Mission: We offer an innovative model that reflects why you became an educator:

-- Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Our school name comes from the Sankofa bird, a symbol from the Akan people of Ghana that represents the importance of reflecting on the past to build a successful future. We use culturally responsive pedagogy and deep community partnership to work towards a thriving future for our children and for the Arlington Woods community.
-- Whole Child Focus: Our Innovation School model was intentionally designed to build intellect alongside social and emotional skills.
-- Trauma Informed Care: We work hard to keep kids in school, using skill building and wraparound supports to address root causes while avoiding harmful suspensions and expulsions.

Opportunity to Earn More: We value our people and invest in work that gets results for students:
-- Elevated Primary Pay: We’re investing heavily in foundational literacy. Salaries for Grades K-2 teachers start at $60,000!
-- Annual Raises: Continue to grow your salary through annual performance-based raises.
-- Career Ladder: We offer numerous opportunities to grow within our team, including paid teacher leadership roles that allow educators to make a bigger impact and earn more money while still working with students.

Work Life Balance: We want education to be a sustainable and healthy career, so we built our school schedule and calendar to create strategic balance and breaks for our staff.
-- Weekly Half Day Schedule: Every Thursday, our staff have a half day without students to create meaningful time for collaboration, learning, and to-dos during normal work hours.
-- Mental Health Week: In addition to fall, winter, and spring breaks, we have an extra one week break away from school during February, because educators deserve time to refresh and recharge during the busy second semester.

Professional Growth: We are known for pouring into our staff and helping grow educators who are leaders in the field. We work in teams so you are never alone in reaching your goals for students!
-- Nationally Recognized Leadership: Learn alongside our Executive Director Tihesha Henderson, 2022 IPS Principal of the Year and a national school culture trainer and author.
-- Team Teaching Model: We are launching an innovative team teaching model that helps teachers to collaborate under the direction of a peer leader with support from colleagues and apprentice teachers. You are not alone in serving your students’ many needs.
-- Instructional Coaching: Our dedicated instructional coaches will be side-by-side with you, providing real time support in the classroom to help you grow and reach your goals.