About Alma

Alma del Mar is a K-8 charter school whose mission is to put every one of our scholars on the path to college and to challenge them to be service-minded leaders. We do this by immersing our scholars in a highly demanding, highly supportive environment where they receive a content–rich education. As an Expeditionary Learning school, Alma brings to life a three dimensional vision of student achievement that includes mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality student work.

We’re located in New Bedford, Massachusetts a beautiful coastal city known for its history as the heart of the whaling industry and as a central hub of the abolitionist movement.

Alma gets results for kids. Alma scholars not only outperform their district peers on MCAS, they often outperform their peers in the surrounding suburbs. In some areas, our scholar achievement now matches some of the highest performing schools in the Commonwealth. We have been nationally recognized for our work with English Language Learners.

The Lead Teacher Role

Lead teachers are the core of Alma’s crew. Our lead teachers make sure that every scholar in their grade level achieves at high levels and develops the habits they will need to succeed. Lead teachers stop at nothing to ensure that their scholars’ learning experience is truly powerful.

As a lead teacher you will plan and teach highly effective lessons, work as part of a grade level and curricular team and develop high leverage relationships with Alma families. You’ll receive the support you need in all aspects of your work, while retaining the autonomy to do what’s right for the scholars with whom you work closely every day.

At Alma we believe that we can best serve our scholars by helping you to meet your long-term professional growth and career goals.

Who We’re Looking For

We seek outstanding teachers with the following qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree or higher required
• At least one year of full time teaching experience preferred
• Proven effectiveness leading all students to significant academic gains
• A passion for working with kids and a belief that all kids can succeed
• Humility, resilience, and a hunger to learn and grow
• Strong team orientation
• Infectious joy
• Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply

In addition, the ideal candidate has the following competencies:

• Show me the Outcomes: Filters every decision through the lens of potential impact on their class
• High Demand, High Support: Sets a high bar for self, colleagues and scholars.
• Crew: Believes that working with a diverse crew --with a range of perspectives, backgrounds and communication styles– makes us stronger. Seeks to uncover and address personal biases and structural inequities.
• It's Your Ship: Takes responsibility for the success of their class
• Challenge, Challenge: Sees difficult problems as opportunities to increase capacity and grow skills. Seeks out, and improves through, feedback.

What You Can Expect

• Weekly meetings with a manager who supports you
• Fully stocked supply closets for all your classroom needs (+ a supply budget!)
• Prep periods every day
• A comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Paid sick and personal day, as well as paid holidays, and paid school breaks
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with PPO and HMO options
  • Paid parental leave and short term disability available
  • Multiple retirement options, including a 403(b) with matching
• Friendly, supportive, #almazing colleagues

This is an academic year position starting in August 2026. School hours are 8:20-4:00 for staff.

Compensation: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with full time teaching experience. First year teachers start at $47,150. We offer a comprehensive benefits package. Bilingual candidates are compensated higher.

Alma del Mar is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus.