American Classical Academy/Rutherford is hiring its founding faculty to teach its students when it opens in La Vergne, TN in August, 2024. ACAR is a tuition-free, public, classical charter school. It is part of the Barney Charter School Initiative of Hillsdale College, a network of classical charter schools united by curriculum and purpose. ACAR will initially open K-5 and grow to K-12 by adding one grade level each year. ACAR is now accepting applications from new and experienced educators for all K-5 positions.

Each faculty member is a professional who is esteemed and supported by a faculty of colleagues striving for excellence. The faculty is entrusted with practical implementation of the mission of ACAR: To train the minds and develop character in students through a content-rich Classical Education in the liberal arts and sciences utilizing instruction in the principles of moral practices and civic virtue.

Lower School (K-5) Teachers are the primary teachers for a class of 18-21 students in the core subject areas: English (including Literacy, Grammar, and Literature), Mathematics, History, and Science. Lower School Teachers are also exemplars of ACAR's Virtues and actively seek to develop strong moral character in students.

Primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning and teaching content-rich, engaging lessons, primarily using the pedagogical techniques of direct instruction and Socratic discussion

• Communicating frequently and consistently with parents about students’ behavioral and academic progress as well as events in the classroom

• Continuously improving instruction and content knowledge through coaching, professional development, and independent study

• Fostering a sense of joy and wonder in the classroom and beyond

• Maintaining high expectations for both academics and behavior through a commitment to schoolwide policies and procedures and the classical model

Qualities and characteristics of a successful Lower School (K-5) Teacher:

• Bachelors or above in any subject area

• Familiarity with best practices in pedagogy, particularly in literacy instruction

• Knowledge of the classical model of education

• High moral character

• Thoughtfulness and a love of learning

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise

• Benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, and state retirement program

If interested, send a letter of interest, a resume, a one-page statement of philosophy of education, and a list of references to the chair of the hiring committee: Phill Schwenk at pschwenk@rutherfordclassical.org.