Elementary/Middle School Counselor

School Year 2024 -2025

Position Type: 10-Month

• 187 Teacher Days
• 15 Professional Development Days (7:45 am - 12pm)
• 6 Rest, Refocus, Recharge (no classes)

Houston Gateway Academy, Inc(HGA). is a charter school located on 45 south and Woodridge Dr. about 7 minutes away from Downtown Houston. We currently serve about 2,000 scholars in grades PK-3 through 12th grade. Most of our students, if not all, are first generation. HGA has a very unique and highly effective school model with the essential components that fully supports and push academic rigor, equity and innovation:

• Dual Language Program - English and Spanish instruction is provided for scholars starting in Pre - K 3 existing in first grade.
• Mandatory Extended School Day for all Scholars (Pre - K - Grade 12) - At HGA instruction begins at 7:45 am and ends at 4:15 pm Mondays - Thursday. On Fridays instruction begins at 7:45 am and ends at 2:30 pm.
• Standards Based Instruction - HGA follows the state developed curriculum (TEKS) and fully complies with all academic accountability requirements that include participation in STAAR.
• Data Tracking to Monitor Progress and Drive Instruction - It includes beginning of the year diagnostic assessments for all scholars, midyear benchmarks in December, IOWA (ITBS), STAAR, weekly assessments, PSAT, SAT and reading Running Records.
• Professional Development - In collaboration with our area's education service center (Region IV) teachers receive training based on areas of need.
• Ongoing Coaching Support from Our Instructional Leaders - Regular classroom visits from principals and superintendent allow teachers to receive feedback that targets precise praise, areas of improvement, and action steps.
• College Readiness - All scholars in grades 8th - 12th are required to take PSAT and SAT.
• Co-Teachers - Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be effective teachers.
• Strong Parental Commitment - Our Empowered Parent Coalition Program provides required parent sessions covering a wide variety of topics.
• Character Development - Strong emphasis is placed in modeling and teaching scholars HGA's core values: high expectations, grit and achievement.

The School Counselor will assist students in areas of academic achievement, personal or social development, and career exploration so that each student can identify personal goals, strengths, weaknesses, and interests and grow to become a well-adjusted and productive adult.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assesses the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of students through a variety of means including one-on-one assessments, conversations, or interviews; standardized or aptitude testing; small group activities; and observations throughout the school day.

Teaches a variety of skills including social skills, study skills, and test-taking skills.

Counsels students with personal, social, disciplinary, and behavioral issues.

Collaborates with teachers to identify ways to improve the achievement and social development of students.

Promptly notifies appropriate authorities of any reports or suspicions of crimes, abuse, or neglect.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
• Valid Texas School Counselor Certification required (SBEC)
• Satisfactory outcome of a background check. Employees are responsible for a non-refundable fingerprinting fee (approximately $50.00).
• Highly preferred bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Salary $66,000.00 (non-negotiable)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $66,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Grade levels:

• 1st grade
• 2nd grade
• 3rd grade
• 4th grade
• 5th grade
• 6th grade
• 7th grade
• 8th grade
• Elementary school
• Middle school

Physical setting:

• Charter school
• School

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Language:

• English and Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Texas School Counselor Certification (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Houston, TX 77087: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person