Job Application - ISLES, INC.

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Academic Instructor - Isles Youth Institute

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Academic Instructor - Isles Youth Institute 

 

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1981, Isles is a nationally recognized nonprofit community development and environmental organization with the mission to foster more self-reliant families in healthy, sustainable communities.  Each year, Isles reaches thousands of central New Jersey residents with opportunities for at-risk youth job training, affordable housing development, financial literacy training, homeownership counseling, community gardening, environmental health and education, community organizing, and regional planning.

 

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK FOR ISLES:  Isles strives to provide impactful programs, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance and a positive, team-oriented atmosphere.  Our team consists of 100 employees, plus a corps of volunteers and an engaged Board of Directors.

POSITION OVERVIEW: We seek highly motivated, experienced, and creative people who have proven track records of successfully teaching high school age youth in an urban setting. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to join a dynamic and highly accomplished team at one of the most innovative and successful alternative schools in the region. The Academic Instructor is responsible for teaching secondary school subjects to youth with varying levels of ability with the goal of passing the high school equivalency exam, learning a trade, and becoming employed. We are seeking an individual with excellent skills in reading and writing.

WHO WILL BE SUCCESSFUL: Successful candidates require strong organizational and classroom management skills, and exceptional skill at motivating youth. This position is an important part of the Isles Youth Institute (IYI), Isles’ alternative high school for youth who have left traditional high school. IYI provides youth the necessary support to complete their high school education, earn credentialed vocational training, develop job readiness skills, and explore career paths, while providing them with opportunities to become community leaders. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

    • Being a dynamic teacher who excels at motivating young people to learn and meet their potential  
    • Developing and implementing academic plans and individual interventions, based on pre and post assessments, classwork and observations 
    • Observing and assessing student performance and behavior to promote individual success and a healthy learning environment; preparing progress notes in support of student development 
    • Delivering effective group and individual instruction to urban youth 
    • Working collaboratively with professional staff to develop individual education plans to support the educational and social development of students 
    • Planning and conducting activities that provide a balanced program of instruction, demonstration and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question and investigate 
    • Preparing objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines and state requirements 
    • Implementing data driven instructional models 
    • Meeting with parents to discuss and improve student progress and to resolve behavioral and academic issues 
    • Demonstrating behaviors in concert with Isles’ mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures 
    • Wearing many different hats to meet changing conditions and changing needs of students, parents, funders, leadership and colleagues 


QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Bachelor's degree  
    • Experience working with urban youth, youth in the juvenile justice system, and/or students with learning disabilities  
    • Ability to maintain state central registry (SCR) and fingerprint clearance throughout the duration of employment 
    • Ability to work independently and collegially in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment 
    • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills 
    • Commitment to racial equity  
    • Cultural competency and cultural humility  
    • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail  
    • Comfort using technology including a desktop computer, student database, and large volume of email messages 
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

    • Possession of a valid standard NJ Substitute Teacher Certificate  
    • Two or more years experience teaching at the high school level  
    • Spanish language proficiency  

 

Ambition and Vision - ability to take initiative, be proactive, and come up with your own list of projects and priorities; a wide degree of creativity and latitude; self-motivated

Personality and Eloquence - Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to represent Isles in a professional and personable manner and build relationships with a wide-range of people; ability to use both “head and heart” methods of persuasion

Mission-Related Knowledge - Passion for Isles’ mission, especially related to environmental health

Positive Workstyle - Ability to work with a positive and professional attitude; ability to work well with diverse personalities, in a team or individually; excellent organizational skills, and a high level of attention to detail


Position Details: This position is full-time, exempt, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Starting salary range is $46,500-$53,000.