DECA Associate Teacher

DECA ASSOCIATE TEACHER Job Description

Who We Are:

The Dayton Early College Academy (DECA) is an award-winning, high performing network of charter schools located in Dayton, Ohio. Serving grades K-12, DECA’s three campuses are singularly focused on helping children from the city of Dayton gain the skills they need to be successful in college and beyond.

We prepare future college graduates today to become the leaders of our community tomorrow.

• Put students first;
• Demand success;
• Invest deeply in relationships;
• Do what’s right;
• Prove education changes lives;
• Find joy.

We serve students in grades K-12 in the Dayton Public School area; academic proficiency is not considered during the admissions process. Admission is first come, first served.

• 94% of our students are African-American and 72% are economically disadvantaged;
• Over 80% of our students will be first in their family to go to college;
• DECA is committed to providing a rigorous and engaging academic curriculum;
• Our campuses foster an awareness of social justice issues;
• Strong community partnerships are at the core of our success;
• DECA alumni graduate from college at a rate nearly 5 times the national average for first generation college students and on par with their suburban counterparts.

• Are developing and practicing cultural competence in their teaching, teamwork, and leadership;
• Build relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community;
• Provide, seek, and act on feedback;
• Live our Core Values.

The DECA Associate Teacher (DAT) is a full-time, yearlong teaching residency designed for aspiring educators who are eager to learn, grow, and make an impact in the classroom. DATs work alongside an experienced mentor teacher, gradually assuming increased responsibility for instruction, classroom management, and student engagement while receiving regular feedback and coaching. Through hands‑on teaching experience, professional development, and participation in DECA’s school culture, DATs build the skills and confidence needed to transition into lead teaching roles.

This position is ideal for mission-driven individuals who believe that education changes lives and who are committed to developing into exceptional educators within DECA’s supportive, growth-oriented environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (any major); education degree not required.
• Strong commitment to DECA’s mission and belief that education changes lives.
• Demonstrated interest in teaching, youth development, or service-oriented leadership.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to receive, reflect on, and apply feedback to continuously improve practice.
• Strong organizational skills and reliability in managing responsibilities.
• Growth mindset and willingness to embrace a highly developmental, feedback-driven environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse, mission-driven team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with youth in school, camp, or community settings.
• Familiarity with DECA’s core values, culture, and student-centered approach.
• Interest in pursuing teacher licensure or long-term career in education.
• Demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and professionalism.

• Coachability:
  Responds positively to feedback and implements changes quickly.
• Cultural Alignment:
  Models DECA’s “Above the Line” professionalism and values.
• Instructional Readiness:
  Demonstrates potential to lead engaging and effective lessons.
• Professional Presence:
  Maintains composure, positivity, and clear communication.
• Commitment to Growth:
  Reflects regularly on progress and seeks continuous improvement.

• Serve as positive role model for students;
• Demonstrate a positive, supportive, enthusiastic, and encouraging attitude with all students;
• Implement, by instruction and action, DECA’s mission and core values;
• Work under the direct supervision of a mentor teacher to support classroom instruction, culture, and student learning;
• Gradually assume increased instructional responsibilities throughout the year, moving from observation to co‑teaching to…