CCHS Teacher or Teacher Assistant

Chaffee County Teacher or Teacher Assistant 

Position Purpose
Chaffee County High School is looking for a creative, flexible teacher to design and lead elective courses built around student interests, your passions, and expertise. This is a rare opportunity to create engaging, hands-on classes from the ground up for students who thrive when learning is relevant, active, and meaningful.  If you've ever thought, "If I could design my own class, I'd teach…" - we want to hear that idea.

What You'll Do

• Design and teach unique elective courses aligned with student interests and real-world skills
• Create a project-based, hands-on learning environment that engages alternative education students
• Build meaningful relationships and help students reconnect with learning
• Collaborate with a small team in all programming decisions
• Encourage curiosity, creativity, and confidence through flexible instruction
• Adapt curriculum to meet students where they are academically and personally
• This position allows significant autonomy to build elective classes around student interests. Possible course ideas might include:
• Outdoor Leadership & Adventure Learning
• Entrepreneurship & Real-World Business
• Creative Media & Podcasting
• Automotive Basics or Small Engine Repair
• Art, Design & Street Art Culture
• Music Production & Audio Engineering
• Culinary Skills & Food Culture
• Trades Exploration & DIY Projects
• Film Making & Digital Storytelling
• Community Projects & Service Learning

The Students
Our students benefit most from educators who:

• Understand how to build rapport with at-risk students
• Have strong classroom structures and consistent routines
• Hold firm boundaries while responding with compassion
• Believe learning should be relevant and engaging
• Are comfortable with flexibility and creativity
• Understand that school can look different 

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Thinks outside the traditional classroom
• Is comfortable with project-based and experiential learning
• Builds strong connections with students
• Is adaptable, creative, and solutions-oriented
• Believes every student deserves a fresh start and a meaningful learning experience

Essential job functions:

• Develop and Teach Engaging Electives determined by staff and student interest
• Assists and guides students through online and in-person curriculum
• Develop meaningful connections with students, fostering belonging, confidence, and leadership in a small, supportive school community
• Supervises students working on individual projects, offering guidance, coaching, and resources to help students stay focused and productive
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task
• Utilizes educational and behavioral strategies to reinforce instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs
• Facilitate and support individual student projects
• Monitor student internships and work studies
• Facilitate community service activities

Participating in the CCHS community as a whole:

• Support the CCHS mission and vision
• Lead and participate in all-school field trips (primarily day trips, 2-3 overnight per year)
• Connect with local resources to support student academics, projects, wellbeing, and post-secondary goals
• Chaperone CCHS students at joint BVHS/CCHS dances (1-2 times per year)
• Advocate for and represent alternative education in the Buena Vista community

Additional duties

• Supports a positive school environment by supervising breaks
• Maintains accurate and ongoing records to document student learning and behavior
• May assist in maintaining documents, files, and records for the purpose of providing upto-date reference and audit trail for compliance
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Qualifications 

• A CDE teaching license with an endorsement in a 6-12 core subject area is preferred (Minimum of a Substitute Teacher Authorization through Colorado Department of Education required)
• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment Masters Degree preferred.
• Successful prior teaching experience preferred.
• Possible interest in obtaining a second subject endorsement
• Passion for academic content and ability to share passion with teens
• Interest in taking on leadership roles within the school
• Growth mindset for self and others
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with special needs or at-risk students
• Understanding of the impact of trauma on teens
• Confidence with juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously
• Comfort using electronic tools - GSuite (particularly Sheets and Classroom), curriculum websites, etc.
• Positive sense of humor and thick skin

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards Works in standard office and school building environments. 

Contract:   178-day contract based on academic calendar in coordination with the supervisor
Compensation:  Base pay BA Step 1 on the Certified Teacher salary schedule or Certified TA Schedule (placement on the salary schedule is dependent on certification, education and experience) 
                           Benefits included based on Administrative Policy
FLSA Status:  Exempt