School-Based Teacher Leader

Position Title: School-Based Teacher Leader (Full-time Administration)

Date Posted: June 2021

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Reports To: School Principal

Position Overview and Qualifications:

Cornerstone Christian Academy is seeking a School-Based Teacher Leader to join our staff beginning at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Candidates must have at least 5 years of teaching and/or school administrative experience. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university—preferably in education—is required at minimum.

All Cornerstone teachers are required to profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Candidates should demonstrate Christian character, love for children, collaborative spirit, and the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, co-workers, and all school constituents. NOTE: All Cornerstone employees are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Instructional Responsibilities:

The School-Based Teacher Leader is expected to:

• Coordinate with the Principal to plan, implement, and evaluate curriculum and instructional programs for K-8th grade teachers—including learning objectives, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, student outcomes, progress monitoring, and the implementation of access to grade level content.
• Plan and facilitate Professional Learning Communities and grade group meetings to increase student achievement guided by data analysis.
• Support and demonstrate effective teaching methods and practices, procedures for analyzing student data to guide instructional planning, implementation of lessons, feedback of lessons, and school improvement.
• Provide academic and instructional support through coaching and feedback aligned to the TNTP Core Rubric.
• Provide in-class support through modeling and demonstrating best practices aligned to TNTP’s Core Rubric to a minimum of six teachers per coaching cycle.
• Research instructional strategies and resources for school improvement. Participate in ongoing professional development centered on teacher growth, student outcomes, and effective classroom management strategies.
• Involve instructional staff in evaluating and selecting instructional materials to meet student learning needs.
• Assist the Principal with recruitment and selection of new and replacement faculty; assist in monitoring and mentoring new teachers and academic staff.
• Oversee the development, implementation and updating of consistent methods for documentation of assessment of student academic progress, i.e. MAP, PSSA, DIBELS, TEST and other relevant academic assessments.

Non-Instructional Responsibilities:

All Cornerstone Christian Academy staff are expected to:

• Know and adhere to the policies and procedures in the Cornerstone Christian Academy Employee Handbook and Faculty and Staff Handbook.
• Maintain respect for—and appropriate relationships with—every student.
• Establish and maintain regular contact and communication with parents.
• Maintain daily oversight of student discipline, preparing written reports as required.
• Maintain accurate attendance and grade records.
• Maintain oversight of student health and safety, including before and after school yard duty.
• Maintain a clean, attractive, and well-ordered classroom.
• Model the school-wide principles to (1) Respect and celebrate yourself, (2) Respect and celebrate others, (3) Come prepared and willing to serve/learn, and (4) Keep our environment safe and clean.
• Model a consistent faith and daily walk with Jesus Christ in attitude, speech, character, and quality of work.
• Attend all-school programs (e.g. Back to School Night)

Professional Responsibilities:

All Cornerstone Christian Academy staff are expected to:

• Hold—or obtain within two (2) years of employment—certification with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
• Identify and/or participate in opportunities for professional growth.
• Attend teacher in-service days and bi-weekly faculty meetings.

Interested candidates are to send a letter of interest and current resume to: rroberts@cornerstonephiladelphia.com

Download Application

Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Position Title: Middle School English Language Arts Teacher (Full-time Classroom Teacher)

Date Posted: June 2021

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Reports To: School Principal

Position Overview and Qualifications:

Cornerstone Christian Academy is seeking a Middle School English Language Arts teacher to join our staff beginning at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and pedagogical methods that will enhance the english language arts instructional program for 5th through 8th grades. Candidates must have prior experience working with children. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university—preferably in education—is required at minimum.

All Cornerstone teachers are required to profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Candidates should demonstrate Christian character, love for children, collaborative spirit, and the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, co-workers, and all school constituents. NOTE: All Cornerstone employees are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Instructional Responsibilities:

The English Language Arts Teacher is expected to:

• Create a classroom environment that develops students’ skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and skills that are fundamental to literate citizenship.
• Support the development and appreciation of literature of all types.
• Motivate students to read for information and recreation.
• Teach grammar and mechanics.
• Teach the skills of writing text-dependent analysis and essays.
• Develop literacy skills through the reading/teaching of grade level novels.
• Prepare weekly lesson plans following a prescribed curriculum.
• Adhere to the curricular scope and sequence, integrating Biblical principles and Cornerstone’s philosophy of education throughout the curriculum.
• Gather student data through observation, dialogue, testing tools, etc. and design strategies to meet student needs.
• Integrate technology as a tool to engage students in academic content. (Google Classroom, Google Suite, etc.)
• Assign and incorporate a variety of instructional and assessment strategies to enhance learning.
• Use Cornerstone’s Curriculum Map, Common Core, and Cornerstone’s Expected Student Outcomes to implement a rigorous curriculum relevant for all students.
• Employ a variety of instructional methods, aids and materials that will provide for creative teaching to reach the whole child: spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, culturally, and morally.
• Plan a balanced use of field trips and guest speakers.
• Regularly assess the learning progress of students via formal and informal assessments.
• Review and return student assignments in a prompt manner.
• Be available to meet with students before or after school for additional instruction and help.
• Implement Responsive Classroom tenets and strategies.

Non-Instructional Responsibilities:

All Cornerstone Christian Academy teachers are expected to:

• Know and adhere to the policies and procedures in the Cornerstone Christian Academy Employee Handbook and Faculty and Staff Handbook.
• Maintain respect for—and appropriate relationships with—every student.
• Establish and maintain regular contact and communication with parents.
• Maintain daily oversight of student discipline, preparing written reports as required.
• Maintain accurate attendance and grade records.
• Maintain oversight of student health and safety, including before and after school yard duty.
• Maintain a clean, attractive, and well-ordered classroom.
• Model the school-wide principles to (1) Respect and celebrate yourself, (2) Respect and celebrate others, (3) Come prepared and willing to serve/learn, and (4) Keep our environment safe and clean.
• Model a consistent faith and daily walk with Jesus Christ in attitude, speech, character, and quality of work.
• Attend all-school programs (Back to School Night, Christmas Program etc.)

Professional Responsibilities:

All Cornerstone Christian Academy teachers are expected to:

• Hold—or obtain within two (2) years of employment—certification with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
• Identify and/or participate in opportunities for professional growth.
• Attend teacher in-service days and bi-weekly faculty meetings.

Interested candidates are to send a letter of interest and current resume to: rroberts@cornerstonephiladelphia.com

Download Application

Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Position Title: Middle School Social Studies Teacher (Full-time Classroom Teacher)

Date Posted: June 2021

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Reports To: School Principal

Position Overview and Qualifications:

Cornerstone Christian Academy is seeking a Middle School Social Studies Teacher to join our staff beginning at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and pedagogical methods that will enhance the social studies instructional program for 5th through 8th grades. Candidates must have prior experience working with children. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university—preferably in education—is required at minimum.

All Cornerstone teachers are required to profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Candidates should demonstrate Christian character, love for children, collaborative spirit, and the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, co-workers, and all school constituents. NOTE: All Cornerstone employees are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Instructional Responsibilities:

The Social Studies Teacher is expected to:

• Teach elements of history, geography, politics, economics, religion and culture to students.
• Keep abreast of current events and initiate spirited and respectful conversations amongst students.
• Use Cornerstone’s Curriculum Map, Common Core, and Cornerstone’s Expected Student Outcomes to implement a rigorous curriculum relevant for all students.
• Prepare weekly lesson plans following a prescribed curriculum.
• Adhere to the curricular scope and sequence, integrating Biblical principles and Cornerstone’s philosophy of education throughout the curriculum.
• Gather student data through observation, dialogue, testing tools, etc. and design strategies to meet student needs.
• Integrate technology as a tool to engage students in academic content. (Google Classroom, Google Suite, etc.)
• Assign and incorporate a variety of instructional and assessment strategies to enhance learning.
• Employ a variety of instructional methods, aids and materials that will provide for creative teaching to reach the whole child: spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, culturally, and morally.
• Plan a balanced use of field trips and guest speakers.
• Assign appropriate projects used for project-based learning, review, and/or enrichment.
• Regularly assess the learning progress of students via formal and informal assessments.
• Review and return student assignments in a prompt manner.
• Be available to meet with students before or after school for additional instruction and help.
• Implement Responsive Classroom tenets and strategies.
• Utilize assessment data to plan appropriate measurable student learning goals and to assess student learning outcomes.

Non-Instructional Responsibilities:

All Cornerstone Christian Academy teachers are expected to:

• Know and adhere to the policies and procedures in the Cornerstone Christian Academy Employee Handbook and Faculty and Staff Handbook.
• Maintain respect for—and appropriate relationships with—every student.
• Establish and maintain regular contact and communication with parents.
• Maintain daily oversight of student discipline, preparing written reports as required.
• Maintain accurate attendance and grade records.
• Maintain oversight of student health and safety, including before and after school yard duty.
• Maintain a clean, attractive, and well-ordered classroom.
• Model the school-wide principles to (1) Respect and celebrate yourself, (2) Respect and celebrate others, (3) Come prepared and willing to serve/learn, and (4) Keep our environment safe and clean.
• Model a consistent faith and daily walk with Jesus Christ in attitude, speech, character, and quality of work.
• Attend all-school programs (Back to School Night, Christmas Program etc.)

Professional Responsibilities:

All Cornerstone Christian Academy teachers are expected to:

• Hold—or obtain within two (2) years of employment—certification with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
• Identify and/or participate in opportunities for professional growth.
• Attend teacher in-service days and bi-weekly faculty meetings.

Interested candidates are to send a letter of interest and current resume to: rroberts@cornerstonephiladelphia.com

Download Application

Head of School

Position Title: Head of School

Date Posted: June 2023

Position Overview:

As it enters its 35th year of providing an exceptional, transformative education with proven results, Cornerstone is seeking a warm and engaging, dynamic and inspirational Head of School to advance its mission, operations, and profile to the next level of excellence. To achieve this, the Head of School must understand, embrace, and harness Cornerstone’s rich identities as an independent, urban Christian school. The successful candidate will cultivate, steward, and motivate an ever-expanding group of financial supporters and will lead the implementation of the school’s new strategic plan by working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, the administration, and faculty. This is a unique opportunity for an impassioned educator and leader who yearns to make a true difference in the lives of children in an urban setting.

Cornerstone Christian Academy, while currently undergoing significant transition, enjoys great support from its faculty, families, students, and alumni. Working with the Principal, the Head of School is responsible for the academic leadership and accomplishment of stated goal of academic excellence, while reporting directly to the Board of Trustees. The next Head of School will benefit from the current Interim leadership of Dick Ollinger, who formerly served as the successful President of the school from 2001-2020. As well, the next Head of School will oversee all aspects of Cornerstone: the development and fundraising, the budget and longer-term financial management and planning, the safety and wellbeing of all members of the school community, communication within the school community and in the broader educational and geographic community, and ensure the delivery of the school’s exceptional academic experience. As the school celebrates its 35th anniversary, the new Head of School will work with the Board and its committees to plan for either a new school location or reconfiguration of the existing school campus to secure the Cornerstone experience for generations to come in Southwest Philadelphia.

At this crucial stage in its history, Cornerstone is seeking a new Head of School who will have the following responsibilities, qualities, and experiences. Specifically, they will:

• Provide strategic, visionary, and inspirational leadership to drive the continued success and growth of the school.
• Be a visible and inspiring presence for the students, their parents, the faculty and staff, and the entire school community.
• Maintain the existing strengths of the academic program while ensuring relevance and openness to innovation.
• Support the faculty and staff to ensure that they are motivated and experience joy and meaning in their work.
• Lead and be the voice for the public face of the school via a well-developed communications strategy.
• Hire, lead, and maintain a highly motivated administrative leadership team in their work by fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration.
• Partner with the Principal to strengthen the school’s curriculum and programs to meet the educational, emotional, and spiritual needs of its students.
• Collaborate with the Development Office and Board of Trustees to strategically raise funds necessary for the long-term viability of the school.
• Implement clear and transparent budgeting/reporting strategies to manage the school’s revenues and expenses.
• Work effectively with the Board of Trustees to enhance the governance structure, optimize Board members’ expertise, and implement the Strategic Plan.
• Represent and promote the school in the Kingsessing community in order to advance admissions and development/advancement goals.
• Ensure the safety, health, and wellness of all students while under the care of the school, ensuring the building safety program meets all local/state requirements.

Specific qualities and characteristics for the Head of School include:

• Highly relational servant leader.
• Confident, competent, and transparent leader, with a commitment to academic excellence.
• An experienced educator with a deep knowledge of best practices and current pedagogy.
• Possess a strong ability to listen and communicate with high energy and enthusiasm.
• Ability to hold a vision while also being attentive to detail.
• Understands (or is willing to learn about) the educational and political landscape of Philadelphia.
• Strong financial acumen, with a proven understanding of—and ability to create and meet—a budget.
• Strong fundraiser/friend-raiser who is relatable, approachable, and will serve as a public champion for the school.
• Desire to celebrate and serve the Christian mission of the school while leading from their own Christian faith.

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Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact Cornerstone's Consultant Partners, Burke Zalosh and Brandon Jacobs of Carney Sandoe, in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents: Cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;  current résumé; List of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to: burke.zalosh@carneysandoe.com and brandon.jacobs@carneysandoe.com.