INSTRUCTOR/PKY - Elementary School Counselor

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

You belong at a K-12 teaching and learning environment that’s leading the way! If you are interested in being a part of this dedicated team of professionals, we invite you to submit your curriculum vitae or resume and application. The Opportunity and Job Description The Elementary School Counselor designs, implements, and delivers a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate school counseling program that promotes students’ academic achievement and social, emotional, and behavioral development. The counselor collaborates with teachers, administrators, families, and K–12 counseling staff to provide coordinated, data-driven services that support all students, while also supporting schoolwide initiatives and student supervision. P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School (DRS) is a public school established in 1934 with the mission to design, test, and disseminate innovations in K-12 education through serving a varied student population Affiliated with the College of Education at the University of Florida, P.K. Yonge faculty may partner with members of the college to develop, and test teaching solutions designed to respond to the varied learning needs of our students. P.K. Yonge boasts a small community-like atmosphere that fosters deep and impactful relationships with students and families from all walks of life over many years. P.K. Yonge is committed to creating a learning environment to support the needs of all learners as we seek to generate new ideas for advancing student learning through research, teaching, and/or service. Teachers work closely in a collaborative environment that cultivates new ideas designed to impact K-12 schools. As practitioner-researchers, P.K. Yonge faculty are constantly working to bridge theory and practice. P.K. Yonge attributes our successes to the contributions of teachers who find teaching, research, and investigation inspiring, who value the opportunity to reach outside the bounds of the classroom, and who are open to sharing on a broader scale. P.K. Yonge teachers enjoy greater professional autonomy. P.K. Yonge faculty engage in professional learning opportunities each year though webinars, workshops, learning communities, and teacher research aimed at increasing knowledge of adaptive, student-centered learning environments. Teachers are fully supported to explore and learn within their subject areas; encouraged to present and attend national conferences; and inspired to refine and improve their current practices. As an employee of the University of Florida, teachers have the ability to participate in the university promotion process — which has the potential to lead to higher rank and salary. P.K. Yonge teachers have full access to UF benefits. Additionally, teachers are afforded the use of the UF tuition assistance program to pursue advanced degrees at the University of Florida.

Requirements

A Master’s degree; candidates with Bachelor’s degree will be considered, but will be required to obtain a Master’s degree within three years of hire.
Florida DOE subject area certification.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Level 2 DCF Background check

Nice To Haves

3+ years of counseling experience

Responsibilities

Design and deliver a comprehensive elementary school counseling program aligned with students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs
Implement developmentally appropriate classroom guidance, small-group, and individual counseling services
Collaborate with elementary teachers and participate in grade-level and Student Success Team meetings to identify and address student needs using data-based interventions
Coordinate with middle and high school counselors to ensure a cohesive K–12 counseling program
Advocate for students in collaboration with parents, administrators, and school staff
Provide individual planning services to promote self-responsibility, study skills, and academic opportunities
Maintain regular communication with families through conferences, electronic communication, and in-person meetings
Use technology effectively to support instruction, collaboration, and program delivery
Support standardized testing initiatives, parent education opportunities, staff development, and school improvement planning
Engage in continuous professional learning, reflective practice, and collaborative inquiry to improve program effectiveness
Provide system-level support to strengthen partnerships among teachers, staff, families, and community members
Student supervision throughout the day
Oversee McKinney-Vento and Backpack for Kids