After-school Education Specialist (Middle-school)
: Job Details :

POSITION 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 Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and execution of educational programming and curriculum content consistent with the MY mission and program goals.
• Develop and lead training for implementation of curricula and/or professional development workshops for program staff.
• Collect and maintain curriculum database for the program site.
• Work 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 materials.
• Support 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 quality.
• Provide coaching and professional development built on observations and staff evaluations done during program implementation.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 2+ 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.

About Manhattan Youth

Fostering Joy, Success & Belonging through Early Childhood, After School, Adult & Senior programming throughout New York City. Manhattan Youth Recreation and Resources, Inc. provides the highest quality childcare and After-School programs plus academic, recreational and cultural activities for children, families and individuals who live or work in Manhattan, regardless of income. We respond to the needs of our community through programs that stimulate, challenge and strengthen children, teens, adults, seniors, and families. We also engage in a number of civic issues that impact community life in Manhattan.

Why Join Us

At Manhattan Youth, we treat each other as we treat the children in our programs, with kindness, compassion and respect. We provide a fun, collaborative and nurturing environment that focuses on personal well-being and professional development. By joining our team, you are joining a group of people dedicated to improving the lives of the people in our community. We are looking for people with the same commitment to our mission and a desire to become part of a passionate and motivated team that genuinely gets along and loves what they do.