Careers - Alice Smith Elementary

Looking for a career in an inclusive environment where your talents are seen and valued? Work with us. Be a part of our vision to transform education.

If you would like to be a part of an inclusive school community on a mission to transform what education looks like — we need you! There are many ways you can help shape our success.

In Hopkins, we seek relationship builders, problem solvers, collaborators, and idea generators to help us create a bold new educational model and to continually improve our processes to enhance outcomes for our students and families.

Whether you’re seeking a full-time or part-time job, exploring a new career direction, looking to inspire students’ learning, or searching for work with a purpose, we may have an opportunity for you! We look forward to connecting with you.

View Open Positions

Apply Online

Open Internal Positions

Connect with Us!

I love how Hopkins is moving like a river. The ebb and flow is beautiful here, and I love our willingness to embrace change, explore out of-the-box ideas, and do what is best for kids.

— Mae Gruss, Eisenhower Elementary Teacher

Why Hopkins?

Why work for us?

When you accept a position at Hopkins Public Schools, you become a valued part of a school community dedicated to vigilant equity and innovation. In addition, you'll find:

Our work culture has a focus on staff and student wellness.
We offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 403b retirement savings options, FMLA, VEBA, and more.
We know that difference and diversity makes Hopkins Public Schools — and the world — a better place.
Our employees are encouraged to innovate and help us activate change.
Opportunities to volunteer and be part of collaborative teams.

Application Process

How to Apply

View open positions in the District.
Complete the online application.
Applications will be reviewed based on the needs of the school district and our selection criteria. After we review the applications, selected candidates may be scheduled for an interview with the individual hiring authority.
Selected candidates will be invited to complete the paperwork for new employees, including a background check.

Equal Employment Opportunities

It is our District's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status. Our school district also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.

Hopkins Public Schools is committed to an inclusive educational program and school climate that affirms the value and supports the full development of individual students. This commitment is expressed through the District's mission and strategic priorities; the Equity Strategy Plan; the Equal Opportunity Policy; the Offensive Behavior Policy; and through compliance with state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, marital status, public assistance status, family care leave status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability, including the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. Equal opportunity includes:

Curriculum and instructional resources that reflect the history, culture, and perspectives of our diverse society.
Instruction that reflects understanding of, respect for, and sensitivity to student diversity and how this diversity may affect learning.
Identification, evaluation, and appropriate education services for learners who have disabilities within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
A school environment that is free of harassment and violence, and that supports each student's opportunity to develop positive self-esteem and experience a sense of belonging.
A staff development program that supports and promotes the principles of diversity education and inclusion.
A staff that increasingly reflects the diversity of the District's student population.
Equitable opportunities to participate in athletic and other activities, and fairness in scheduling facilities and financial support.
Discipline that is administered fairly.
Access to employment and promotional opportunities.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

A procedure is available for the resolution of complaints related to equal opportunity in educational programs and services, and personnel practices.

For more information, or to inquire about compliance with equal opportunity policies and laws, please contact:

Nik Lightfoot, Ed.D., J.D.
Hopkins Public Schools Assistant Superintendent
1001 Highway 7, Hopkins, MN 55305
952-988-4027
Nik.Lightfoot@HopkinsSchools.org

New Employee Orientation

The Human Resources Department meets with new employees to help you learn more about our school district and our policies, benefits, and opportunities. Please call 952-988-4015 with new employee questions.

If you qualify for benefits, please set up an appointment time with Julie Kaczmarek (952-988-4012) to go over the medical, dental, and life insurance benefits package. Many times, your meeting with Human Resources can be coordinated with Julie at the same time.

New employees interested in the school district's health benefits must sign up within 30 days of their first day of work.

Hopkins New Employee Orientation Handbook

Substitute Teachers

Hopkins Public Schools is contracting substitute teacher and substitute paraprofessional services from Teachers on Call.

In order to substitute in Hopkins Schools, please apply with Teachers on Call directly.

Teachers On Call is currently recruiting special education paraprofessionals and teachers to work in our schools on an on-call basis. They offer a variety of positions depending on the specific needs of our schools, including day to day, week-long, and long term.

Teachers On Call is willing to work with your schedule as they offer you opportunities. Together, they will identify your interests, qualifications, skills, and experience, and will match them to the needs of our schools.

Teachers On Call offers weekly pay, bonuses, holiday pay, broker-assisted insurance plans, and IRA retirement plans.

Visit Teachers On Call

Culture

The Hopkins Culture

Hopkins Public Schools is working to set the standard for the future of educating students through a culturally responsive and anti-racist lens. We are fearless problem solvers who know that great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere.

In Hopkins, we want all voices to be heard. Our diversity leads to greater understanding, empathy, and respect for people with different perspectives, beliefs, and life experiences. Everyone belongs here.

In addition to talents, experience, and strong skill sets, we seek soft skills like confidence, creativity, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and global-mindedness in the people we hire.

Sound like you? Apply for a position at Hopkins today!
Together, we are Hopkins Strong.

A group of Alice Smith Elementary teachers and staff hold up congratulatory signs for the graduating Class of 2020.

Vision 2031

In our quest to go from great to world class, we have embarked on Vision 2031 — a vision of innovation to reimagine Hopkins Public Schools starting from the ground up. Vision 2031 represents what Hopkins Public Schools will look like in the year 2031.

See how we are transforming learning.

Learn More

Success Indicators

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#1 choice for students, parents, teachers, and employers. We will be known as a destination public school district for the state of Minnesota and beyond — from birth to age 21.

We will be an employer for the best, brightest, and most passionate teachers who reflect our values and student demographics.

Employers will seek out Hopkins students for their reputation as being global scholars and outside-the-box thinkers who are able to work collaboratively to solve complex problems.

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Seen as a beacon of innovation. Flexibility in education will be important so we can accommodate students' choice of what to study and the method of study that works best for them.

We will expand our curriculum beyond traditional subjects like math, science, and history; and emphasize mental, social, and emotional health using a holistic approach. We will redefine what the traditional classroom looks like through flexible furniture, outdoor learning spaces, experiential learning opportunities, multi-age classrooms, and blended and virtual learning.

A light yellow icon of a star overlapping a graduation cap on a gold background

Cultivate renowned students. We'll help students become exposed to cultures outside their own as we aim for Hopkins students to learn two languages and visit five different countries before the age of 15. We will expose all of our students to new experiences and ways of thinking while nurturing confidence, critical thinking, empathy, and having their own voice.

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100% college and career placement. We will prepare students for success in obtaining their goals once they graduate from Hopkins — whether that is in higher education, trade positions, entrepreneurship, and beyond. A Hopkins education will help students understand, support, and prepare for the demands of life after school.

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Our staff demographics will reflect our student demographics. We believe having a workforce that reflects the diversity of our student population — and our world — benefits everyone. This diversity of our staff and educators brings a broader range of skills, experiences, perspectives, and identities, which increases the potential for increased productivity and sense of belonging.

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Eradication of racial and income outcomes. Hopkins will erase racial and income predictability outcomes within our schools — because every one of our students deserves a brilliant future.

Values

How we show up

In Hopkins, our core values represent how we show up to work every day. The more we are able to embody and embrace our core values, the more successful we will be in our goal of reaching Vision 2031 and truly moving our school district from great to world class.

The values that define us:

Authentically inclusive
Intentionally adventurous
Optimistic innovation
Humility of heart
Vigilant equity
Love

a staff member runs to grab her prize at a celebration

What Our Staff Say

I like working for Hopkins Public Schools because leadership values a holistic approach to equity in education.

— Kenneth Woodard, Human Resources/Payroll Associate

We love and encourage each other to be the best that we can be for a better future for all. Kindergarten is not too young to begin our foundational building blocks!

— Ellen Wu, Alice Smith Elementary Teacher

I was lucky to land in Hopkins back in 1981. I was lucky to have amazing principals and supervisors who encouraged me to stretch myself and offered me opportunities to grow as a professional. They changed my life so I could do the same for others.

— Linda Wareham, Electric Communications & Information Systems Coordinator

Contracts

Hopkins Public Schools employee contracts are available online. Select the contract that fits your role.

Activities/Athletics Employment Handbook 2021 - 2023

Community Education Employees Handbook 2022 - 2024

Hopkins Association of School Administrators 2021 - 2023

Hopkins Education Association (Teachers) Agreement 2023-2025

SEIU Local 284 Maintenance Agreement 2022-2024

Hopkins Clerical Association Agreement 2023 - 2025

Hopkins School Nutrition Employees 2023 - 2025

SEIU Local 284 Teacher Paraprofessionals Agreement 2022 - 2024

SEIU Local 284 Kids & Company/Stepping Stones Employees 2022-2024

Questions about careers at Hopkins Public Schools?

Thank you for your interest in a career within Hopkins Public School District! If you have questions relating to open positions, applications, onboarding, or general inquiries please contact us at HR@HopkinsSchools.org.