Teacher for Next GED Larimer County

Who We Are

Zero Dropouts is dedicated to designing innovative student development opportunities in collaboration with school districts communities and students. Our mission is to cocreate solutions that recognize foster and unleash students unrealized potential so that their lives are transformed as they thrive in their education and work.

Next GED programs provide youth ages 1720 with flexible supportive pathways to earn a high school equivalency credential while gaining essential life skills and exploring future career and education opportunities. In addition to academics we prioritize wraparound support and connect students with resources that address barriers to learning and engagement. At no cost to youth including GED testing fees Next GED creates an accessible and empowering environment equipping young people with the tools and confidence to thrive.

What We Believe

Our foundational beliefs guide every aspect of our work:

We Believe Mysteries are Opportunities
We are inspired to solve the deeply complex mysteries that face our world. Our innovative approach drives us to uncover hidden truths and create tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of our clients and communities.

We Believe in AntiDeficit Ideology
Antideficit ideology focuses on recognizing and valuing the strengths abilities and potential of individuals and communities rather than highlighting their shortcomings or deficiencies.

We Believe in a Sociocultural Model for Learning
People develop knowledge and skills through an active learning process that encourages interactions with teachers peers and their communities. We meet people where they are in their learning journeys centering their experiences and identities in the process to foster both independent learning and collaboration.

We Believe in a Power With Approach to Relationships
We use a power with approach that emphasizes collaboration mutual support and collective empowerment in our relationships with youth partners and each other. Instead of hierarchical or competitive dynamics it focuses on sharing power fostering partnerships and working together to achieve common goals.

We Believe Organizations are Living Systems
We believe that organizations and groups operate as dynamic living systems. This perspective emphasizes interdependence and collaboration fostering resilience and adaptability. By nurturing supportive relationships and collective growth we create conditions and environments where all members can thrive.

Who You Are

You are a licensed studentcentered educator with a strong foundation in sociocultural learning approaches. You understand that teaching is not just about delivering content or preparing students for a testits about walking alongside young people as they navigate complex barriers disruptions and evolving circumstances that impact their learning and lives.

You design inclusive responsive learning experiences that adapt to students emerging needs strengths and identities. You recognize that each student arrives with a unique story and you meet them where they areacademically socially and emotionally. Whether students are rebuilding confidence after disrupted learning or balancing reallife responsibilities you cocreate flexible pathways that honor their realities and support their growth. Your instruction integrates academic content with essential life skills durable mindsets and postsecondary exploration helping students move toward their goals with clarity and purpose.

You foster a classroom culture rooted in belonging curiosity and shared purpose. You understand that students thrive in environments where they feel connected valued and seen and you intentionally build community through empathy mutual respect and collaboration. With strong interpersonal and culturally responsive communication skills you establish authentic relationships that are foundational to student success.

Your approach is dynamic studentdriven and rooted in adaptability. You are skilled at identifying shifts in student engagement needs and capacityand you adjust accordingly. You create space for students to explore their own why engage in meaningful reflection and take ownership of their growth. You bring creativity flexibility and a problemsolving mindset to your teaching leveraging innovation and collaboration to remove barriers and make learning relevant and accessible.

Above all you believe deeply in the power and potential of every student. You see education as a tool for transformationnot only by building academic strength but by instilling a sense of belonging agency and possibility that empowers students to thrive in school in work and in life.

Your Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

• Create and deliver engaging lessons and activities that align with students needs interests goals and abilities through whole class lessons small group sessions and/or oneonone instruction.
• Design and implement learning experiences and targeted interventions that go beyond test preparation to foster durable skills positive learning habits and readiness for realworld application.
• Embed college career and civic readiness into instruction helping students understand the relevance of their learning in broader life contexts.
• Support students in actively exploring postsecondary optionsincluding higher education training programs and career pathwaysso they are equipped to make informed choices when ready.
• Foster a sense of belonging and community within the classroom emphasizing sociocultural learning empathy shared responsibility and collaboration.
• Support students in developing agency to achieve academic and personal development goals.
• Foster a safe inclusive environment grounded in respect and dignity encouraging a culture where all students and staff feel valued.
• Build mutually respectful relationships that promote a sense of selfworth and community within the learning environment.

Student Support & Advocacy

• Provide advising and mentorship to students guiding them toward academic achievement and personal growth while recognizing the interplay between academic social and emotional factors.
• Engage in outreach with students and families to support engagement and build trust through authentic relationshipcentered practices.
• Cultivate partnerships with educational institutions community organizations and stakeholders to build a sustainable network of support for students and the broader community.
• Connect students and families with comprehensive wraparound supports including academic socialemotional and basic needs resources ensuring a holistic approach to student success.
• Demonstrate a commitment to holding the hope for students by consistently believing in their potential refusing to give up or dismiss them even when they struggle to engage or believe in themselves.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Track and monitor student progress through ongoing assessments and data collection using insights to refine program delivery and customize instruction.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance performance and other metrics to document program impact and inform decisionmaking.
• Collaborate with project teams to collect both qualitative and quantitative data that demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Coordinate with the broader Next team to ensure students are retaking GED Ready tests at an appropriate cadence and in accordance with established guidelines
• Monitor student readiness for Official GED subject tests and support students in scheduling and preparing for those assessments in a timely and proactive manner.

Professional Development

• Pursue individual development through continuous growth and learning seeking opportunities for professional development reflection and collaboration that enhance instructional practices and deepen understanding of diverse student needs.
• Engage thoughtfully in professional development opportunities provided by Zero Dropouts aligning with the organizations principled approach and commitment to a living systems model that emphasizes interdependence adaptability and collective growth.
• Stay informed on evidencebased practices and research in GED preparation and postsecondary readiness.

Collaboration

• Regularly meet with other Zero Dropouts staff to ensure alignment and consistency across programs.
• Utilize communication platforms (e.g. Outlook Teams Coda) to maintain professional timely engagement with colleagues students and stakeholders.
• Build and nurture district and community partnerships by fostering trust and mutual benefit through events recruitment support enrichment opportunities and servicelearning projectsemphasizing the value of cocreating solutions that attract and engage collaborators.
• Collaborate on Zero Dropouts Design Teams for program and product development as needed.
• Work to support the building and sustaining of interdependence within the organization.

Additional Responsibilities

• Comply with program and district policies maintaining accurate and thorough records as required.
• Flexibly contribute to the organizations overall mission and support additional projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree
• Colorado Teaching License 712 or eligibility to transfer a valid outofstate teaching license to Colorado
• Ability to support students across multiple academic content areas.
• Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft applications
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Expertise in building rapport across diverse backgrounds cultural competence and adapting communication for various stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish proficiency in speaking reading and writing.
• Colorado Teaching License with an endorsement in Math 712.
• Background in working with youth in alternative educational or communitybased settings such as credit recovery programs GED preparation and wraparound services.
• Familiarity with Larimer County communities potential partnerships and available resources
• Experience using educational platforms such as Edgenuity Aztec Synergy Infinite Campus
• Experience working with IEPs 504s and ELD populations.
• Experience in case management including tracking student progress and resource or career navigation.
• Knowledge of Colorados community college and career technical education systems particularly regarding the transition from secondary to postsecondary education.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit your application materials through our website .

WORK SCHEDULE: This is a fulltime position. ZD employees work yearround with flexibility for academic breaks.

COMPENSATION: This is an exempt position with a salary based upon qualifications knowledge and relevant experience with a range is $/year

BENEFITS: Company 401K plan with Employer Contribution Match Medical Dental & Vision Coverage Paid Time Off (Sick Time Holidays Flexible Vacation) Life Insurance; Not PERA eligible.