Arkansas Program Coordinator

What We Do

Teach Plus is a national nonprofit whose mission is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance equity, opportunity, and student access. The Teach Plus team exists to breathe life into the Student Opportunity Mandate: All students should have the opportunity to achieve their potential in an education system defined by its commitment to equity, responsiveness to individual needs, and ability to prepare students for postsecondary success. At the heart of our work is advocacy for collective impact, beginning with classroom teachers.

At Teach Plus, we believe in equity-driven teacher leadership. When we invest in developing our most talented teachers into teacher leaders who are well-informed, persuasive, and prepared to lead, they have deep leverage in advancing equity for students, especially for students of color, low-income students, and those from underserved communities. To close the opportunity gap and to ensure equitable access to a world-class education for all students in the schools and communities we serve, we ignite systems change at multiple levels through our Policy Fellowship and Instructional Leadership programs designed to inspire and equip teachers. We are committed to leading change in our Equity Focus Areas.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Arkansas Executive Director, you will provide program management support for two primary initiatives: (1) The Policy Fellowship and (2) Expanding the Network. The Policy Fellowship is designed to equip teachers statewide to understand policy-making processes and their classroom implications. Throughout the Policy Fellowship, teacher leaders receive monthly training and various opportunities to influence policies at school, district, and state levels, effecting meaningful change within schools and the broader education system. The Network consists of various education stakeholders who provide input on critical educational matters within the state and engage them in advocacy endeavors to enhance the teaching profession and student outcomes. Read more about Teach Plus Arkansas. 

As Program Coordinator, you will work closely with the Executive Director to facilitate learning and assist the teacher leaders (Fellows) in conducting action research that culminates in published recommendations. You will also play a crucial part in relationship-building, recruitment, and outreach, as well as in supporting the expansion of the Arkansas Network by designing and coordinating engagement opportunities that enhance professional growth, collaboration, and advocacy efforts of the Fellowship.  Responsibilities include the following:

• Execute the recruitment and selection process, in partnership with the Program and Operations team, to ensure a high-quality and diverse applicant pool for the Policy Fellowship. This includes targeted outreach activities through multiple media across the state, in-person and virtual presentations, webinars, etc.  
• Support to the Arkansas Executive Director in leading monthly training sessions and twice-yearly retreats by:
• preparing content, assigned readings, lectures, and guest speakers; co-leading sessions and group discussions; and project management of working groups;
• supporting the implementation of internal evaluations and surveys that track the progress and impact of our programs;
• editing and offering feedback to teachers as they write op-eds and publications, by providing research input, analyzing legislative activity, and fact-checking data.
• Coordinate and attend legislative and executive hearings and meetings at the Capitol and DESE, support preparation, and accompany teachers to legislator visits and public comments. 
• Write content for monthly newsletters and social media outlets and develop messaging for marketing and recruitment materials to engage alumni and new network members.
• In partnership with the Executive Director, manage relationships and coordinate opportunities that help grow the network; attend and participate in community and coalition meetings; and mobilize teachers for impact opportunities and visibility.

Who You Are  

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Arkansas education landscape and current education policy issues facing Arkansas teachers
• Teaching experience and/or experience facilitating professional learning experiences for adults is strongly preferred 
• Superior writing and copy-editing skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills and the initiative to complete tasks independently
• Excellent oral communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, staff, and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to research and quickly gather information
• Policy or advocacy experience is preferred but not required 
• A passionate commitment to advancing equity and improving public education, including supporting outstanding and diverse teachers to contribute to the success of all students, and a deep belief in the power of teachers to bring about positive change

Our Commitment to Diversity 

To better serve the teachers and students at the core of our mission, Teach Plus is committed to maximizing our organization's diversity. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage individuals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds and gender identities to apply to our positions.

Location, Travel, and Commitment 

This is a remote position. Candidates must reside in Arkansas and be willing to travel to Little Rock to attend in-person meetings as necessary. Periodic travel to other parts of AR may be required. This role requires some nights and weekends to support policy sessions and meet with teachers and policymakers. The anticipated start date is July 2024.

The salary range for this position is between $50,000-$60,000. The salary offered will be determined based on the selected candidate's specific qualifications, years of relevant experience, specialized knowledge, and internal equity. Teach Plus provides a comprehensive benefits package and time-off, including 15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 5 sick days, 13 holidays, July break, Winter break, paid parental leave, and a 4-week paid sabbatical for every five years of service.

Since we seek a candidate with superior writing skills, a cover letter is required for our application process. Your cover letter should include why you are interested in this opportunity at Teach Plus and outline your most relevant experience.