

3. Individualized Growth Plans for every student.

4. A Culture that supports post-secondary aspirations. Our Instructional Philosophy is rooted in 4 basic beliefs. Education must feel and be individualized for students to feel and be meaningful to students.

2. Regardless of socio-economic status, all students can unlock the opportunities of Post-secondary education by “beginning with the end in mind”.

3. To compete in a 21st century global marketplace, each student must possess the 4Cs of creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking to maximize his/her growth and success in life.

4. Middle school years (grades 4-8) are the “make or break” academic years for students from low-income backgrounds. Pensar Academy is currently recruiting teachers for our founding team. See below for additional information. Please send cover letters and resumes to Patricia Paddock, Director of Student Learning, at [email protected]. A Founding Teacher at Pensar Academy possess the follows traits and belief:

Possesses shared beliefs/is aligned to the Pensar Academy mission and vision. Believes everyone can be an agent of change. Believes all students can learn. Possesses a growth mindset to expand his/her teaching craft through openness to coaching, professional development training, and application of new concepts/feedback. Believes that the Arizona College and Career readiness standards are a floor not a ceiling to student achievement. Participates actively in a collaborative environment. Utilizes data to drive instructional decision. Expresses passion in working collaboratively with students, parents, and members of the community. Is open to the construction of effective and engaging lessons utilizing Backward Design. Possesses experience supporting students who are English Language Learners and Special Education students. Constructs effective and engaging lessons utilizing Backward Design. Adheres to pacing guide, which includes specific objectives to be covered daily. Possesses a growth mindset for students and self. Is a leaders and interested in growing within the Pensar organization. Qualifications include:

1. A Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited academic institution. 2. A current fingerprint card issued by the Department of Public safety. (Pursuant to A.R.S. 15-183.C.5) 3. Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate 4. Structured English Immersion (SEI) endorsed through the Arizona Department of Education. Priority Qualifications includes:

1. A Master’s Degree or higher from an accredited academic institution. 2. A Reading Endorsement from an accredited academic institution. 3. Possess bilingual language skills. 4. Have experience teaching the educational models: Blended Learning, Projects Based Learning and Project Citizen or eager to learn. 5. Possess experience teaching ELD, Special Education and economically disadvantage students. 6. Are dual certified in multiple areas such as regular, special education, secondary etc. 7. Are Highly Qualified (HQ) by the Arizona Department of Education in multiple subject areas. Become an Agent of Change in education by becoming a founding teacher at Pensar Academy. Competitive salaries and benefit package will be offered with opportunities for advancement through the Pensar’s Grow Our Own Program.