Naugatuck High School On-Track Coordinator
Positions: Two full-time positions available
Dual-Report to: NHS Principal and RISE Innovation and Learning Manager
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience
Location: Naugatuck High School
Overview:
The RISE Network is a Connecticut-based non-profit organization with a mission to empower educators to achieve breakthrough results, helping all students realize and achieve their full potential. RISE facilitates networked improvement communities by bringing together educators working in different contexts to advance shared goals. Together, we build community, democratize innovation, and improve systems in public schools and districts. The RISE Network represents a partnership between public high schools and districts, serving nearly 15,000 students across 10 high schools. Educators in the RISE Network collaborate to ensure all students achieve college, career, and life success.
Two On-Track Coordinators will be based at Naugatuck High School through a partnership between the RISE Network and Naugatuck Public Schools. Naugatuck High School is a vibrant and socio-economically diverse school serving 1,230 students. Naugatuck High School’s mission is to create a community of learners who are responsible and engaged community members; demonstrate initiative, persistence, and adaptability; are curious and value risk-taking as part of the learning process; access and analyze information and formulate an opinion; communicate effectively; and work individually on teams to solve real-world problems.
Position Summary and Essential Job Functions:
Research shows the critical importance of freshman year in predicting high school and postsecondary success, and too many students struggle during the transition between middle and high school. On-Track Coordinators will serve in an embedded capacity in RISE partner high schools. At Naugatuck High School, On-Track Coordinators will play an integral role supporting Grade 9 students who demonstrate attendance, academic, social, and/or behavioral risk factors, and provide personalized and immediate supports. On-Track Coordinators will serve as advocates and coaches for students who may otherwise fall off-track by collaborating with teachers, administrators, students, and families to ensure every student grows towards subject area proficiency and Naugatuck’s Vision of the Graduate. This is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced and results-oriented school environment, and are passionate about closing achievement gaps and developing the potential of all students regardless of life circumstance.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Personalized Student Support:
Build meaningful relationships and provide targeted support for a caseload of up to 60 freshmen demonstrating attendance, academic, social, and/or behavioral risk factors.
Engage students in one-on-one counseling and coaching sessions, serving as students’ champions and advocates.
Promote seamless transitions between middle school and high school.
Develop personalized achievement plans for all students; regularly engage students, families, and staff in conversations about progress relative to individualized achievement plans.
Coordinate necessary academic and nonacademic interventions for each student, working in close collaboration with teachers, families, administration, social workers, counselors, and partners.
Forge and maintain close partnerships with families, serve as a liaison between parents and the school, and engage families in regular conversations about student progress.
2. Data Analysis:
Analyze student data and early warning signs, and closely monitor student progress to provide proactive and preventative supports triggered by data.
Implement data-driven systems, tools, and processes to maintain a pulse on student needs and progress.
Participate in and co-facilitate weekly on-track data meetings with Grade 9 faculty and staff.
Collaborate with faculty and staff to analyze data and students’ on-track achievement levels.
Coordinate interventions and support with staff in response to individual student data.
Review on-track progress data with students and families.
Maintain a careful log of student and family interactions, interventions, and student progress.
3. On-Track Programming:
Co-design and co-lead programming to support Grade 9 on-track achievement.
Staff summer transition programming, targeting rising freshmen and preparing these students for successful transitions to high school.
Participate in a learning cohort of On-Track Coordinators working in five high schools in urban communities in Connecticut.
Share resources and tools with other On-Track Coordinators and Grade 9 teams.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Deep understanding of urban districts and schools.
Strong sense of accountability and responsibility for results.
Experience working with high school-age youth and their families.
Desire to work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, results-oriented environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including group facilitation.
Ability to interact professionally and earn credibility with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and teamwork.
Ability to master new content quickly and work in a self-motivated manner.
Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire students, families, and school staff.
Strong critical thinking including synthesizing different types of data.
Sense of humor, positive attitude, and willingness to work in a collaborative environment.
Experience assessing and applying best practices at scale to drive results.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet competing demands.
Excellent computer skills; ability to use PowerPoint, Excel, Google apps, and the Internet.
Strong belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels, and a commitment to actively promoting equitable outcomes.
Understanding of mastery-based models of learning and assessment.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in counseling, social work, teaching, and/or working with youth and families.
Prior experience working in urban communities or serving high-need populations.
RISE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.