Program Instructor
Founded in 2011 by Steve Dobo, Zero Dropouts (ZD) is a community-based educational social enterprise with a national scope. The company provides a wide-range, and ever growing, array of programs and services that are custom-fit to the needs of each school district it partners with. Each program/service is designed to influence three key metrics for districts and schools: increasing on-time graduation rates, decreasing annual dropout rates, and increasing post-secondary enrollment rates. ZD distinguishes itself by being innovative, data and research oriented, goal-focused, relationship-based, and willing to dive into difficult areas to achieve exemplary results.
ZD is grounded in the belief that all students have the ability to be successful in education and life. Next Programming is focused on reengaging youth who have not found success in traditional educational systems. The programming allows students aged 16-21 to complete GED requirements while receiving other wrap around services: social-emotional support, college coursework, workforce development, and more.
ZD is partnered with JeffCo School District and the site will replicate the GED Plus model in place with blended learning, wrap around support services and concurrent enrollment at the local community college or advanced placement classes for CTE and general education courses, along with access to first jobs, first careers and internships.
ZD is seeking a Program Instructor to provide an enriched atmosphere where students learn subject matter and/or skills that will contribute to their development as mature, able and responsible members of society. The Program Instructor will facilitate learning and guide students toward GED completion. The position is located in Arvada, CO.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Program Instructor responsibilities include a variety of programmatic tasks in support of the day-to-day operations of the company. This position is with the Next Program and is located in the Denver Metro Region.
The Program Instructor provides programmatic and instructional support in the following key areas:
Blended learning
Progress monitoring
Communication
Safety
Organizational Accomplishment
Blended Learning
- Delivers a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students both online and in person by creating individual learning plans, group lessons, and individual tutoring
- Supports students’ efforts to determine and achieve post graduate goals
- Responds to the social emotional needs of students to support effective learning
- Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students
- Guides students in the learning process toward the achievement of program goals, establishes clear objectives for all students, and communicates these objectives to students
Progress Monitoring
- Assesses the progress of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required
- Modifies instruction to meet the learning abilities of students
- Provides enrichment activities to foster student progress as necessary
In conjunction with the Program Administrator:
- Implements students’ IEP/504 plans in relation to testing and academic accommodations
Communication
- Works closely with colleagues to discuss and implement plans to enhance student achievement on a regular basis
- Communicates with administrative staff on a regular basis regarding student progress and attendance, program implementation, and specific needs as they arise
In conjunction with the Program Administrator:
- Works with student caseload to establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents concerning both the academic and behavioral progress
- Conducts daily outreach to every individual on their caseload to ensure student engagement and progress
Safety
- Fosters a safe and positive environment for all students and staff by creating a culture of dignity and respect
- Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities
- Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
- Reports all student injuries, accidents, illnesses, and discipline problems to the appropriate authority immediately or as soon as is reasonably possible
In conjunction with the Program Administrator:
- Ensures adequate supervision to assure health, welfare, and safety of all students
- Complies with and supports GED program and school district regulations and policies
- Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation
Organizational Accomplishment
- Provides for his/her own professional growth through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or advanced course work at institutions of higher learning
- Work within the team to share best practices and provide support to each other and with Zero Dropouts organization as appropriate
- Performs other related duties as assigned by Program Administrator and/or in accordance with school/division policies and practices.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A passionate and committed belief that youth can rise above seemingly insurmountable circumstances and be successful at completing high school, and entering and succeeding within post-secondary education and employment
- Ability to maintain effective classroom management strategies
- An ability to change gears, multi-task and work collaboratively with internal staff and students
- An ability to work independently and remain organized in multiple settings
- Conflict management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrate clear and appropriate boundaries with youth
- Dependable transportation with proper insurance
- Intermediate computer skills in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelors or associates degree
- Knowledge of curriculum and instruction, including but not limited to blended learning
- Experience and comfort working with high school students from diverse backgrounds as well as their families and support networks as it relates to education
- Knowledge and experience working with Jeffco School District
- Experience creating and working with Individual Education Plans (IEP) and 504s
- Working knowledge of the Arvada area: school district, community colleges, businesses and community-based organizations
- Experience working with ELD student populations
- Knowledge of the community college and career technical education systems within Colorado and the transitioning of students from secondary to post-secondary
- Bilingual/biliterate skills in Spanish
WORK SCHEDULE - This is a full-time position with demanding goals, which sometimes requires longer hours and flexible scheduling. The school year mainly follows the partner school districts’ calendars, with any changes to ensure the school year encompasses enough contact days for full-time student status. Students attend Monday thru Thursday from 8:00am to 5:30pm
SALARY- This is an exempt position with a salary range of $40,500-$48,000, commensurate with qualifications, knowledge and relevant experience
BENEFITS - 3-weeks of vacation and 1 week of sick time per year, medical and dental coverage available, follows a school district schedule, including paid holidays, not PERA eligible
HOW TO APPLY - Visit the ZD website (www.zerodropouts.com/apply-with-zd) to complete the application. Once you have completed the online application, please send your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references