Aspire Public Schools, a nonprofit charter school management organization, is the highest-performing public school system in California serving predominantly low-income students. Aspire currently operates 30 public charter schools with the goal of preparing urban students for college, which is reflected in our motto of “College for Certain.” One hundred percent of Aspire’s class of 2010 was accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Aspire offers a high-quality education to nearly 10,000 K-12 students in six California communities including East Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Modesto, Oakland, Sacramento and Stockton, with plans to grow to better meet the demand for college-ready students in urban communities. Visit Aspire Public Schools at www.aspirepublicschool.org.

Overview:

The Intervention Specialist will provide one-on-one and small group support for students performing below and far below grade level. The focus of the work will be in Reading and English Language Arts, therefore expertise and experience in literacy instruction is required. Candidates with expertise in math or other subject areas should indicate that in their application as there could be opportunities to work across multiple subject areas.

Responsibilities:

1. Assesses students frequently, examines student assessment data, and refines intervention activities to address individual student needs
2. Develops and implements lesson plans and classroom activities consistent with California State Standards and Aspire Instructional Guidelines
3. Organizes systems/procedures and manages student behavior to ensure all students are fully engaged in learning
4. Establishes a culture of high expectations that includes college preparation for all students
5. Collaborates with Aspire team members to improve own and others’ instructional practices especially in literacy development; shares best practices
6. Works closely with classroom teachers and education specialists to identify unique student needs; collaborates with team members and outside service providers to diagnose and address learning challenges
7. Actively participates in professional development activities, including: training sessions and working with Lead Teachers, Principal and Instructional Coaches
8. Provides instruction with the afterschool program and collaborates with Afterschool Director to design and deliver professional development in literacy instruction to afterschool program staff
9. Provides classroom teachers, students and parents/guardians with regular and timely information on student progress; finds ways to involve parents/guardians in their students’ education
10. Tracks critical student information and maintains accurate student records, including attendance, in accordance with Aspire procedures
11. Demonstrate knowledge of, and supports Aspire Public School’s mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
12. Performs other related duties as required and assigned

Qualifications:

1) Required knowledge, skills & abilities:

• In–depth knowledge of literacy development and reading interventions
• Knowledge of child and youth cognitive development and different learning styles
• Knowledge of California State Standards
• Knowledge of assessments
• Ability and willingness to implement Aspire Instructional Guidelines and Best Practices
• Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative student data
• Ability and willingness to reflect and improve
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents and community
• Ability to work effectively with middle and high school students

2) Minimum educational level:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s preferred.
• Valid California Multiple Subject
• Specialist training in literacy and/or reading recovery

3) Experience required:

• 2+ years as a classroom teacher
• Experience working with K-5 students, particularly those reading two or more years behind grade level