THE OPPORTUNITY
For nearly 25 years, Citizen Schools has been a pioneer in educational equity. Since opportunity, unlike talent, is not equally distributed, we have provided hands-on learning experiences that ignite curiosity, build confidence and expand horizons for over 50,000 underrepresented middle school students. Together with our partners, including 25,000 career mentors, we have exposed students to ideas and connections, helping them access even better opportunities than previous generations.
Today, we engage underserved students in hands-on learning, in school and after school. Our students are creators and problem-solvers, not just consumers. They become scientists, artists, mathematicians, engineers, writers, and programmers. We also apply best practices from our direct service work to systems-level advancement of STEM mentorship and learning by working with communities.
Together we are transforming education in school, after school, and across communities.
THE ROLE
Citizen Schools seeks a talented, enthusiastic, and diverse cohort of educators to serve as part-time Teaching Associates for the 2021-2022 academic year.
As a Teaching Associate (TA), you will work in a school within the Somerville school district, serving as a 2nd shift educator in the school building. You will lead a middle school classroom and deepen student learning to reinforce math and English, support virtual career mentors (volunteers) to deliver project-based learning, and increase access to diverse career pathways.
TAs work approximately 15-25 hours per week. Schedules vary by campus, but all TAs will work Monday through Thursday for four hours in the afternoon. TAs need to be available between 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm, with additional hours on Fridays for meetings and professional development.
As a Teaching Associate, you will play a critical role in Citizen Schools' effort to engage, build confidence and inspire curiosity in our students. You will be an ideal candidate for this position if you are an innovator, enjoy working and challenging young minds creatively.
This is a part-time position reporting to the Site Manager at Winter Hill Community Innovation Schools or East Somerville Community School. This role is based in Somerville, MA and this position is a part of the Citizen Schools' Program Team.
Due to COVID-19, masks are required indoors in all buildings, regardless of vaccination status. All students and staff will be tested each week at all schools for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.
Serving as a member of the Citizen Schools team means working in a fast-paced environment that values learning and an entrepreneurial approach. Knowing its importance to the success of our work, Citizen Schools is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we aspire to build a diverse team across our network. Please be sure to submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization. We appreciate your time and will review and respond to all applications received.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Partner with volunteers to facilitate and assist with four high-quality apprenticeships per semester
Inspire students to set and achieve ambitious academic and personal goals
Develop and maintain strong relationships with families, colleagues, partner organizations, and school staff and administration to support student growth and hold students to consistently high expectations
Participate in Citizen Schools' system of student incentives, recognition, and consequences
Create opportunities for students that strengthen the connection between academic success, college, and career.
Maintain accurate class records and support student placement process
Maintain accurate campus information including contact information, campus calendars, campus schedules
Collect and track student data in order to make decisions for individual students and the program
Create and reinforce a culture of achievement and the idea that hard work + opportunity = success
Build and leverage relationships with students, families, volunteers, peers, and the school community
Plan and manage logistics for events both on- and off-campus
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below:
+2 years experience working with youth, middle school youth
Knowledge of and commitment to the Citizen Schools' mission
Coaching skills and ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
Commitment to teamwork and collaboration with diverse groups of people
Ability to build relationships and influence students, colleagues, and community members
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong detail orientation, time management, and organization skills
Spanish skills a plus
Strong team orientation and ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
Proactive attitude, out of the box thinking, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Desire and excitement to model Citizen Schools' core values: Confidence, Curiosity, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Perseverance and Teamwork
The fundamental belief that all students can achieve academic and professional success
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The hourly rate is $17.50. Teaching Associates receive paid training as part of their orientation to the role. Teaching Associates working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for part-time health benefits. All Teaching Associates will have opportunities for professional development and growth.
ABOUT CITIZEN SCHOOLS
Citizen Schools helps all students to thrive in school and beyond through hands-on learning and career mentors. Our vision is all students have experiences and career mentors that ignite curiosity, build confidence, and help them develop into the next generation of leaders. Together we are transforming education in school, after school, and across communities.
To learn more about our work, please visit www.citizenschools.org.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Citizen Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, cultural heritage, ancestry, political belief, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability or veteran status. Citizen Schools is compliant with the American with Disabilities Act and we are committed to making special accommodations for your interview or work as a member of our team. If specific accommodations are needed, please contact us and we will work to accommodate your needs.