Community Schools Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Site Director, Community Schools, the Community Schools Teacher is part of the Community Schools site-based team and is responsible for the overall operation of the afterschool enrichment program for Junior Kindergarten through fifth grade that provides child-centered, developmentally appropriate learning and maintains a safe, positive environment. The teacher supervises classroom assistants and high school youth, participates in program activities, communicates regularly with families and school partners, and completes related administrative tasks such as attendance, scheduling, and supply management to support smooth program operations. Working within a specialty area, the teacher develops and implements twelve-week, age-appropriate curricula, delivers engaging, hands-on enrichment, and manages day-to-day classroom operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Provide overall program leadership and management for the assigned afterschool enrichment class, including daily transitions and classroom routines.
• Supervise, manage, and coach classroom assistants and assigned high school youth.
• Plan and implement afterschool programming for Junior Kindergarten through fifth grade, developing a high-quality, age-appropriate specialty curriculum for twelve-week sessions and delivering engaging, child-centered daily lessons that incorporate creative projects, displays, and presentations.
• Directly supervise children's safety; maintain a safe, positive physical, social, and emotional environment; and use social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices to promote positive behavior and growth.
• Lead and participate in all program activities.
• Help create an environment that fosters a positive self-image, respects each child's social and cultural differences, and values each child's strengths, needs, differences, and similarities.
• Maintain open, friendly, and ongoing communication with families and schools regarding participant progress.
• Supervise participants during snack, lunch, and other program mealtimes.
• Record daily attendance.
• Participate in scheduled staff meetings and professional development.
• Actively engage in and support the Department's Race and Equity Initiative.
• Be responsible for classroom maintenance, equipment, and supplies.
• Document and report any out-of-the-ordinary incidents and accidents to program administrators, and during scheduled school-day hours at the same school site, as assigned.
• Provide classroom support under the direction of school staff by assisting classroom teachers with activities and curriculum, helping students with classwork, supporting transitions between rooms, monitoring behavior, supporting students during lunch and recess periods, maintaining open communication with school-day staff regarding participant progress, and performing general classroom support duties as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; some postsecondary education is preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience working with school-age children is required;
• Three (3) years of out-of-school time or enrichment experience—including curriculum planning and supervising assistants or youth workers—is preferred.
• Experience working with children with special needs—including implementing inclusive practices and collaborating with families and school staff—is desirable, and candidates should also demonstrate a strong interest in working with children from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Current First Aid and CPR (including AED) certifications are required, with training available upon hire
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; Certified Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner or comparable trauma-informed care training; Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) certification; Nurtured Heart Approach certification; Responsive Classroom training or certification; Mandated Reporter training; Special Education or Inclusion training or certification to support work with children with special needs; and an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate or degree preferred.
• Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), as well as a physical and TB test, are required.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of child and youth development and age-appropriate pedagogy for Junior Kindergarten through fifth grade, including culturally responsive practices.
• Skill in designing and delivering 12-week specialty curricula with clear learning objectives, engaging activities, and differentiated supports for diverse learners.
• Ability to lead groups, supervise and coach classroom assistants and high school youth, and implement positive behavior support strategies to maintain a productive learning environment.
• Skill in communication, organization, and recordkeeping to coordinate daily operations, document progress, and collaborate effectively with families, school staff, and community partners.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups across diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Site Director, Community Schools; work is reviewed for adherence to program objectives, child safety protocols, and overall quality, while allowing considerable professional independence.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Provides direct supervision to classroom assistants and high school youth workers; may oversee volunteers or interns assigned to the program.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and during occasional field trips, with noise levels ranging from moderate to loud

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Occasionally, the employee may need to run during play or in response to an emergency and to lift or move a child. This role frequently requires engaging with children on the floor and at children’s eye level; it also requires the ability to sit, walk, talk, hear, reach, use hands and arms to handle and manipulate objects, and to maintain sufficient vision for child supervision.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.