What role do teachers have in making decisions about curriculum?
All curriculum at DCP is designed by teachers. New teachers are expected to use existing curriculum and work with fellow teachers and administrators to analyze student achievement data to refine and rework curriculum. Curriculum and assessments are reviewed by the Academic Dean to ensure they meet both the California State and internal DCP college-prep standards.

How collaborative is teaching at DCP?
Teachers continually work together in formal and informal ways in curriculum development and teaching. There is interdisciplinary curriculum in the core programs (History/English) in the 10th and 11th grade, as well as a carefully developed articulation between the English and Math classes and the remedial classes that support them. There is often more than one teacher teaching the same class, and while there is one person who is primarily responsible for curriculum, all of the teachers collaborate and contribute. There is also a significant amount of time spent between teachers and within departments around sharing teaching and assessment practice, and the Academic Dean ensures that all teachers have access to on-campus expertise.

What kind of training and staff development do teachers receive?
Teachers receive Beginning Teachers' Support Assessment (BTSA) support to clear their credential as necessary. In August, all staff participate in a one week in-service at which norms of culture, collegiality, and curriculum are established. There are four in-service days throughout the school year and weekly staff meetings. Stipends are available for conferences and workshops.

What kind of administrative support do teachers receive?
The Academic Dean is involved in the observations of all teachers, particularly new staff. In addition, every teacher has a primary evaluator who is a member of the administrative team. Each administrator has approximately seven teachers with whom they work. The administrative team helps teachers with curriculum design, communication with families, and alignment of all aspects of their practice with the mission.

What does the average teacher day look like?
The DCP school day runs from 8:45-5:00, and each DCP teacher has four or five classes. The DCP schedule is based on block scheduling, so the daily schedule rotates throughout the week. Teachers may be responsible for supervising tutorial and/or will have a class of Sustained Silent Reading. (For more details about DCP's Program, view the Our Program section of our website). Once a week, the schedule is modified in order to allow for assembly, office hours, and a teacher meeting.

Is a California Teaching Credential required?
DCP prioritizes hiring teachers with appropriate credentials. At minimum, a prospective teacher must be able to demonstrate participation in a program which will provide a credential.

What other skills should I possess?
Spanish language skills are a plus as well as experience working in urban schools and with students similar to DCP's target student. Flexibility, collegiality and stamina are a must.