Pre-HSE Instructor F/T

Friends of Island Academy (Friends) was founded in 1990 to anchor, support and develop capacity among young people newly released from jail in New York City.  A pioneer in adolescent reentry services, Friends builds on connections developed with young people while in custody, and leverages those relationships to provide post-release, neighborhood-based supportive services.  Friends is seeking an instructor to teach a pre-HSE class, lead assessment activities and its education initiatives, and support the larger goals of the newly-funded Youth Reentry Network. 
 
Essential Responsibilities:

• Teach HSE class for 17-24 year olds who have had criminal justice involvement
• Provide instruction in Social Studies, Science, English Language Arts, Math, and Writing. 
• Support students’ development as readers and writers; teach reading strategies and provide regular, meaningful writing activities
• Develop learner-centered, participatory lessons, using relevant materials and a project-based approach. 
• Create engaging instructional strategies and lesson plans in both math and/or literacy, including group instruction and one-on-one tutoring.
• Evaluate student progress using standardized assessment tools and in-class assessment.
• Maintain attendance and assessment data in Friends’ agency-wide database; enter regular notes on student progress.

Lead assessment activities for Friends Jail-to-School Pipeline program

• Conduct assessments for prospective students – including TABE tests, and informal reading inventories when appropriate;
• Using TABE scores, informal assessments, school transcripts, and educational history, help prospective students consider their educational options (i.e., regular diploma track, HSE track, etc.)

Support other Pipeline initiatives

• Help plan and participate in student orientations;
• Make referrals to other programs as appropriate;
• Meet with parents, Probation Officers, and other referring agencies
• Participate with the rest of the Education team in program planning and evaluation

Qualifications Required

• Three-five years’ experience teaching in adult literacy/HSE education;
• Experience working with at-risk youth or justice involved youth;
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and an understanding and belief in strengths-based youth development philosophy are needed to succeed in this position.
• A sense of humor, integrity, flexibility and a profound commitment to the youth we serve;
• Individuals with prior criminal justice involvement are encouraged to apply

 
To apply, please send resume and cover letter to John Gordon at [email protected].