Vertus Charter School
Vertus Charter School, nestled in the heart of Rochester, New York, is an innovative institution dedicated to the holistic development of young men, with a strong emphasis on leadership, responsibility, and courage. The school distinguishes itself through a unique educational model that combines a blended learning platform with traditional instruction, enabling personalized, year-round academics. This approach allows students to progress at their individual pace, ensuring that each learner’s educational journey is tailored to their specific needs and goals. At the foundation of Vertus Charter School’s philosophy are four pillars: Strong Relationships, Personalized Year-Round Academics, Character Development, and College and Career Preparation, each contributing to the school’s mission to develop leaders of character.
A pivotal element of Vertus Charter School’s approach to strong relationships and mentorship is the role of the preceptor. Preceptors are mentors who work closely with small groups of students, providing guidance, support, and accountability. This role is crucial in fostering a nurturing environment where students can grow academically and personally. The preceptor acts as a coach, advisor, and advocate, helping students navigate challenges, set goals, and achieve success. This relationship is foundational to the school’s emphasis on character development, ensuring that virtues such as leadership, responsibility, and courage are cultivated in a supportive, understanding context.
Through its dedicated focus on these virtues and the unique role of preceptors, Vertus Charter School creates a dynamic learning environment where students are not only prepared for academic success but are also equipped to be principled leaders in their communities. The school’s commitment to personalized year-round academics and college and career preparation ensures that graduates are ready to embark on their future paths with confidence, armed with the skills, knowledge, and character to navigate the complexities of the modern world. By integrating these core values and innovative practices, Vertus Charter School stands out as an institution committed to developing well-rounded individuals who lead with integrity, embrace responsibility, and face challenges with courage.
Student population
65% Black
33% Hispanic
1.2% White
.02% Multiple/Other
.003% Asian
School initiatives
- Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring every student achieves academic excellence tailored to their individual needs and aspirations
- Develop a comprehensive mentorship program through the preceptor model, aiming to strengthen character, foster leadership, and support personal growth among all students
- Expand partnerships with colleges and industries to provide real-world learning experiences, enhancing college and career readiness with a focus on leadership, responsibility, and courage
The details
Objective: Enhance academic outcomes and instructional quality through the support and development of teacher residents, aligning with Vertus High School’s mission of leadership, personalized academics, and character development.
1. Pairing with Content Area Mentors:
- Each teacher resident will be matched with an experienced mentor within their specific content area. This pairing fosters a mentor-mentee relationship crucial for the resident’s professional growth, offering them guidance, feedback, and teaching strategies tailored to their development needs.
2. Role as Academic Intervention Specialists:
- Residents will take on the role of Academic Intervention Specialists, focusing on providing additional support for students requiring assistance with Regents Prep and Credit Recovery. This role involves:
- Diagnosing learning gaps and tailoring interventions to individual student needs
- Collaborating with content teachers to develop and implement effective Regents preparation sessions
- Assisting students in credit recovery efforts through targeted tutoring and support, ensuring they are on track for graduation
3. Substituting Classes as Needed:
- To further broaden their teaching experience, residents will serve as substitute teachers as needed across various subjects. This responsibility will:
- Provide residents with the opportunity to manage classrooms independently, applying their learning and adapting to different teaching contexts
- Ensure continuity of instruction during teacher absences, minimizing disruption to students’ learning experiences
Implementation Steps:
- Recruitment and selection: Identify and recruit promising teacher resident candidates who align with Vertus High School’s values and mission
- Training and orientation: Provide comprehensive training sessions covering the school’s curriculum, pedagogical approaches, and the specific responsibilities of their role
- Continuous professional development: Offer ongoing professional development opportunities, including workshops, coaching sessions with mentors, and reflective practice discussions
Evaluation and Feedback:
- Conduct regular evaluations of teacher residents’ performance, offering constructive feedback to guide their progression
- Utilize feedback from students, mentors, and faculty to continually refine the teacher resident program
This plan aims to cultivate a supportive learning environment for both students and teacher residents, contributing to the overall mission of Vertus High School to develop well-rounded, academically prepared, and character-driven leaders.
During residency year
- There is one degree option available at this location:
- 30-credit master of arts in teaching in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
- Meet online with NYU Steinhardt faculty and peers twice per week in the evening for your course work ~15 hours/week
- ~40 hours/week in classroom residency at partner location
- $38,000 stipend or wage from partner school
- Full-day cost details
Estimated Stipend
$38,000
Health Insurance
Same as full-time employee
Start Date
Early August 2024
After residency year
Job After Graduation
Teacher
Estimated Starting Salary with Master’s Degree
$50,000
The figures above are estimates provided by our partners for informational and planning purposes only. NYU Steinhardt does not guarantee these amounts.