GEMS Program - Part- Time Instructor Position

Program Description: GEMS – Gaining Empowerment in Middle School is an innovative new curriculum-based program designed for children of incarcerated parents at the middle school grade level. GEMS takes a holistic approach to address many of the challenges facing at-risk youth and their families. The curriculum fosters brain development, as well as social and emotional learning skills, through activities, exercises and peer to per discussion.

Summary of Position: The GEMS instructor will be responsible for successfully facilitating one-hour classroom instruction to students in four or more classes across three school districts, as well as collecting and analyzing student data. The GEMS instructor will also be responsible for planning and conducting family outreach and participating in events planned by COCI, each campus, and the local community. The instructor will be trained on the GEMS program and curriculum. The anticipated work schedule is 20 hours weekly..

Job Description:

• Follow the GEMS curriculum to provide instruction for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
• Partner with school administrators and counselors to improve attendance, grades and middle school graduation rates.
• Engage families and caretakers to strengthen the support students receive at home.
• Coordinate with volunteers to assist in the classroom, and serve as role-models/mentors, guest speakers or tutors for students.
• Work with GEMS Program Manager and COCI’s Executive Director to organize external activities for the students (field trips, summer camps)
• Work with the GEMS Program Manager and COCI’s Executive Director and outside advisors to revise and continuously improve delivery of the GEMS curriculum.
• Collect and input student/caregiver information and progress in our databases.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or previous experience working with at-risk students; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of computers and related software comprised of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal, , verbal and written communication skills., Familiar with social and emotional learning. .
• Self-motivated and innovative thinker with the ability to adapt and execute new ideas.
• Classroom management skills.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• High level of integrity and desire to work with this student population.
• Use of personal vehicle to travel between campuses and to and from events, up to 5 hours weekly.

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingual in English/Spanish
• Two years teaching experience in a classroom (middle school aged students preferred)
• Teaching certification
• Facilitation skills

For consideration, please email your resume as an attachment to Shirvonti.Keller@cherishourchildren.org with the job title “GEMS Program Part-Time Instructor Position” in the subject line.