Work at YES

We are currently hiring for the 2011-2012 school year.  Check out our openings and to apply to help us prepare more Houston students for college graduation.   

Teachers with no prior teaching experience

Each year, about half of the teachers new to YES Prep are new to the profession of teaching.  Either as recent college graduates or professionals in trasition our "new to the profession" teachers were so compelled by our trajectory to alter the educational status quo in Houston that they decided to become teachers.  Because we believe that our teachers are the single greatest factor determining student achievement, we provide support to ensure that our new to the profession teachers are immediately successful.  

Teaching Excellence, our first year teacher development and certification program, provides rigorous and relevant training and individualized support that increases the path of development for new teachers.  Read more about Teaching Excellence.   

"I do not work at YES Prep – I live for YES Prep. This organization is the epitome of change and what is right for students. Here, I feel like I have the power to enact change, nurture it, and inspire it in others." - Nella Garcia, Director of Teacher Development

Teachers with prior teaching experience and certfication

Along with an increasingly strong cohort of "new to the profession" teachers, we attract, select and develop a significant cohort of teachers with a background in education.  Often, these veteran teachers are compelled to join our team to "be a part of a school in which every single person in the building is working for the same mission."       

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR TEACHING CANDIDATES

Applicants for teaching positions in core subject areas (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, World Languages, and Fine Arts) should generally meet the following requirements, the first two being mandated by the Federal government to attain highly qualified status:

• The equivalent of a college major in the subject area to be taught (at least 24 credit hours with 12 of them being upper level courses) OR
• A passing score on the appropriate subject-area TExES or ExCET exam, AND
• A minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0

          Note:  certification is preferred but not required

For more information about certification in the state of Texas, please visit: http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/default.asp

For more information about Teaching Excellence, the YES Prep teacher development and Alternative Certification Program, visit: http://yesprep.org/TheAnswer/topic/teaching_excellence/ on our blog or http://yesprep.org/WorkAtYES/topic/teaching_excellence/ for detailed information. 

TEACHER SELECTION PROCESS

• Application Screening - The initial stage in the selection process is the screening of applications.  Review panels consider all completed applications.  An applicants status will be determined by the quality of an applicants' materials. 
• Behavioral Interview - Candidates with excellent applications are passed on to the interview portion of the selection process when they are asked to demonstrate their fit with the organizations values.
• Campus Visit and Directed Observations - Some candidates will be asked to visit a campus and perform an observation prior to the demonstration lesson.  This stage not only helps a candidate get to know the culture and people, setting them up for success in their demonstration lesson.
• Demonstration Lesson & Technical Teacher Interview - The final major portion of the selection process is the demonstration lesson and technical interview in which outstanding applicants plan and execute a classroom lesson that demonstrates an understanding of great classroom presence and high expectations.  Additionally, candidates will engage in a technical interview tests the ability to reflect on your performance in the demonstration lesson.

Teacher Selection Criteria

YES teachers tend to stay “on the move.” They are energetic in their work mode and thrive from a quick pace.  YES teachers think and act in a way that creates a dynamic, high-energy environment for students and teammates.  Teaching and leading requires tenacity and stamina.

YES teachers think and act like leaders and leaders enjoy the responsibility of guiding others to success.  YES teachers actively seek opportunities to give direction to a team, motivate and inspire others, and are proactive in growing and learning.

YES teachers think and act in a way that values communication.  YES teachers engage in student-centered conversations.  They communicate respectfully with their colleagues on issues they disagree with and enjoy persuading their teammates.

YES teachers are constantly mining for ways to reach higher standards of excellence.  They work to relentlessly refine their practice as teachers and leaders.  YES teachers think and act in a way that demonstrates a willingness to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to improve student achievement.  YES teachers are not satisfied with complacency. 

Aspiring School Leaders

YES Prep is becoming the best place in the country for educational leaders to learn and develop.  Each year, a small cohort of Leading Excellence Fellows engage in the challenging work of education reform through a program that allows them to gain the insight and skills necessary to effect change at a school or organizational level.  For more information about Leading Excellence Fellowships, check out our Leading Excellence page at: http://yesprep.org/WorkAtYES/topic/leading_excellence/

Leadership Positions on the Campus

Leadership in the Home Office

Internships with YES Prep

HOW TO APPLY

Our application system allows candidates to save throughout the process.  Throughout the application process, you will be asked to complete the following: 

• Personal background information including addresses
• Current and work history
• Education and certification information
• An Essay portion