Behavior Specialist at Maya Angelou Academy
The Organization
Since it began operating in 1997, the See Forever Foundation's mission has been to create learning communities in lower income urban areas where all students, particularly those who have not succeeded in traditional schools, can succeed academically and socially. The Foundation operates the Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools in DC, as well as the Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings’ secure facility for committed youth in Laurel, MD. Our students develop the academic, social, and employment skills they need to build rewarding lives and promote positive change.
The Academy
Our mission at the Academy is to provide a safe, nurturing and mutually respectful environment that motivates and prepares each student to fulfill his academic or career potential. With the support of a wide circle of caring adults, students will develop the skills they need to make sound decisions and lead rewarding lives.
If you are interested in learning more about See Forever, please visit our website at www.seeforever.org.
The Touchstone
At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.
Core Beliefs and Desired Characteristics
Candidates should possess an unyielding belief that with the appropriate supports, coupled with high expectations, all students can significantly improve their academic skills, and can develop pro-social and culturally normative behaviors that will enable them to succeed at school and beyond. Candidates should also believe that all students have strengths and talents and that good teachers help students find them and use them to address weaknesses or overcome fears. In addition, candidates should exhibit the following characteristics:
Honesty & Integrity: Does not cut corners ethically. Earns trust and maintains confidence. Does what is right, not just what is politically expedient. Speaks plainly and truthfully.
Analytical skills: able to structure and process qualitative or quantitative data and draw insightful conclusions from it; exhibits a probing mind and achieves penetrating insights
Persistence: Demonstrates tenacity and willingness to go the distance to get something done.
Strategic thinking/visioning: Able to see and communicate the big picture in an inspiring way; determines opportunities and threats through comprehensive analysis of current and future trends
Flexibility/adaptability: Adjusts quickly to changing priorities and conditions; copes effectively with complexity and change
Enthusiasm: Exhibits passion and excitement over work. Has can do attitude.
Position Overview
The Behavior Specialist will work in the academic program to establish a behavior management system that creates a safe and effective learning environment for everyone. The Maya Angelou Academy recognizes civility as the foundation for interaction and personal growth. The Maya Angelou Academy is committed to the use of Restorative Justice practices.
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
Participating in individual classes throughout the day to observe and to help create effective learning environments in the classrooms by improved student behaviors and student to teacher interactions.
Providing feedback to teachers and staff based on classroom observations
Collaboratively planning intervention strategies for scholars with teachers around behavior observations
Conducting the “Welcome Center” orientation program with assigned new scholars
Participating in discussions, group sessions and team-building activities for the newly arrived
Engaging students in discussions about school culture and expectations
Helping students to establish consistent behavioral standards throughout the day, monitor their behavior closely, and to hold themselves accountable to each other and to the school community
Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings as needed
Modeling and contributing to a school culture of hope and high expectations for achievement.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in related field
Experience working with incarcerated or at-risk youth
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
An unyielding belief that with the appropriate supports, coupled with high expectations, all students can develop pro-social and culturally normative behaviors that will enable them to succeed, and then build on this success to manage effectively beyond the school and center.
Salary and Benefits
Our salaries are comparable to those of other public schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, See Forever offers a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental, vision, short term and long term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, student loan refinancing options, and the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.
See Forever is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.
To Apply
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter here: https://www.seeforever.org/careers/teachers/