About Us
Minneapolis Public Schools is a dynamic and innovative district that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to providing a world-class education to our students, and we are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated TOSA, PAR Mentor to join our team. As a TOSA, PAR Mentor, you will play a critical role in supporting the professional growth and development of our teachers, with a focus on accelerating student learning and achievement.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate TOSA, PAR Mentor to join our team. As a TOSA, PAR Mentor, you will provide mentoring, coaching, and other functions to support the effectiveness of our teachers. You will work closely with probationary and tenured teachers to accelerate their professional practices, improve instructional skills, and increase student learning. Your expertise in designing and implementing standards-based instruction, applying differentiated learning strategies, and improving student achievement will be invaluable in this role.
Responsibilities
- Meet regularly with assigned teachers to support their professional growth in the Standards of Effective Instruction (SOEI), including effective and equitable lesson planning, selection and use of culturally relevant and diverse curricular materials, and use of student data and formative assessment.
- Support the professional growth of assigned teachers by modeling exemplary teaching, co-teaching, co-planning, classroom observation and feedback, analysis of student work, and relationship building.
- Accelerate assigned teachers' professional practices to ensure that instruction meets grade level content standards and is aligned with Site Improvement Plan (SIP) goals and district priorities, including equity, social emotional learning (SEL), literacy, and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS).
- Guide assigned teachers in goal setting, using formative data to assess their own practice, and accurate self-reflection.
- Collaborate with administrators and site-based teams to provide aligned teacher support.
- Maintain and regularly update required documentation and paperwork, including the Mentor Log.
- Participate in a mentor community of practice, including PAR Mentor professional development, Mentor Forums, case reviews, and other trainings as assigned.
Specific Responsibilities for New Teacher Mentors
- Accelerate growth and development along the Standards of Effective Instruction (SOEI) continuum.
- Complete SOEI secondary observations for assigned probationary teachers, including classroom observations and pre- and post-conferencing.
- Guide assigned probationary teachers through the PDP process and Achievement of Tenure (AofT) process in collaboration with site-based PDP Coordinator.
- Develop and implement support plans (when needed).
- Facilitate gradual release of mentees over the school year and collaborate with site-based teams in a gradual transition away from Mentor services and onto site-based supports.
- Gather data and evidence to inform teachers' rehire decisions.
- Collaboratively develop and facilitate New Teacher Orientation (NTO) and other professional learning for new teachers.
Specific Responsibilities for Tenured Teacher Mentors
- Conduct assessments of tenured teachers' skills and provide recommendations for PAR services based on observations and consultation with the teacher and administrators (as outlined in the MFT contract).
- Using a teaming model, collaboratively develop individualized plan for the teacher with clear goals, expected results, and timelines.
- Using individualized plan, provide intensive assistance to struggling teachers (Guided PDP and PSP) to ensure teachers are offered and have access to appropriate services in a timely manner that accelerate growth and development and reach proficiency.
- Facilitate regular team meetings to monitor individualized plans, teacher growth and development.
- Using data, support teams in informing decisions for continued services or referral to the PAR Panel regarding the teacher's continued status with the district.
Qualifications
We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced TOSA, PAR Mentor with the following qualifications:
- Valid Minnesota teaching license.
- Tenured in Minneapolis Public Schools in 2022 or earlier.
- Demonstrated success in working with students and staff of racially diverse backgrounds.
- A distinguished track record in hard-to-staff schools.
- Licensure in the following areas: Special Education, Bilingual Spanish, Secondary, or Specialist (ex. Art, music, physical education, media specialist, etc.).
- Minimum of 5 years successful teaching experience as demonstrated by the Standards of Effective Instruction (SOEI).
- Recent classroom teaching experience.
- Experience related to mentoring, coaching, and/or some aspect of teacher leadership such as secondary observer, cooperating teacher, lead teacher or other professional development positions.
- Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing standards-based instruction, applying differentiated learning strategies, and improving student achievement in the classroom.
- Experience with teacher support and development using the Standards of Effective Instruction (SOEI).
- Certified or willing to obtain certification in the Standard of Effective Instruction (SOEI) Rubric and to engage in reflective conversations with teachers using evidence of classroom practice and student learning.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional collaboration with colleagues.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to improving mentoring skills, and meeting or exceeding all mentor performance targets as established by the PAR Mentor Program leadership.
- Demonstrated dedication to personal professional growth, including establishing professional goals and assessing growth along a mentor continuum; engaging in ongoing process of reflection; and inquiry to deepen mentor practice.
Skills and Competencies
We are seeking a TOSA, PAR Mentor with the following skills and competencies:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build relationships and establish trust with teachers and other stakeholders.
- Excellent coaching and mentoring skills.
- Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with administrators and site-based teams.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
We offer a range of career growth opportunities and learning benefits to support your professional development and success:
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the district.
- Access to professional development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring training.
- Collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Opportunities to work with a diverse range of students, teachers, and staff.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Work Environment and Company Culture
We are proud to offer a collaborative and supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our company culture is built on the following principles:
- Collaboration and teamwork.
- Continuous learning and professional growth.
- Accountability and results-oriented.
- Respect and empathy for all individuals.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Competitive salary.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plan.
- Life insurance.
- Disability insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
If you are a motivated and dedicated professional who is passionate about supporting the growth and development of teachers and students, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your cover letter and resume, through our online application system. We look forward to hearing from you!
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