Freshman Advisory Teacher

Title:

Freshman Advisory Teacher

Department:
Student Services

Assignment: .20 FTE or greater (depending on number of sections)

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Reports To:

Assistant Principal of Student Services

Location:

Deerfield High School

Salary:

As a licensed position, the pay is based on our salary schedule, Appendix C in DEA Agreement

Summary:

The Freshman Advisory Teacher plays a vital role in supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of freshman students as part of the new Freshman Advisory Program. This program is designed to provide dedicated time and support for students transitioning to high school, focusing on the development of essential student success skills and social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies. The Advisory Teacher will implement the Wayfinder curriculum with fidelity, creating a positive and supportive learning environment for their advisees.

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field required.

* Master's degree preferred.

* Professional Educators License (PEL) required, with strong preferences for EL, bilingual and LBS1 endorsements.

* Previous experience with advisory or student mentorship preferred.

* Previous five years of experience in a high school setting required.

* Strong knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices around SEL and progress monitoring tools.

* Experience analyzing data and creating student goals.

Essential Functions:

The criteria indicated below are intended to describe various types of work that may be performed. The exclusion of specific responsibilities does not prohibit them if the work is similar, related, or a logical task of the position.

* Curriculum Implementation:
Implement the Wayfinder curriculum with fidelity, ensuring that all assigned lessons and activities are delivered as intended and aligned with the program's goals and objectives. This includes actively engaging students in the learning process and adapting instruction as needed to meet diverse learning styles and needs.

* Student Support and Mentorship:
Serve as a dedicated advisor and mentor to a small group of freshman students, providing guidance and support in academic, social, and emotional areas. This includes building rapport with each advisee, monitoring their progress, and proactively addressing any challenges they may face.

* Skill Development:
Explicitly teach and reinforce essential student success skills, such as organization, time management, effective communication, goal setting, and study strategies. Integrate these skills into the advisory curriculum and provide opportunities for students to practice and apply them.

* Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Facilitation:
Facilitate engaging activities and discussions focused on developing core SEL competencies, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 1 Create a safe and inclusive space for students to explore these topics and build their emotional intelligence.

* Collaboration and Communication:
Collaborate effectively with other teachers, counselors, and administrators to ensure a cohesive support system for freshman students. Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and any concerns.

* Program Participation:
Actively participate in program meetings, professional development opportunities, and training sessions related to the Freshman Advisory Program and the Wayfinder curriculum. Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the program.

* Record Keeping:
Maintain accurate records of student participation, progress, and any interventions provided. Utilize these records to inform instruction and track the effectiveness of the program.

* Creating a Positive Environment:
Foster a positive and supportive classroom environment where all students feel welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed. Promote a culture of collaboration, empathy, and mutual respect.

* Adherence to Program Guidelines:
Adhere to all program guidelines, policies, and procedures, including those related to curriculum implementation, student support, and communication.

* Family Engagement:
Develop and implement strategies to actively engage families in the Freshman Advisory Program. This may include regular communication (e.g., newsletters, emails, phone calls), caregiver meetings, workshops, or other events designed to inform families about the program, student progress, and ways they can support their child's success in high school. Seek input from families and create opportunities for them to partner in their child's education.

Language Skills

Communicates clearly both in oral and written format with all constituents of the District 113 community. Effectively present information and respond to questions from constituency groups. Apply knowledge of current research and theory in a specific field not limited to inclusive practices and equity-focused instruction. Establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships…