Big Picture Schenectady, a small innovation high school and partner with the Big Picture Learning network, is seeking high-energy, insightful educators dedicated to creating rigorous and authentic learning experiences for students. Teachers at BPS are called advisors and while certified in a subject area at the high school level, you will coach students in all areas of learning. In your role as advisor you are a teacher, a project manager, an academic counselor and an emotional and social support person; you will work with a group of students to identify their interests and passions, help them find internship opportunities in those areas, and build their learning around those experiences. We seek educators who value "rigor, relevance, and relationships" in their professional practice, and who can engage families and community members as partners in the education of Big Picture Schenectady students.
The Big Picture School believes that schools must be personalized; educating every student equally, one student at a time. Each student’s learning plan should grow out of his or her unique needs, interests and passions. Advisors are more than classroom teachers; they are an integral part of the environment that allows students the freedom to find themselves with the support and motivation of inspiring adults.
The advisor’s job is to create a safe, trusting and collaborative learning environment that enables students to learn through school and community experiences and develop as mature, able, knowledgeable and responsible adults.
Responsibilities include:
· Plan an individualized program of instruction that is both challenging and that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of each advisee, centered around authentic, project-based learning experiences;
· Articulate each student’s progress, educationally and socially, through marking period narratives, phone calls and meetings with parents, and weekly student meetings;
· Partners with the internship coordinator to recommend and establish meaningful internships using phone calls, shadow days, information interviews, site visits, and other available means;
· Establish clear objectives for each student and employ a variety of educational techniques in pursuit of rigorous, integrated academic experiences and habits of work;
· Collaborate with a group of passionate educators in creating and nurturing a school that meets the needs of students looking for or needing a more individualized program;
· Build strong relationships within the school community and support restorative justice practices;
· Maintain patience and a sense of humor, and celebrate the successes of students and the school.
Additional responsibilities:
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Teach students how to learn and gather and filter information through personal interaction, print and web-based sources.
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Plan a program of instruction that is both challenging and meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of each student.
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Guide students into learning experiences and activities that focus on the mastery of the specific content area as it relates to NYS Regents Standards.
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Provide supplemental and education resources in order to support the students’ growth.
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Employ a variety of educational techniques in pursuit of educational goals and establish clear objectives for student growth.
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Facilitate learning outside of the school building via camping, museum trips and leadership excursions.
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Hold students accountable to specific grade, advisory and campus standards and celebrate students’ accomplishments.
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Assert students’ educational and social progress through quarterly narratives, phone calls to parents and weekly student meetings.
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Maintain accurate, complete and factual student transcripts as required by the school and state law.
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Be accessible to students and parents for education-related purposes outside normal school hours as negotiated with students and their families.
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Actively engage parents and family members in the life and learning of their children.
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Build strong relationships within the school community and support restorative justice practices.
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Assist students in applying to at least three colleges and complete one college course while at the Big Picture School.
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Incorporate formal Learning Plans and Learning Through Internship experiences in the learning journey.
About Schenectady City Schools
With a population of nearly 10,000 students, the Schenectady City School District is one of the largest in the Capital Region. With an incredibly diverse population we are committed to ensuring that all children feel valued, are safe and will learn. We place the highest priority on a culture of equity, ensuring that race, economics, and disability are never predictors of student achievement. Every child in our district counts and will be supported each step of the way, along the path to graduation.
The Schenectady City School District is committed to hiring members of protected classes and residents of the City of Schenectady. For more information on the District’s recruitment and hiring plan, please contact the Human Resources Office at 881-2000 ext. 40133.The Schenectady City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race or gender. This policy is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Regulations and By-Laws of the Board of Education of the Schenectady City School District.