Similar to many charter networks around the country, Bright Star Schools in Los Angeles, California, is driven by a clearly defined mission. The 9-school network serving grades kindergarten through 12 grounds its work in social justice and community and believes in the potential of each of their students. They value their teams and offer holistic support to cultivate well-being and collaboration while fostering a culture of inclusion. To support their staff, they offer coaching and robust professional development, plus various opportunities to lead and grow.
How do we know all this? It’s not a secret. Most schools want you to know their approach because they want to hire people who share their values and are passionate about their mission. To that end, they usually broadcast what’s most important to them on their website and social media pages. And their daily operations and processes–including teacher hiring–tend to reflect what matters most to them.
We asked leaders from Bright Star Schools’ Human Resources team to share some details about their teacher hiring process. Michael Coleman, Senior Director of Talent, and Steven Lopez, Senior Talent and Credential Manager, gave us a glimpse behind the curtain.
Keep in mind that every charter network, school district, and standalone school operates in its own way. But we have found some commonalities around how many manage their teacher hiring processes, especially when it comes to aligning that process to their values. Read on for some insight from Bright Star Schools that we think can help you no matter where you apply.
What are the steps in your teacher hiring process? Our application process includes an online application, followed by a phone interview, an on-site panel interview and a reference check. The process is designed to ensure alignment with our values and mission while giving candidates an opportunity to shine.
What's the average amount of time from the start of the application to the selection for hire process? From the time a candidate submits an application to when they're selected for interviews, the process typically takes about 2.5 weeks. We strive to move efficiently while ensuring a thoughtful review of every applicant.
What are you looking for when assessing a candidate and what makes a candidate stand out at Bright Star? Successful candidates consistently embody the Bright Star Schools’ core values, demonstrate a strong growth mindset, and show a deep commitment to student success. We’re looking for team players who are eager to learn and grow
How do you assess brand new teachers? All teacher candidates are assessed based on our Bright Star Schools Teacher Profile, which includes instructional skill, classroom culture, data use, and commitment to equity. We aim to ensure alignment between the candidate’s strengths and our expectations for excellence. New teachers can stand out by showcasing a high level of persistence, a growth mindset, and a genuine passion for teaching and learning. We’re especially inspired by candidates who are equity-focused, anti-racist/social justice–minded, and demonstrate that they are reflective, eager to grow, and deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students.
If you are interested in finding out more about teaching opportunities at Bright Star Schools, visit their job board here.
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