Teachers make a difference in the West Michigan communities we serve every day. Our teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff and school leaders are committed to challenging each child to achieve.

At NHA, teaching is more than just a job. Together, we impact lives, one student at a time. Our impact extends through the classroom, the West Michigan communities we serve and across our network of 70+ NHA schools nationwide.

In West Michigan, NHA currently serves the communities of: Belmont, Byron Center, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Muskegon, Springfield, Walker and Wyoming.

Apply for current teaching positions in West Michigan or register your interest for other upcoming teaching jobs.

You’re a teacher. You're a role model, a mentor and a motivator, but most of all, you’re an inspiration to every life you touch. The skills you’ve cultivated and your genuine belief that each child can and will learn will impact your students and prepare them for the opportunities life will offer.

The environment in which you choose to work is important.

At National Heritage Academies, we have a simple approach to education. It’s an approach which allows our teachers to use their individual creativity and talents in a structured, purposeful system designed to support teachers and encourage outstanding student learning results.

NHA is dedicated to challenging each child to achieve. We’re very proud of our successes and the impact we have on the lives of the students we serve.

This impact is demonstrated by the increased rates of student achievement and parent satisfaction seen in our West Michigan schools, as compared to local school districts.

NHA prepares our teachers for success through the use of highly effective instructional practices and measurement tools. In short, if our students are to succeed, we must:

- know how they are progressing and

- be able to differentiate instruction to meet their specific needs.

We must also develop a classroom and school culture focused on learning which will enable our students to become responsible learners and good citizens.

National Heritage Academies provide students with a rigorous and challenging curriculum that is uniquely designed to prepare them for high academic achievement.

Our curriculum organizes student learning around specific topics in each content area. These topics outline objectives that specifically articulate what students should know and be able to do in each content area and at each grade level.

The teaching focus is clearly identified, which allows teachers to effectively develop learning strategies for individual students and provide appropriate levels of challenge.

CHAMPs is a key component of NHA’s approach to developing a constructive and highly effective learning environment.

CHAMPs creates a common language across the school and translates the research on effective classroom and behavior management into easy to implement steps. This program allows teachers to teach students to behave responsibly and structure their classroom in a way that encourages responsible student behavior.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a key component of NHA’s strategies for developing a constructive and effective learning environment.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts promotes respect for other people and is at the heart of NHA’s commitment to helping students develop a strong moral focus. This program enables our teachers to help students develop academically, emotionally and socially. Teachers are trained to use proven tools to create a healthy classroom environment and build meaningful relationships with students.

If you want to capture a child’s mind, you first have to capture their heart.

NHA's focus on student achievement extends to the use of scoring scales which match student learning to grade-level objectives.

Unlike the traditional 100% scale, student work is assessed on a 0-4.0 scale according to specific criteria. This provides every teacher with an accurate picture of their students' progress toward mastery. With NHA's scoring system, growth becomes the emphasis, so students can celebrate reaching their goals no matter where they started.

NHA understands that measuring academic success requires more than the use of teacher developed assessments and state tests.

Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) assessments are administered three times a year at all NHA schools to quantify both growth and proficiency. NWEA is a computerized test that adapts the questions presented to each student based on their previous answers.

This test structure and the method of administration allow us to target the individual needs of our students. The granularity of the information provided helps teachers to focus in on specific areas that require further instruction for the class as a whole, as well as student by student.

NWEA is a critical tool for teachers to ensure that their students’ academic needs are being met.

At NHA, you will find a truly collaborative environment throughout our community, which encompasses over 2,500 teachers and 300 school leaders at 70 schools spanning nine states.

Teachers work together in grade level teams to develop plans and strategies for promoting academic proficiency and growth. Deans and instructional coaches observe instruction weekly and offer constructive feedback to support continued professional development.

You’ll thrive at NHA as a result of your own abilities and our culture, which is dedicated to your success and growth as a teacher. We’ve found that this commitment to teamwork not only fosters your success, but also better academic results for our students.

NHA is committed to the personal and professional development of all our team members.

- Ongoing feedback and support is provided so you never feel like you’re in this alone.

- New teachers are paired with a mentor during the first three years of teaching and receive help with goal setting based on professional standards, curriculum development, planning and school specific issues.

Professional development is not just reserved for new teachers. Ongoing training is provided through site-based in-service programs and our Professional Learning Series. These programs help teachers better understand how to implement new instructional techniques and offer the chance to collaborate with colleagues.

Professional Learning Communities are a key component of training and development for teachers at National Heritage Academies. Educators are members of the professional communities at their schools, as well as the wider network of more than 2,500 teachers, student support professionals and administrators nationwide.

Connections are made between professionals nationwide through the use of tools like Teacher Central, a website which allows teachers to share ideas and resources for improving learning within their classrooms.

National events, like New Teacher Orientation and the Professional Learning Series, also promote the development of professional relationships which are key to growing as an educator and achieving high levels of student learning.

NHA has a customized training program for teachers who are new to our schools.

NHA New Teacher Orientation is a week long, conference-style seminar and training program which ensures that our new employees are set up for success from their first day in our classrooms. Workshops focus on:

- instructional techniques for grade level curriculum

- classroom management and

- parent-teacher communication.

The NHA Train the Trainer program is a professional development opportunity during which school faculty gather for a two day training session.

Each school chooses from a variety of course offerings and acquires the knowledge and materials to deliver workshops to the faculty at their schools. This approach empowers more experienced teachers to advance their knowledge and to impart their experience to their school community at large.

NHA is not only focused on your professional development as a faculty member, but also on your personal health and well-being. NHA has a performance bonus program and a comprehensive benefits package open to all employees.

Personal Development

High performing teachers are recognized at NHA for their contribution to the success of their school and the organization as a whole. We offer a financial bonus system based on a) student growth and  b) parent satisfaction.

Teaching awards are also given to recognize stellar work in the classroom.

Investing in You

NHA has always made a significant investment in its people.

Salary structures are competitive with local school districts, and we provide the benefits you expect, including:

- health

- dental

- 401(k) matching

- paid summers

- disability

- and more.

Additionally, if you have questions or concerns regarding your health, we provide a Blue Cross 24-hour healthcare line. We also make available an employee counseling line at no extra cost.

Click here to view our employee benefits summary for non-Ohio and non-Georgia residents.

Click here to view our employee benefits summary for Ohio residents.

Click here to view our employee benefits summary for Georgia residents.

National Heritage Academies are deeply rooted in the West Michigan community.

Our first school was started in West Michigan, opening in Grand Rapids in 1995. We soon opened additional schools throughout West Michigan and continued to share our approach to academic excellence, moral focus, parental partnership and student responsibility.

Today NHA's Four Pillars are firmly established, and NHA has grown from humble beginnings to serve a current network of over 40,000 students across nine states.

Belmont

• Chandler Woods Academy

Byron Center

• Cross Creek Academy

Grand Rapids

• Excel Academy
• Knapp Academy
• Ridge Park Charter Academy
• Vista Charter Academy

Holland

• Eagle Crest Charter Academy
• Vanderbilt Academy

Jackson

• Paragon Charter Academy

Kalamazoo

• Paramount Charter Academy

Lansing

• Lansing Charter Academy
• Windemere Park Charter Academy

Muskegon

• Timberland Charter Academy

Springfield

• Endeavor Charter Academy

Walker

• Walker Academy

Wyoming

• Vanguard Charter Academy

Meet Andy Allen and Keziah Fulton

Andy and Keziah are the Talent Acquisition Consultants (TACs) for West Michigan. Each partner with candidates to answer questions, explain the application process and determine if a career at NHA is the right match. Their goal is your success, and they would love to hear from you. 

For questions regarding opportunities in Lansing or Jackson, feel free to contact Keziah at kfulton@nhamail.com or 616-464-3595. You can contact Andy with questions regarding opportunities in Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo at aallen@nhamail.com or 616-464-2533.

NHA is committed to partnering with colleges and universities in West Michigan in an effort to find high caliber educators for our schools. We are looking forward to meeting with students and alumni from the following schools at upcoming career fairs.

Mark your calendar!

Meet us at local events and learn more about employment opportunities in your area.

• Western Michigan University (April 18, 2012)
• Michigan State University (April 19, 2012)
• Aquinas College (April 24, 2012) *West Michigan Teacher Search
• Calvin College (April 24, 2012) *West Michigan Teacher Search
• Cornerstone University (April 24, 2012) *West Michigan Teacher Search
• Grand Valley State University (April 24, 2012) *West Michigan Teacher Search
• Hope College (April 24, 2012) *West Michigan Teacher Search