2025 - 2026 Upper Elementary Crew Leader
2025 - 2026 Upper Elementary Crew Leader
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$ $ 52450 - 77000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
NOW HIRING for
Upper Elementary Crew Leader (5th Grade Literacy/Expedition Teacher)
Do you crave a diverse learning environment in the city center made up of a crew that believes in deeper learning provides coaching and robust professional development for teachers and takes learning beyond the classroom and into the real world
The Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (DDES) is a K5 public charter school in the portfolio of Denver Public Schools. DDES was founded by a group of parents community members and business leaders seeking a highperforming EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) school to serve a diverse range of families who live work or learn in downtown Denver. DDES follows the EL Education model to challenge students to think critically and take active roles in their classrooms and communities resulting in higher achievement and greater engagement in school.
Our Approach
The city is our campus:
Students interact with their community through fieldwork and servicelearning.Realworld learning:
Students grapple with realworld problems through multisubject learning expeditions and produce highquality work to present to authentic audiences.Whole Child Education:
Socialemotional learning (SEL) and character development are core components of our curriculum emphasized in daily Crew meetings restorative practices and adventure trips for all grade levels.Robust Student Support:
We prioritize small class sizes mental health services intervention teams and inclusive special education programming.Diverse by Design:
DDES is committed to becoming a fully integrated K5 public school both racially and socioeconomically. We focus on antiracist practices culturally responsive curriculum and partnerships with BIPOC professionals to enrich our students learning.
Position Overview
The 5th Grade Literacy/Expedition Crew Leader is responsible for delivering rigorous inquirybased literacy instruction aligned with Common Core Standards while leading expeditionary learning experiences that bring learning to life. Learning expeditions are longterm indepth studies that involve students in original research critical thinking and problemsolving integrating literacy with realworld applications.
Beyond academics the Crew Leader builds a tightknit classroom community and leads daily Crew meetings centered on belonging character development and leadership. The role requires analyzing student data collaborating with colleagues and engaging in professional learning to ensure student success.
Impact
As a 5th Grade Literacy/Expedition Crew Leader you are first and foremost a Crew Leader ensuring that every student is known supported and challenged. Through literacy and expeditionary learning you will empower students to see themselves as critical thinkers researchers and problemsolvers who connect their learning to realworld challenges.
Through daily Crew meetings you will nurture students socialemotional growth leadership skills and sense of belonging. By fostering a culture of inquiry perseverance and collaboration you will inspire students to think deeply advocate for themselves and others and take ownership of their learning and future.
Primary Responsibilities
Deliver highquality literacy instruction aligned with Common Core Standards.
Lead expeditionary learning units integrating literacy with research fieldwork and authentic projects.
Facilitate daily Crew meetings supporting students socialemotional development.
Use student data to inform instruction and ensure differentiated learning.
Engage in weekly coaching and professional development.
Support restorative discipline practices fostering a positive classroom culture.
Plan and attend two overnight camping trips and one day trip per year.
Supervise and collaborate with Teaching Assistants and intervention staff.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $52450 $77000/year (based on experience/hard to fill).
Multiple pathways to salary increases not solely based on advanced degrees.
Step and lane system that rewards dedication commitment and mastery of knowledge/skills.
Comprehensive medical and dental plan: 100% paid by DDES.
PERA retirement plan: With employer contributions.
ShortTerm Disability: 100% paid by DDES (longterm optional).
Paid parking/commuter costs: 100% covered by DDES.
Generous paid time off: 10 days PTO plus 25 days of paid vacation/holidays.
Vision care PERA 401k option and PERA life option available.
Free onsite aftercare and summer camp: If your child attends DDES.
Professional Growth & Development
Twoweek summer PD institute.
Early release Fridays for weekly professional development.
Individual goaloriented peer coaching and autonomy in lesson design.
Pathways to leadership development and opportunities for external PD through EL Education.
Training in restorative practices the Neurosequential Model in Education and culturally responsive teaching.
Our Culture
At DDES we dont just accept differenceswe celebrate them support them and thrive on them for the benefit of our students employees and community. We seek to recruit individuals of diverse backgrounds and support the retention and advancement of Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) within our organization. DDES is inclusive of all people regardless of race ethnicity national origin gender sexual orientation socioeconomic status marital status age physical abilities political affiliation or religious beliefs.
Ideal Candidates Will Possess:
A commitment to continuous improvement through coaching professional development and collaboration.
Evidence of implementing effective instructional practices that increase student learning and growth.
A passion for diversity equity and inclusion and the creation of culturally responsive classrooms.
A proven ability to contribute to a highperforming team and engage in open honest conversations.
The ability to build strong relationships with students and center family engagement in their practice.
A passion for expeditionary learning and fostering student curiosity and critical thinking.
Necessary Qualifications:
Bachelors degree (or higher).
Colorado Teacher Certification/Licensure or an outofstate certification in the process of obtaining Colorado licensure.
Ability to pass state federal and Facility Child Abuse and Neglect (TRAILS) criminal background checks.
Does it sound like a fit
DDES engages in a recruiting process involving initial and secondary phone interviews inperson interviews demonstration lessons group interviews and background and reference checks.
DDES is an equal opportunity employer.
- Innovative and competitive compensation model
- Multiple pathways to salary increases not solely based on advanced degrees.
- Step and lane system that rewards dedication commitment and mastery of knowledge/skills
- Stipended school leadership opportunities ( instructional operational and communitybased).
- Comprehensive medical and dental plan 100% paid by DDES
- PERA retirement plan with employer contributions.
- Short Term Disability 100% paid for by DDES (longterm optional)
- Paid parking and/or commuter cost 100% paid for by DDES
- 10 days paidtimeoff available immediately & 25 days paidvacation/holiday during the school year
- Flexible Savings Account option for medical and childcare coverage
- Vision care & PERA 401k option PERA life option
- Free onsite aftercare if your child attends DDES.
Employment Type
Full Time
