High School Instructor

ABOUT THE COLORADO DREAM FOUNDATION   

Colorado Dream Foundation is a long-term partner to youth. We believe that through a deep, sustained commitment to youth and their families, our community can thrive, and our work together can be a key catalyst in fighting systemic oppression. We travel side-by-side with the same group of youth and their families as they navigate education and life, offering academic, social, and emotional support as they learn, grow, and achieve their dreams. No one should take this journey alone. When we fulfill our promises, anything is possible. 

Since our founding in 1988, Colorado Dream Foundation has leveraged proven methods accounting for the whole child and giving youth equal access to the resources they need to succeed, ignite their innate potential, and attain their dreams. Colorado Dream Foundation removes barriers to academic success from elementary school to career through a comprehensive support model focused on four key components: 

• Academic Development


• Emotional Wellness Development


• College & Career Development


• Systems Advocacy 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Instructor is a key member of the Colorado Dream Foundation team, leading our program opportunities for youth in grades 9-11. This position supports youth's academic, social, and emotional growth through the design and delivery of program lessons derived from our robust program curriculum. This person also serves as an advocate for all youth and families in the program. The Instructor manages a caseload of youth and reports to the Senior Director of Youth Programs at their assigned site.

The Instructor's primary responsibilities include:

Curriculum & Instruction

• Develop and implement project-based learning (PBL) lessons and activities that align with college and career readiness standards.


• Create hands-on, inquiry-driven learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.


• Incorporate future ready skills into curriculum design to ensure youth are well-prepared for post-secondary opportunities.


• Participate in coaching and feedback sessions with the site leadership and the Senior Director of Youth Programs to ensure program development. 

Youth & Family Engagement

• Build strong relationships with youth to support their future and academic growth.


• Collaborate with families and caregivers to create a holistic support network that encourages youth success.


• Organize community partnerships and mentorship opportunities that connect youth with professionals in various fields.

Data Collection & Analysis:

• Gather and analyze youth data to assess academic and social-emotional needs, and improve strategies and interventions. 


• Conduct ongoing reflection on instructional practices to ensure continuous improvement and effectiveness.


• Maintain detailed records and reports to track progress, identify trends, and support evidence-based decision-making.

Other Duties

• Assist with the youth and family recruitment and enrollment process and support youth and family retention in programs


• Participate in Colorado Dream Foundation all-staff training, meetings, and events


• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• An unwavering belief that all youth can achieve and be successful


• At least one year of experience working with middle or high school-aged youth


• Experience with lesson planning and lesson execution


• Understanding of social-emotional learning


• Experience working with community partners in the Denver Metro area


• Exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, non-verbal)


• Record of accomplishment contributing to an organizational culture that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion


• Demonstrated belief in Colorado Dream Foundation's mission and values


• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and special events as needed


• Bilingual Spanish is a plus

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 or older


• High school diploma or GED


• Valid Colorado Driver's License


• Must pass a criminal background check

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a part-time, non-exempt position (up to 25 hours per week). The salary is between $21 and $23 per hour, depending on experience (Pre-Tax Earning potential of $24K-$27K total). Benefits include paid holidays and birthdays. 

Colorado Dream Foundation is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. Colorado Dream Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and the ability to perform a job without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, marital status, age, national origin, creed, ancestry, genetic information, legally protected medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, or on any other basis made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. Our policy is to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment, or bias based on these grounds.