Cadet​/Apprentice Teacher; Residency

Position: Cadet / Apprentice Teacher (Spring 2026 Residency)
SANKOFA MISSION

The mission of Sankofa School of Success, Inc. is to create an environment that is safe, nurturing and seeks to meet students' academic, social and emotional needs using neuroscience, mindfulness, and rigorous education.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title Cadet Teacher

Job Type Non-Exempt - Elementary

JOB SUMMARY:

The Cadet Teacher position is designed for aspiring educators who are passionate about learning, growing, and developing their teaching skills in an elementary school setting. Under the mentorship of an experienced teacher, the Cadet Teacher will support classroom instruction, gain hands-on experience in lesson planning and student engagement, and receive professional development to build a strong foundation for a future career in education.

This role provides a unique opportunity to gain practical teaching experience, receive mentorship, and develop instructional competencies in a supportive and structured environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

Must be currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program.

Must be eligible for or actively working toward a teaching license/certification (if required by state/district).

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

Experience working in a Title I school or with a similar population of children

One year of previous employment experience in a school or working with children

Must be currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program and actively working toward an elementary teaching license. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and eligibility for an emergency license are preferred.

COMPETENCIES:

Growth Mindset:
Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and continuously develop as an educator

Relationship Building &

Collaboration:

Foster collaborative relationships with students, colleagues, families, and other stakeholders and share work with others to maximize impact

Operational Efficiency:
Utilize time management and organizational strategies that maximize instructional impact while fulfilling operational duties with accuracy and timeliness in a fast-paced environment

Adaptability & Resilience:
Demonstrate willingness to try new approaches, show flexibility and patience with change, and communicate concerns and potential solutions proactively as challenges arise

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work closely with an experienced teacher to develop instructional and classroom management skills

Gain hands-on experience in lesson planning, differentiated instruction, and student engagement techniques

Support students in small groups and one-on-one settings to reinforce learning

Participate in training sessions, observations, and feedback meetings to enhance teaching skills.

Assist in developing and implementing strategies to support diverse learners, including students with special needs.

Help create a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

Instructional & Social Emotional Excellence

Support team in fostering an environment conducive to safety and learning that promotes both intellectual growth and emotional well-being

Internalize and deliver rigorous, engaging lessons tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students in environments such as:

Co-teaching with team members

Leading small group interventions

Implementing lesson plans with a classroom of students to provide coverage for teammates

Implement evidence-based instructional strategies and apply neuroscience and mindfulness principles to support students' developmental needs

Data-Driven Practice

Frequently assess and document student skills and growth across academic, social, emotional, and behavioral domains

Utilize common assessments and shared data systems across the team to evaluate student learning and instructional effectiveness

Collaborate with colleagues to analyze student work and assessment data and plan targeted instructional adjustments

Communication & Collaboration

Meet and communicate regularly with team to collaboratively own student achievement

Participate in shared communication systems, including inputting real-time data in a timely manner

Support team mates to encourage meaningful family involvement in the educational process

Collaborate effectively with administration, student support staff, and all staff

Resolve conflicts promptly using reason and emotional intelligence, focusing on solutions rather than blame

Uphold school policies and procedures while contributing to a culture of excellence and accountability.

Professional Growth

Gain hands-on experience in lesson planning, data analysis, differentiated instruction, and student engagement techniques under the mentorship of lead teacher and teammates

Complete all requirements to remain in good standing with teacher preparation program

Attend and participate fully in all professional development opportunities

Solicit and respond to feedback to continuously improve instructional practice

Proactively communicate challenges with a solutions-mindset

Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

LANGUAGE

SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short…