Job Summary:

The Lead Teacher is a professional leader in organizing the Education Department in partnership with Program Director or designee. The Lead Teacher is responsible for curriculum development which facilitates instruction appropriate for students with a variety of academic competencies, backgrounds, skills, and learning needs. To design and implement daily instruction of all core subject areas to include: ESL, PE and Vocational Courses. The Lead Teacher is to promote a positive climate of learning and excellence where students have the opportunity to enhance their developmental growth. #SWWR

Essential Functions:

• Ensure the initial Academic Diagnostic Assessment is administered to youth within 72 hours upon arrival to the shelter and administer the post Academic Diagnostic Assessment within 45 days from the date of the initial assessment.
• Monitor and ensure that Educators complete and submit weekly Individual Educational Plans for all youth assigned to their classroom.
• Review and approve all lesson plans for academic and vocational courses submitted by Educators.
• Coordinate Physical Education instruction with Shift Supervisor, Shift Leader or Program Director to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Maintain a record of student’s academic progress (grade book) for the development of report cards.
• Review all report cards completed by Educators to ensure accuracy for submission to the case file.
• Coordinate the ordering, purchasing, and inventory of educational materials for distribution to all Educators.
• Review and coordinate Educators schedules and requests for leave with Shift Leader, Shift Supervisor and Program Director.
• Promote mentorship within the Education Staff to increase knowledge and skills in teaching practices.
• Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment of respect and rapport to ensure a positive learning experience for youth with diverse backgrounds.
• Organize and prepare materials for daily instruction.
• Utilize the SWK adopted curriculum to ensure compliance with National Academic Standards.
• Individualize lesson plans to meet each students academic level.
• Develop Individualized Educational Plans to report and document student’s developmental progress (cognitive, emotional, social and physical).
• Use effective instructional strategies to meet the academic needs of the students.
• Provide a vocational course and curriculum in a subject area approved by program director or designee which introduces youth to career choices.
• Meet departmental and program deadlines to ensure contractual compliance with reporting requirements.
• Assist with the development of the Educational Domain Service Plan submitted initially at 21 days and 30 days thereafter as required by funding source.

Other Functions:

• Attend all organizational required trainings.
• Create, identify and attend trainings that will enhance professional growth in the area of Education and/or Vocational curriculum and instruction with pre-approval from program director or designee.
• Attend all departmental and program meetings to ensure that up-to-date information is received and/or information of policy changes or practice are adhered to.
• Design and coordinate the implementation of the Program’s Academic Schedule that incorporates all subject areas meeting state and federal requirements.
• Coordinate an Academic Ceremony to recognize student achievements every 8 weeks.
• Upon request from ISD (for youth reunified in the U.S.) will provide report cards, academic transcripts, and exit letter.
• Assist with the submission of monthly SWK reports, funder’s quarterly reports, and end of year reports.
• Provide and facilitate information as needed for SWK and/or funders monitoring activities.
• Plan and coordinate special educational events (to include but not limited to: spelling bee, science fair, SWK Olympics), acculturation activities (to include but not limited to: Cesar Chavez Day, Thanksgiving, Chinese New Year, Fourth of July, Holi (Festival of Colors), 16th of September), Educational Outings (to include but not limited to: visits to museums, water conservation center), coordinate Student Council Activities and other meaningful experiences for SWK learners which promotes volunteerism.
• Must assist in the evacuation of youth as needed due to inclement weather conditions, natural disasters, or other unforeseen occurrences.
• Travel as needed for trainings, conferences or to transport youth to destinations within the S.
• Attend Treatment Team Meetings to convey academic progress to all department representatives present.
• Must maintain any professional or para-professional certifications acquired while employed with SWK annually.
• Ensure the proper supervision of youth at all times.
• Collaborate with local ISD to promote an effective and productive partnership (if applicable).
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• A combination of one of the following:
• Bachelor’s degree required in the field of Education or related field with a state certificate.
• Master’s Degree.
• 1-2 years of experience working with youth in a bilingual setting.
• Must be computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Windows (Word Perfect, Microsoft Word, Excel)
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule.
• Cleared Tuberculosis test results.
• Cleared background check from appropriate entity.
• Bilingual
• Cleared drug test results (this one is for Texas programs only).
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to obtain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification and First Aid Certification (CPR). Must be able to supervise clients indoors and outdoors as necessary. Bending, stooping and lifting up to 20 lbs required to complete daily tasks.

Work Environment:

This is a twenty four hour residential facility at which minors receive multiple services. Three shifts per twenty four hour period. Work shifts are subject to change. Noise levels vary from mild to moderate. Predominantly indoors, occasional outdoor monitoring or activities. Involves walking and standing for extended periods of time.