After-school Education Specialist (Middle-school)

DescriptionPOSITION SUMMARY The Education Specialist plays a significant role in supporting the quality of the COMPASS program. Under the guidance of the on-site program director, the Education Specialist oversees the development and implementation of structured curriculum for all  students at one middle school SONYC site. This includes writing and developing curriculum, conducting classroom observations, providing feedback to activity specialists, and offering on-site trainings in curriculum development and classroom management to line staff.  COMPASS Spotlight on Education Specialists Program and Activity Planning The Education Specialist has an important role in supporting and strengthening lesson plans and providing feedback to the program director or in some cases, front-line staff directly. This means ensuring that all structured activities have clearly defined outcomes (measurable skill gains and/or learning goals) for participants. It also means reviewing and adapting curriculum to fit within larger program goals, and establishing a lesson plan process, including writing, reviewing objectives, time allotment, conducting activity observations and providing feedback.  Staff Recruitment, Training & Professional Development While in most programs the Site Supervisor and on-site Program Director are responsible for recruiting and hiring staff, the Education Specialist can be used strategically to contribute to staffing decisions by identifying and recommending staff from the host school or other networks with strong instructional or teaching skills, especially if the on-site Program Director does not have an education background. Education Specialists will also offer on-site training of activity specialists and teaching assistants. School Alignment DYCD requires that the school principal and the program provider develop a common vision for the COMPASS program and sign a School Partnership Agreement that outlines how they will work together. These documents form a basis of alignment between the COMPASS program and the school in school learning goals, collaborative planning, frequent and ongoing communication, and coordination. Ideally, the dedicated Education Specialist can help support program content alignment with school-day curricula and behavior standards.  Continuous Improvement In addition to all of the above, the Education Specialist will evaluate program activities and staff to identify best practices and areas in need of improvement. Staff evaluations will take place two times a year.  Key ResponsibilitiesOversee the development and execution of educational programming and curriculum content consistent with the MY mission and program goalsDevelop and lead training for implementation of curricula and/or professional development workshops for program staffCollect and maintain curriculum database for the program siteWork with committees of program directors, activity specialists and/or other subject matter experts to develop curricula for activities within their category of specialty Share best practices and curricular resources   Help choose and distribute instructional materialsSupport and evaluate staff who implement activities by reviewing lesson plans, providing feedback, and observing and evaluating activities in order to improve activity instruction, youth engagement, and overall activity qualityProvide coaching and professional development built on observations and staff evaluations done during program implementationSkills, Knowledge and Expertise2 years teaching experience with middle or elementary school children, after-school setting preferred;Bachelor’s degree preferred;Demonstrative knowledge of and passion for content area, professional experience a plus;Experience with educational technology instruction and practice; Ability to build and maintain positive and respectful relationships with families, students and coworkers of diverse backgrounds and identities;Proactive problem-solver, able to anticipate issues and thoughtfully handle unanticipated events;Willingness to hear feedback, self-reflect, learn and work to improve performance and outcomes;Excellent communication skills, ability to articulate ideas and knowledge clearly;Multi-site flexibility (may be asked to work at different sites depending on need); Ability to love, understand, listen to, nurture, support, and accept all children;Proficiency or coaching in some of Manhattan Youth’s program areas (sports, arts, academic enrichment, leadership, etc…), past participation in varsity or college sports and/or theater a plus.