Work in Iowa Jobs

iJAG - Career Education Specialist 7/8 - Fort Dodge Middle School JobID: 5425

• Position Type:

  Other/ Outside Posting

• Date Posted:

  5/31/2024

•    Career Education Specialist 7/8 - Fort Dodge Middle School

Applications will be accepted through Indeed.This position is not a vacancy of the Fort Dodge Community School District. Questions should be directed to iJAG.

The 7th and 8th Grade Career Education Specialist at iJAG is a cornerstone role dedicated to guiding middle school students toward both academic and personal excellence. This role integrates project-based learning (PBL), individual mentoring, data-driven strategies, and work-based learning initiatives, working closely with employer partnerships to prepare students for successful futures.

Essential Functions

Student Recruitment and Engagement:

• Proactively build and sustain a vibrant student cohort for the iJAG program, strategically promoting it within the school's community.

• Partner with school administration to identify and select students fitting program criteria, ensuring seamless progression from district feeder programs.

• Conduct outreach efforts and informational sessions for prospective students and their parents/guardians and school partners to explain the benefits and opportunities provided by the iJAG program, increasing awareness and interest.

Instructional Delivery and Classroom Management:

• Introduce project-based learning (PBL) methodologies to develop engaging and transformative educational journeys, seamlessly bridging classroom theory with real-world applications, thereby enriching students’ practical understanding and skills.

• Utilize iJAG's competency-based approach to steer project creation and cultivate a student-centered learning environment, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personalized growth.

• Provide guidance and support to ensure that students complete their work on time and to a high standard, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and self-discipline.

• Prepare students for the transition to high school by instilling in them the organizational and time management skills they will need to succeed in a more challenging academic environment.

• Champion student empowerment and autonomy, cultivating an inclusive learning environment that encourages teamwork and community building.

• Develop and maintain a positive, structured learning environment that promotes student engagement and participation through effective classroom management strategies, adapting techniques to meet the diverse needs of learners and ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities.

• Implement effective behavior management plans and conflict resolution strategies to cultivate a safe, respectful classroom culture, enabling students to focus on their academic and personal growth within a supportive and inclusive classroom setting.

Data Management and Analysis:

• Maintains accurate student records, systematically tracking essential metrics including attendance, academic performance, and program participation to monitor and enhance student progress effectively.

• Skillfully analyze data to evaluate the impact of the iJAG program on student outcomes, utilizing insights to identify areas needing targeted interventions or additional supports, thereby optimizing student success.

• Manage and update Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students, participating in relevant meetings to advocate and adapt educational strategies to meet the unique needs of each learner.

Community and Employer Engagement:

• Introduce students to a variety of careers through interactive workshops, and guest speaker sessions, fostering early interest and understanding of different professional career paths

• Design and implement comprehensive work-based learning programs that integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences, preparing students for life after high school by introducing them to professional skills and understanding of industry expectations.

• Actively cultivates and maintains robust relationships with a broad spectrum of employers, securing a variety of career exploration and skill development opportunities that align with student interests and market demands.

• Cultivate and mobilize community resources, developing partnerships and collaborations that support the educational experience and open new pathways for iJAG students, thereby ensuring support and opportunities for student support.

Professional Development and Support:

• Engage in collaboration with the program supervisor and school administration, leveraging collective expertise to drive the success of the program and ensure it meets both educational standards and student needs effectively.

• Participate in iJAG and school district professional development activities to stay updated on best practices and continuously enhance skills and knowledge.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated proficiency in delivering content to diverse audiences, and adapting teaching styles to meet the varied needs of students.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

• Skilled in leveraging data analytics to refine instructional approaches and enhance student achievement.

• Skilled in building supportive relationships while upholding professional standards.

• Curriculum development capability and tech-savviness with Microsoft Office/Google apps.

• Ability to learn new software systems.

Education, Experience, and Other Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in social sciences, counseling, education, or a closely related discipline is essential, with a master's degree strongly preferred.

• Relevant experience in secondary or post-secondary education environments, demonstrating a deep understanding of academic support systems.

• Current possession of an active Iowa teacher license or iJAG authorization, with the expectation to secure a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Supervisor authorization within the first six months of employment.

• Commitment to iJAG’s mission and flexibility to perform diverse program roles.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• Dental insurance

• Employee assistance program

• Flexible schedule

• Flexible spending account

• Health insurance

• Health savings account

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Parental leave

• Professional development assistance

• Referral program

• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Fort Dodge, IA 50501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person