Middle School Teacher Resident
CQA Next Middle School Teacher Resident
ABOUT CQA Next
CQA Next is committed to developing a diverse and highly skilled teaching workforce by combining immersive classroom experience with rigorous academic preparation. Our mission is to cultivate homegrown educators who are deeply invested in our students, our community, and the future of education.
At CQA, we believe that great teachers are made, not found. Our residency program is designed to redefine teacher preparation, prioritizing equity, innovation, and long-term teacher retention. Together, we are building a sustainable pipeline of educators who will shape the future of learning and transform student outcomes for generations to come.
ABOUT THE ROLE
At CQA Next, teacher residents engage in a two-year residency model that provides aspiring teachers with the tools, intensive and intentional coaching, and real-world practice needed to enter the classroom as confident, high-impact educators. By integrating hands-on teaching, guided observation, and graduate-level coursework, we ensure that residents not only master the art of instruction but also develop the resilience, cultural consciousness, and leadership skills necessary to create lasting change in their classrooms. At the end of the residency program, successful residents will earn a master's degree from our university partner, as well as dual NYS certification in General and Special Education Grades 1-6. They will also have the opportunity to become a lead teacher at a CQA school.
This role is specifically for residents placed in a middle school (grades 6-8) setting, working alongside our lead classroom teachers with the support of their instructional coach within a departmentalized instructional model and supporting the distinct academic and social-emotional needs of early adolescent learners.
To learn more about CQA Next, check out our website: https://www.centralqueensacademy.org/aboutcqanext
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist and partner with classroom teachers to ensure all classroom instruction and routines are executed smoothly. Will be expected to be able to lead parts of the school curriculum and program starting on day 1.
- Support summer school programming to help set students up for success for the coming school year.
- Serve as our in-house substitute teacher and gain experience in multiple grades and multiple disciplines.
- Provide targeted small group instruction to scholars identified for intervention to support their reading and math development.
- Teach a Specials class — a teacher-designed enrichment club that gives students access to explore interests and topics outside of the regular academic program.
- Support content-area instruction within a departmentalized structure, collaborating with your assigned subject-area teams to co-plan and co-lead instruction and pacing.
- Contribute to advisory and social-emotional learning programming designed for early adolescents, helping students build self-advocacy, organization, and independence.
- Support students through key middle school transitions, including the shift from self-contained elementary classrooms and preparation for high school readiness.
- Fully participate in our customized graduate program experience built through the continued collaboration with our university partner.
- Attend all seminars and classes as well as collaborate closely with their assigned residency coach to get feedback on performance and to strengthen pedagogical skill.
- Complete all requirements and necessary exams by assigned deadlines in order to complete the master’s program within two years.
QUALITIES OF AN IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Lifelong learners who readily embrace feedback and coaching
- Motivated individuals with strong self-efficacy and goal setting abilities
- Ability to handle fast-paced situations and independently self-advocate for themselves
- Capable of handling rigorous graduate-level coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher, with consideration for context and growth trajectory.
- Has a BA from an accredited college or university. The program must be completed by the start of the residency program in July.
- Sensitivity to others, flexibility, self-awareness, and a willingness and capacity to engage in self-reflection
- Experience working with or connection to the communities we serve
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with both children and adults
- Demonstrates cultural humility and commitment to equity in education
- Committed to making a positive impact on children and families and the larger education field
- Solid content-area knowledge in at least one core middle school subject (ELA, Math, Science, or Social Studies)
- Understanding of adolescent development and a genuine interest in working with early adolescent learners
- Comfortable navigating a departmentalized instructional model and collaborating across a content-area team
- Agrees to a 3-year commitment to teach at CQA at the completion of the residency program if they are offered a role.
COMPENSATION
- Starting salary $50,000/yr +
- Free Master’s Degree - All program fees and tuition covered by CQA
- Retirement plan participation
- Comprehensive medical benefits and thoughtful maternity and paternity leave
HOW TO APPLY
The application process includes the following steps:
- Get to Know Us - Head to our website for more details. Email us at admissions.cqanext@centralqueensacademy.org to connect with a team member to learn more about the program and to see if it is a good fit. Be sure to check out our FAQs.
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Confirm Your Eligibility - Ensure you are meeting the eligibility requirements mentioned above.
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Submit your application - Send an updated resume to admissions.cqanext@centralqueensacademy.org. In your email subject, please make sure to include your name.
Central Queens Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer