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6-12 Electives Teacher
JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: 6–12 Electives Teacher (Post-Secondary & Environmental Education Focus)
Location: North Lakes Academy (NLA), Forest Lake, Minnesota
Position Type: Full-Time, 2026–2027 School Year
Reports To: K–12 Principal

Compensation: $41,400–$69,700 based on experience
Benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Coverage, Paid Time Off (PTO), TRA or PERA Contributions, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and access to a range of additional benefits, such as short-term disability and accident insurance

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About North Lakes Academy

North Lakes Academy is a public charter school serving students in grades K–12. At NLA, we provide a rigorous curriculum in a safe, small-school setting where each student is known as an individual. We value strong relationships, student voice, environmental stewardship, and meaningful family partnerships. Our dedicated staff work collaboratively to support the growth of the whole student—academically, socially, and emotionally.

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Position Overview

North Lakes Academy is seeking a dynamic, student-centered 7–12 Electives Teacher with a strong emphasis on post-secondary readiness and environmental education. This position is an exciting opportunity to design and deliver innovative, project-based elective courses that connect classroom learning to real-world applications, career pathways, and environmental stewardship.

The ideal candidate is passionate about engaging students through hands-on learning experiences, fostering student voice, and preparing learners for success beyond high school—whether in college, careers, or technical fields.

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Required Qualifications:

  • Valid Minnesota teaching license (or ability to obtain through tiered licensure) in a relevant area (any valid 6-12 license, Science or ELA preferred)

  • Experience working with middle and/or high school students

  • Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills

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Preferred:

  • Experience with project-based learning and/or interdisciplinary instruction

  • Background in environmental education, sustainability, or related field

  • Experience with career and college readiness programming or work-based learning

  • Familiarity with blended/online learning platforms (e.g., Schoology, Edmentum)

  • Ability to build partnerships with community and industry stakeholders

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Desired Characteristics

  • Student-centered and relationship-driven

  • Innovative and flexible in instructional design

  • Passionate about real-world learning and career pathways

  • Strong communicator and collaborator

  • Committed to equity and meeting students where they are

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Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary commensurate with experience per NLA salary schedule

  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement

  • Professional development opportunities and leadership pathways

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Key Responsibilities:

Instruction & Curriculum Development

  • Design and teach engaging elective courses aligned to Minnesota state standards with a focus on:

    • Post-secondary readiness (career exploration, college readiness, financial literacy, work-based learning)

    • Environmental education (sustainability, conservation, environmental science applications)

  • Incorporate project-based learning (PBL) and interdisciplinary approaches

  • Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs, including students in general education, special education, and alternative pathways

  • Utilize blended learning tools (e.g., Schoology, Edmentum) to support flexible and personalized learning

Student Support & Engagement

  • Build strong relationships with students to foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment

  • Support students in developing post-secondary plans through career exploration and goal-setting

  • Collaborate with advisory teachers and support staff to monitor student progress and engagement

  • Facilitate opportunities for student leadership, voice, and choice in learning

Collaboration & School Involvement

  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to align curriculum and integrate cross-disciplinary projects

  • Partner with community organizations, local businesses, and industry professionals to enhance learning opportunities

  • Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), staff meetings, and ongoing professional development

  • Contribute to school initiatives related to environmental education and post-secondary programming

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To apply, please submit the following materials directly to lclaiborne@northlakesacademy.org:

  • Letter of interest

  • Resume

  • Copy of teaching license

  • Three professional references

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Please also verify that the job is still open by checking whether it is listed on our website. Positions will remain open until filled. 

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North Lakes Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our community and supports all students.

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LEARN MORE:

NLA website: http://www.northlakesacademy.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nlacharterk12
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nlacharterk12/

 

For more information about this posting, please reach out to:
Executive Assistant, Lauren Claiborne:
lclaiborne@northlakesacademy.org

 

North Lakes Academy, where who you BECOME is as important as what you ACHIEVE.​​

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