PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Portland Public Schools is seeking part-time employees to work as Near Peer Mentors (NPMs) for the 2024-2025 school year. NPM placements may be available at the ten PPS high schools: Benson Tech, Cleveland, Franklin, Grant, Ida B. Wells, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDaniel, Roosevelt High Schools, and one alternative school Alliance at Meek and Kenton campus. The program will make the final determination about where mentors will ultimately be placed.

HOURS

This limited-term part-time position will begin July 29th, 2024, and extend through June 30, 2025.* During the school year NPMs must be able to work 10-15 hours a week (no more than 19) during school hours (8am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday). Some evening and weekend hours may be required for professional development, classroom community events, etc.

SUMMARY

NPMs serve as co-educators, community experts, youth advocates, and activists for education while providing teachers with valuable information and insight about how to support student engagement, belonging, and academic achievement. NPMs build a bridge between students and teachers with the intent to ensure that all classrooms are inclusive and empowering for every student who enters the space.

NPMs serve three essential functions in the classroom:

(1) they work in partnership with teachers to create classroom conditions that nurture student cultural identity, cultivate a sense of belonging, and build shared responsibility for learning between teacher-student-mentor;

(2) they offer a community insider perspective to teachers that builds awareness and understanding of the youth experience; and

(3) they build positive connections with students to reinforce engagement and increase aspiration for educational and career opportunities including facilitating college and career readiness workshops and activities.

Portland Public Schools is committed to supporting and nurturing employees in this position to higher levels of leadership. In addition to collaborating and co-learning with teachers in the classroom, Near Peer Mentors will have numerous paid opportunities for professional development including NPM-centered professional development training, retreats, and workshops throughout the year ongoing quality coaching from supervisors, mentoring from NPM Alum, etc.

Under the daily guidance of their Partner Teacher, and supervision from the designated High School College Coordinator, Near Peer Mentors:

• Co-planning and co-facilitating closely with teachers to help create classroom environments that develop positive relationships between youth and adults, foster meaningful engagement and collaboration in learning, and provide authentic connections between real life and the course content;
• Enrich classrooms by modeling student engagement, forming positive relationships with students, helping teachers strengthen relationships with students, and connecting classroom content to their experiences as college students;
• Design & facilitate a series of meaningful workshops and activities to help students cultivate a cultural identity, sense of belonging, and aspirations for educational and career opportunities which may include field trips, discussion panels, guest speakers, etc.;
• Collaborate with program staff and Partner Teachers on related projects as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY

This position is classified as a non-represented, part-time, limited-term position, FLSA non-exempt. Mentor I - $15.45 per hour (less than 2 years of college). Mentor II - $17.70 per hour (verified 2 years of college, unofficial transcript required). Please note that the pay rate may increase due to COLA (cost-of-living arrangements) in July 2024.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be currently enrolled or be enrolled within 90 days of the hire date in a college, trade school, internship, or apprenticeship program;
• Must be at least 18 years old;
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of a group and sharing personal experiences as a student;
• Experience and/or ability to work with and appreciate individuals from diverse backgrounds;
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, students, parents, and other members of the school community;
• Must be able to plan, prepare, design, and lead mini-lessons, workshops, and panels in subjects related, but not limited to socio-emotional skills, non-cognitive skills, financial aid, and scholarship access, the college application process, and college and career decision-making;
• Must be familiar with or willing to learn to use the following G Suite applications: Gmail, (including documents, spreadsheets, slides, and forms), Google Meet, and Google Calendar.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with the schools and communities Portland Public Schools serve;
• Experience working with middle and/or high school youth;
• Experience in a leadership role or learning in related courses (e.g. leadership development, social work, youth development, etc.)
• One year, or more, of experience as a near-peer mentor (previously known as a College Advocate Mentor);
• Preference will be given to DACA students;
• Preference will be given to bilingual applicants.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: As this job entails close relationship building and positive mentorship with teachers and students, if hired, Near Peer Mentors are expected to serve for the entire school year to maintain a consistent presence for students. Peer Mentors are also expected to engage in ongoing professional development, staff retreats, and other collaborative opportunities.

• 3-Day New Hire Orientation: July 29th, 30th & July 31st, 2024 (Mandatory)
• Summer Community of Practice Training: August 5th, 6th & 8th, 9th, 2024 (Mandatory)
• Beginning of PPS School Year: August 27, 2024