Humanities Teacher (2026–2027 School Year)
(Application closes April 8 2026 at 8pm PT) or reach out to info@rootedschoolvancouver.org with questions.
About Rooted School Vancouver
Rooted began in 2014 as a 15-student pilot in New Orleans, founded by Jonathan Johnson, who believed schools
could do more to create real economic opportunity for students and families.
Rooted School Vancouver opened in August 2023 as the first free public-charter school in southwest Washington
and currently serves 65 students (with enrollment goal of 110 for fall 2026) in grades 9-12 across the Greater Vancouver and Portland Metro region with 15
teachers and staff.
Vision (Our Future)
Rooted School Vancouver envisions a future where every student graduates with the skills, confidence, and
opportunities to pursue financial freedom. We strive to close the inequality gap by preparing empowered,
self-directed learners who leave our school with a college acceptance in one hand and a career pathway and/or job in the other.
Mission (Our Daily Work)
Our mission is to provide personalized, rigorous, and career-connected learning experiences that empower
students to know themselves, take ownership of their learning, and pursue ambitious goals. Through culturally
responsive instruction, industry credentials, early-college access, and strong community partnerships, we equip
every student with the knowledge, habits, and real-world opportunities needed to build the foundation for lifelong
success and upward mobility.
THE ROLE
The English/Social Studies Teacher delivers rigorous, culturally responsive humanities instruction that advances Rooted's Graduate Aims and Rooted DNA. This teacher designs standards-aligned learning that builds literacy, historical thinking, civic reasoning, self-direction, and real-world problem solving — moving students toward academic growth, belonging, economic mobility, and readiness for college, career, and life.
WHAT YOU OWN
Plan and deliver strong English and Social Studies instruction aligned to grade-level standards, Rooted's academic vision, and student needs.
Design authentic project-based learning experiences with clear driving questions, strong literacy demands, public products, and opportunities for feedback, revision, and exhibition.
Build students' self-directed learning skills by making goals, data, planning, progress monitoring, reflection, and adaptation visible in daily practice.
Use student data to differentiate instruction, provide intervention and acceleration, and support students furthest from proficiency without lowering expectations.
Create classrooms where students feel known, challenged, and safe — with restorative, predictable, and culturally responsive routines.
Connect humanities learning to Rooted's Closing 228 mission by helping students analyze systems, power, identity, opportunity, and pathways to financial freedom.
Collaborate with colleagues across content areas to design interdisciplinary experiences, align supports, and strengthen common expectations for rigor and belonging.
Contribute to a deliberately developmental adult culture through coaching, PLCs, feedback cycles, and continuous improvement.
WHAT STRONG PRACTICE LOOKS LIKE
Students regularly do more than complete assignments — they work toward mastery through reading, writing, discussion, investigation, creativity, and presenting work that matters beyond the classroom.
Students can explain what they are learning, why it matters, what goal they are working toward, and what they will do next if they get stuck.
Instruction reflects high expectations, inclusive participation, and attention to who gets access to the most rigorous thinking and strongest support.
Classroom culture reflects Rooted's core values: Growth, Excellence, Preparation, Hospitality, and Community.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree required; valid Washington teaching certificate or ability to obtain one.
At least 3 years of successful middle or high school teaching experience preferred, especially with students from historically underserved communities.
Strong content knowledge in ELA, Social Studies, or closely related fields.
Evidence of success improving student achievement through data-informed planning, intervention, and feedback.
Demonstrated ability to build affirming relationships and lead a classroom grounded in belonging, consistency, and restorative practice.
Experience with project-based learning, inquiry-driven instruction, or interdisciplinary planning strongly preferred.
Comfort with blended learning tools, student data systems, and instructional technology that support personalization and student agency.
Commitment to equity, anti-racist practice, and ongoing reflection on bias, power, and access.
MINDSETS WE VALUE
Deep belief in the brilliance of our students — and urgency around eliminating opportunity and wealth gaps.
Willingness to operate in perpetual beta: learn fast, seek feedback, test ideas, and improve practice.
Radical open-mindedness, strong initiative, and follow-through in a dynamic school environment.
Humility, collaboration, and a habit of turning values into daily action.
Commitment to equity, anti-racist humanities pedagogy, and disrupting the narrative that ability is fixed or innate.
Comfort with blended learning tools, data platforms, and instructional technology that support personalization and student agency.
We built planning time into your schedule because Preparation is not a suggestion here — it is how we show up for students. And because Community is equally core, we ask the same team that protects your planning time to show up when someone needs coverage. That's not a tradeoff. That's the deal.
COMPENSATION
Salary Start: $54,000 year
Commensurate with experience. Washington EPOA–compliant.
BENEFITS
SEBB Medical, dental & vision insurance and retirement plan
Paid time off
In-person · Monday–Friday 8-4pm · Vancouver, WA
Equal Employment Opportunity
Rooted School Vancouver is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact info@rootedschoolvancouver.org.
