Senior Seminar Teacher

Senior Seminar Teacher

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Summary

The Senior Seminar Teacher supports students and families in successfully transitioning from high school to postsecondary education, career training, military service, apprenticeships, or the workforce. The teacher provides students with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities necessary to develop and implement individualized postsecondary plans while fostering college, career, and life readiness.

Reports To: Building Principal

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement and continuously improve the College and Career Readiness curriculum.
• Develop engaging, culturally responsive, and effective lessons focused on college, career, and postsecondary readiness.
• Guide students through key college and career readiness milestones, including resume development, personal statement writing, career exploration, and postsecondary planning.
• Support students in registering for and completing college entrance exams, career assessments, industry credential opportunities, and other relevant evaluations.
• Assist students with researching and applying to colleges, universities, technical programs, apprenticeships, military opportunities, and workforce pathways aligned with their individual goals.
• Support students in identifying and applying for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.
• Assist eligible students and families with completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid processes.
• Maintain accurate records and data related to postsecondary applications, acceptances, scholarships, financial aid, and enrollment outcomes.
• Coordinate the submission of transcripts, recommendation letters, fee waivers, school reports, and other required admissions documents.
• Prepare and write letters of recommendation for students as appropriate.
• Coordinate visits and presentations from colleges, universities, employers, military representatives, technical schools, and career organizations.
• Organize and participate in college visits, career exploration activities, and postsecondary planning events, including activities that may occur outside of the regular school day.
• Support students in developing, monitoring, and achieving individualized academic, career, and postsecondary goals.
• Plan and facilitate family engagement events, including Financial Aid Nights, FAFSA workshops, College and Career Nights, and related programs.
• Communicate regularly with students, families, counselors, and staff regarding student progress toward postsecondary goals.
• Collaborate with school counselors, administrators, teachers, community partners, and postsecondary institutions to support student success.
• Ensure final transcripts and required documentation are submitted accurately and timely following graduation.
• Coordinate and support summer enrichment opportunities, college readiness programs, and student transition activities.
• Participate in professional learning and training related to college and career readiness.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and student needs simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Strong attention to detail and data management skills.
• Ability to analyze, track, and report student outcome data.
• Commitment to educational equity and supporting diverse student populations.
• Ability to motivate and inspire students to pursue ambitious and attainable postsecondary goals.
• Proficiency with student information systems, Microsoft Office applications, Google Workspace, and other educational technology platforms.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA and other applicable student privacy requirements.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Missouri teaching certificate appropriate for the assigned grade level and content area.
• Demonstrated knowledge of college and career readiness practices, postsecondary planning, and student support strategies.

Preferred

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience working in an urban educational setting.
• Experience supporting college access, career readiness, counseling, advising, mentoring, or student success programs.
• Experience working with first-generation college students and historically underserved populations.
• Knowledge of financial aid processes, scholarship programs, college admissions procedures, and workforce development opportunities.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and moving throughout the school environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to access and navigate all areas of the school campus and off-site locations as required.
• Ability to travel to college visits, community events, and professional development activities as needed.

Application Process:

Please complete an online application at https://www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs.
Attach your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and certification (if applicable).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forward complaints or participate in investigations of discrimination.