iJAG Career Education Specialist 7/8, Spencer MS

Position Overview

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

Community Engagement 

• 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, develop partnerships and collaborations that support educational experience, and open new pathways for iJAG students. 

Student Recruitment and Engagement:

• Partner with the school administration to identify and select eligible students, and proactively promote the iJAG program within the school community to build and sustain a strong student cohort. 
• Conduct outreach and informational sessions for prospective students, their families, and school staff to communicate the benefits and opportunities of the iJAG program. 
• Introduce students to a variety of careers through interactive workshops and guest speaker sessions, fostering early interest and understanding of different professional career paths.

Instructional Delivery and Classroom Management:

• Introduce project-based learning (PBL) methodologies to develop engaging, transformative educational journeys that seamlessly bridge classroom theory and 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 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 in a supportive, inclusive 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. 

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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Other Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in social sciences, counseling, education, or a closely related discipline is required; a master's degree is preferred.
• Relevant experience in secondary or post-secondary education environments, demonstrating a deep understanding of academic support systems.
• The ability to obtain an iJAG authorization within six months of hire.
• Current possession of a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Supervisor Authorization or the ability to secure an authorization within the first six months of employment.
• Commitment to iJAG’s mission and flexibility to perform diverse program roles.