THE ROLE

LEAD Charter School seeks an exceptional Construction Vocational Instructor to join our mission-driven community. Our goal is to transform equity through opportunities for young people in Newark. Our innovative model re-engages students through active participation in rigorous, relevant content and standards-driven, competency-based instruction aligned with market demands. Reporting to the Head of School, teachers at LEAD embody commitment, energy, and passion, facing challenges with the support, feedback, and collaboration of teammates and school leaders.

WHO WE ARE

The mission of LEAD is to enable students ages 16-21 in grades 9-12 to master essential skills for success in careers, postsecondary education, and community leadership within a global society. We implement the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) school model, supporting the unique academic and non-academic needs of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling. At LEAD Charter School, we are a vibrant school community that holds an unwavering belief in the power of young people to transform their lives and their communities. We are dedicated practitioners of research-based youth development practices and systems, ensuring every student receives a tailored, personalized, and strengths-based learning experience. As passionate advocates of opportunity youth, we strive to provide the necessary support and opportunities for our students to succeed.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAY

"Being at LEAD has accelerated my career trajectory in ways that I could never imagine. I feel valued, supported, and empowered."

• 100% of LEAD staff feel they are trusted as professionals.
• 96% of LEAD staff feel supported in their work and professional development.
• 95% of LEAD staff feel they're treated with respect
• 91% of LEAD staff say supervisors encourage feedback and suggestions

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a post-secondary vocational/technical school program directly related to the carpentry trade (e.g. framing, exterior finishes, trims, and soffits; cabinetry, etc.)
• Five (5) years of experience performing carpentry work.
• Demonstrated success in raising student achievement with underserved populations in construction training or related fields.
• Strong commitment to youth and ability to work effectively with parents.
• Commitment to NOYN school model and implementation with fidelity.
• Employees must possess a valid driver's license.

ADDITIONAL PREFERENCES

• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification
• State of New Jersey certification as a vocational instructor
• Experience at a minimum journey level or technician level in area of expertise or a minimum of three (3) years experience as a certified teacher in a vocational/technical construction- or maintenance-related training program

HOW YOU WILL THRIVE

• Professional Development: Weekly half-day sessions tailored to support your professional growth.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities to develop and lead school initiatives and engage in career planning for growth and trajectory.
• Supportive Environment: Work with a dedicated, talented, and supportive staff and empowered school leaders.
• Impact: Contribute to a mission that transforms equity through opportunity for young people in Newark.
• Career Bonus: Yearly Resigning Bonus

BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off 
• Health Care Plan
• Enrollment in NJ Pension 
• HealthEquity (Employer paid HRA debit card)
• 100% Employer Paid Long Term Disability
• 100% Employer Paid Talkspace Access
• Metlife Legal Plan & Identity Protection
• Laptop & Supplies for all staff members
• Training & Professional Development

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Designs and implements the hands-on construction-training component to align with the nationally recognized construction trade curriculum-National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
2. Proficiency at identifying common sets of vocational/instructional goals and expectations, and a specific plan for teaching them.
3. Exhibits the ability to acknowledge the common needs of students, while simultaneously recognizing their differences in ability, interest, and potential for growth in a particular skill area.
4. Provides foundational construction knowledge through the installation, maintenance, repair and renovation of housing units. Instructs students on the proper technique of housing repairs and installations in accordance with industry standards and applicable codes in order to minimize and/or avoid violations of building and fire codes.
5. Demonstrates competency in worksite management, housing construction and carpentry-related work. Uses and maintains tools, materials, and equipment in a secure, safe, clean and orderly manner. Selects appropriate tools, materials and equipment for projects at the beginning of each workday and returns all tools, materials and equipment to appropriate storage areas by the end of each workday – maintaining inventory.
6. Ensures programmatic integrity by providing feedback on students’ construction site performance to designated staff. Participates in developing and executing remediation plans. Participates in education/vocational team meetings, full-staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, and other small group/special project meetings, as assigned.
7. Displays a high level of effort and commitment to performing work; operates effectively within the organizational structure; demonstrates trustworthiness and responsible behavior.
8. Serves on a 3-person interdisciplinary team as representative sharing worksite performance insight and developing individualized learning plans. Works hand-in-hand with Advocate Counselors and Academic Instructors to ensure that vocational instruction is consistent with the individual learning plan for each student.
9. Works toward professional growth and meets the role model standards of a youth development practitioner and educator.
10. Displays respect towards the rights and feelings of students, thereby encouraging students to develop attitudes of respect for the rights, feelings, opinions and property of others.
11. Accurately maintains appropriate student records and submits required reports within designated time limits.
12. Effectively contributes to the execution of the student registration process which is inclusive of Mental Toughness planning, facilitation and reflection activities.
13. Participate in weekly education team meetings, full-staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, and other small group/special project meetings, as assigned.
14. Adheres to and promotes the philosophy and objectives of the school and the Board of Trustees.
15. Performs such other duties as may be assigned by school staff in accordance with the contractual agreement or policies of the Board of Trustees.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Salary to be recommended by the Head of School and approved by the board.

EVALUATION

• Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the board's policy on evaluation.