Background:

Washington Leadership Academy (WLA) is a world-class college prep high school in Washington D.C. that prepares students to thrive in the world and to change it for the better. WLA employs college prep academics, computer science instruction, and real world experiences to ensure that students achieve their full potential. WLA fosters a community of wellness where students and staff members feel like family. WLA is one of 10 schools in the nation to be recognized as a “Super School” and awarded a $10 million grant to redesign high school and empower young people.

Expectations of the role

• Mindsets
• The work WLA is undertaking is very challenging, but we are tenacious in pursuit of our mission to prepare our kids to thrive in the world and change it for the better.
• We are endeavoring to prepare ALL kids for both four-year college and computer science-related careers, including those with special education needs, significant behavioral needs, and varied backgrounds.
• We are endeavoring to utilize restorative discipline practices even when it is hard because we know that restorative practices are best for kids.
• We have a deep commitment to the inherent power of our young people and to school as a place where students are encouraged to grow and nurture that leadership and power.
• We know that students are deserving of warmth and respect from adults at all times.
• We know it is our responsibility to support all students to grow - acknowledging that students are younger humans without a fully-developed prefrontal cortex, and that we have to meet students where they are developmentally when it comes to growth.
• We know that the learning environment is a collaboration between students and teachers, all of whom bring passion, experiences, and curiosity to the classroom.
• We know that grades are the responsibility of both the teacher (for engaging students) and the student (for taking those opportunities to engage), and should be primarily a reflection of mastery rather than compliance.
• We believe that equity, inclusion and empowerment must always be the center of our work and our culture, specifically around race, gender identity/sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

• 
  Role Description
• The College and Career Instructor is a pivotal figure in guiding students across all grades at Washington Leadership Academy through their college and career exploration journey. This role is essential in working with other College and Career team members to establish a robust college-going culture, and college and career readiness for our student body.
• The College and Career Instructor will develop and implement comprehensive programs to introduce students to various post-secondary pathways and assist them in making informed decisions about their future. The instructor will teach College and Career Prep courses, focusing on SAT preparation, resume building, career exploration, college application processes, and financial literacy. Additionally, the instructor will connect students to internship, dual enrollment, and volunteer opportunities.

• Responsibilities:
• Design and deliver curriculum for College and Career Prep I and College and Career Prep II courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for college applications and career planning.
• Organize career exploration activities, such as job shadowing, informational interviews, and career fairs.
• Collaborate with external organizations to provide meaningful internship and volunteer opportunities.
• Assist students in applying for dual enrollment programs and navigating the college application process.
• Provide workshops and individual counseling on financial aid opportunities, actively incorporating parents and families throughout the entire process.
• Foster an inclusive environment that encourages students to take ownership of their college and career planning.
• Develop a warm, collaborative, mutually supportive, deeply engaged classroom environment
• Create, monitor, and sustain a rigorous and joyous school culture of high academic and behavioral standards
• Participate in the ever-evolving development of restorative justice practices
• Evaluate academic achievement through detailed data analysis of student performance
• Develop and use a variety of assessment data to refine curricula and instructional practice

• 
  Professionalism
• Timeliness arriving to school, attending meetings, covering duty posts, and submitting deliverables
• Hold office hours after school at least two days per week (3:30-4:30), with the schedule to be determined by WLA
• Collegiality, warmth, and respect of all team members and students
• Diligence in updating and maintaining student grades in WLA's LMS (Canvas) and gradebook system (PowerTeacher Pro) on a routine basis and in accordance with WLA's gradebook closeout calendar (SY21-22 was 4 grades per week in Canvas, for example)
• Using WLA's LMS (Canvas) as the primary means of communicating lesson resources and activities to students

• Qualifications:
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including students with disabilities.
• Strong knowledge of college admissions processes, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid programs.
• Experience in developing and implementing college readiness programs.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, parents, and community partners.
• Commitment to continuous professional development in the field of college and career counseling.

Reporting Relationships:

• Report to the Managing Director of College and Career

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or greater
• Standard background check clearance
• At least 2 years of teaching experience is preferred

To apply:

• Please submit an application and upload a resume here.
As part of the application, you may be asked to submit references, lesson plans, and/or performance tasks

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, and use his/her/their hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move heavy classroom materials or equipment. The specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision.


Washington Leadership Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WLA does not discriminate in its hiring or employment activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression (including a transgender identity), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. WLA is a drug-free workplace. Salary is competitive and is commensurate with experience. WLA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a retirement plan.


Washington Leadership Academy reserves the right to amend this job description at any time prior to or during employment.