Become a Teacher

Quest to Learn (Q2L) is currently recruiting its 3rd cohort of teachers to join our amazing faculty. If you are passionate about education, enjoy collaboration and are ready to help transform education, Quest is looking for you! The 2011-2012 school year will be our third year of implementation and we will service grades 6, 7, and 8. We expect to hire five to six teachers for our 8th grade cohort with deep content knowledge in math, science (physics preferred), ELA, social studies, special education, media arts, Wellness (physical education and health education) and foreign language (Chinese, French, or Spanish preferred).

Eligible applicants must hold a valid NY State teaching certification (or comparable out-of-state certification) and be fully eligible to teach within the NYC Department of Education. Teachers interested in teaching at Q2L must have a passion for teaching and learning through nontraditional methods and curriculum, an eye for innovation, and a strong commitment to young people.

School staff is encouraged to attend Studio Q Summer Retreat, this year scheduled for Monday- Thursday, August 8 - 25 (Compensation according to the UFT contract .) Staff participation in this activity is voluntary, but strongly encouraged, as it is very important to the creation of innovative curriculum and the continued development of a vibrant professional community.

To apply, please e-mail your resume and a brief cover letter describing your interest in the school to newvisionsstaffing at gmail.com with the subject line “Q2L Teachers.”

Teachers and Professional Development: Studio Q
An integrated and well-supported Professional Development (PD) plan is a key component of Q2L. Our PD philosophy is based on the core values and practices of the school: teachers will engage in prototyping and iteration of their teaching methods and curriculum with a goal of constantly reflecting on and improving instruction. Each day teachers will either have a professional planning period or a team meeting period with either their grade level team or Mission Lab. Each teacher who joins our school will take part in a three year-long professional development program, which includes summer professional development.

Six Dimensions of Teacher Development and Evaluation
1. Systems-thinker: Teachers understand the architecture of dynamic systems and are able to think systemically.
2. Practitioner: Teachers exhibit exemplary pedagogical practices in areas such as: differentiation, integrating content expertise, classroom management, communicating with parents, lesson planning, engaging students in learning, and maintaining an effective learning environment.
3. Designer: Teachers co-design, implement, and revise game-like curriculum with game designers and curriculum directors.
4. Assessor: Teachers design and implement embedded assessment, use data from assessments to evaluate student learning, make adjustments to curriculum based on assessments, and help students set learning goals.
5. Wellness Integrator: Teachers understand dynamics among their students and with other members in the school community. They are able to act on understandings of interpersonal and group dynamics to address student emotional, academic, physical and nutritional needs.
6. Technology Integrator: Teachers are able to seek out, identify, and use technology to enhance student learning.