Volunteer & Student Teacher Application

Mission: Partnership Academy’s mission is to create learning experiences and partnerships that empower students to achieve their greatest potential in order to be positive contributors in their community.

Vision: To be an innovative school that prepares students for a successful future.

About:

At Partnership Academy (PA), our work is grounded in purpose, partnership, and possibility.

As a public charter school located in Richfield, PA serves students from preschool through 8th grade across the South Metro. We are committed to creating exceptional learning experiences that empower students to achieve their greatest potential and become positive contributors to their communities. Guided by our vision to be an innovative school that prepares students for a successful future, every role at PA directly supports meaningful, lasting impact.

Our students benefit from data-driven instruction, a strong English Learner program, and engaging Specials classes. Beyond the classroom, our community takes pride in academic success and strong partnerships with organizations and individuals that help make PA truly exceptional.

Our team is inspired by the opportunity to serve students within a culture that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe strong relationships are at the heart of student success, and we intentionally cultivate a community where staff, volunteers, and families feel valued, supported, and connected.

At PA, volunteers and student teachers don't just complete a placement or service hours—they join a mission-aligned community committed to making a difference.

Volunteers and student teachers stay engaged because they experience the impact of their work every day. Whether through meaningful relationships with students and families, collaboration with PA staff, or hands-on professional growth, PA is a place where purpose and practice align.

We are proud to offer an experience where:

• Volunteers and student teachers see and feel their impact on student growth and success
• Relationships with students, families, and colleagues are foundational to our culture
• Mentorship and feedback support continuous learning and skill development
• Retention remains strong, reflecting a community where people choose to stay
• Our values consistently center students, equity, and a positive, inclusive culture

At Partnership Academy, we are building more than a school—we are building a community that prepares students, staff, and volunteers alike for a successful future.

To learn more about the impactful work happening at PA, visit www.paschool.org.

Duties Description:

Partnership Academy has a strong commitment to culturally and developmentally relevant instruction for all students. Through a highly collaborative culture, PA staff, volunteers, and student teachers work together to provide differentiated and hands-on support for students.

Volunteers and student teachers assist classroom teachers with instruction, small group and one-on-one student support, classroom management, and general classroom operations. Depending on placement, responsibilities may include:

• Supporting classroom teachers with lesson delivery and instructional activities
• Providing individualized or small-group academic support to students
• Assisting with classroom preparation, materials, and organization
• Supervising students during transitions, recess, lunch, and other non-instructional times
• Participating in classroom and school-wide routines and culture-building activities
• For student teachers: co-planning and co-teaching lessons under the guidance of a licensed mentor teacher, and gradually assuming greater instructional responsibility in alignment with licensure/program requirements
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding student information in accordance with FERPA and PA policy

Volunteers and student teachers are expected to model PA's culture and values, communicate professionally with staff and families, and follow the direction of their assigned mentor teacher or supervising staff member at all times.

Qualifications:

• For student teachers: enrollment in an approved teacher preparation or licensure program (Required)
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse students (Preferred)
• Spanish speaker (Preferred)
• Ability to commit to a consistent, agreed-upon schedule for the duration of the placement
• Successful completion of a background check prior to placement (Required)

Commitment to Equity:

Partnership Academy is committed to equity and diversifying our community to better reflect the students and families we serve, as outlined in our Values in Action and Racial Equity in Educational Achievement Policy. Partnership Academy welcomes volunteers and student teachers of all backgrounds and does not deny anyone the opportunity to serve or train with us because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.