Graduation Coach - Grant Funded

Sweetwater County School District #1•Rock Springs, WY

65d

About The Position

A Graduation Coach is an integral part of a comprehensive program of monitoring and support of students (grades 9 - 12) identified through analysis of risk factors in achieving the goal of graduation from high school. The Graduation Coach will be responsible for working directly with students identified as at-risk for not graduating or not graduating on time. In addition, the Graduation Coach will work cooperatively with the Principal of the assigned school, other High School Principals, and Central Office Staff to identify supports for these students. Such services might include after school tutoring for students at academic risk, facilitation of mentoring relationships in the workforce, referral to support services in the community if necessary, sustained meetings with students and families to keep the whole family engaged in the support of the student's graduation goal, etc. Contract hours for this position will be the same length of the work day as other District certified positions, but may have non-traditional work day hours and be adjusted to best meet the needs of students.

Requirements

Knowledge of cultures, various communication and learning styles including online learning, and available community resource services to which students and families may be referred.
Demonstrated skills in communication, assessment, evaluation, plan implementation and record maintenance.
Ability to relate to and work successfully with at-risk students, parents, school staff and community resource staff.
Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member.
Possess a general knowledge of Public Law 101-476 (I.D.E.A.).
Possess a current and valid drivers license.
Possess all certificates required for the State of Wyoming including a secondary endorsement and an At-Risk endorsement from the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board.
Possess at a minimum a Bachelor's Degree.
Continue professional growth.
Be able to stand, walk, and sit for long periods without fatigue or discomfort.
Be able to work at a computer monitor at least part of each day without fatigue or discomfort.
Be able to spend most of the time inside classrooms with some work outside in cold/hot weather.
Be able to tolerate noise up to 90 decibels.
Be able to work in a non-air-conditioned building.
Be able to work under fluorescent lighting.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with teachers, counselors, parents and administrators, identifies students at risk of dropping out and in need of intervention. Identifies and assists in the implementation of intervention strategies.
Conducts outreach activities designed to increase parental awareness and to assist students in seeing the importance and relevance of their education such as parent orientations, home visits, and coordination with the business community in arranging mentorships and apprenticeships (i.e. ASVAB test prep for military interested students, HiSet test prep (formerly known as the GED), automotive, welding, certified nursing assistants, etc.).
Provides outreach and follow-up support to students and families through a variety of communication means to include in-person, telephone, electronic, and home visits.
Acts as a mentor to specified at-risk students by connecting with students and establishing a rapport that allows for open communication.
Maintains and facilitates coordinated communication between the building principal, teachers, and other resource/support staff on dropout prevention/intervention methods and results.
Collaborates with school counselors and career resource advisors in assisting identified students in the development of individual learning plans (or post- graduation commitment plans).
Connects with junior high counselors each spring to identify incoming students in need of support.
Creates and maintains confidential program records and organizational systems. Tracks student risk factors associated with dropping out to include attendance and truancy data, discipline data, and academic achievement data.
Compiles data for tracking and evaluation purposes.
Identifies and monitors students who have dropped out and encourages them to re-engage in school.
Monitors and assesses student progress and provides feedback on a regular basis to students and parents/guardians.
Communicates aims/objectives to students in a well-planned, organized manner in clear, concise terms.
Assists Administration in implementing all policies, vision, mission and philosophy, regulations, and rules of Sweetwater County School District Number One, State of Wyoming, and federal legislation.
Creates educational experiences to provide students with opportunities to develop potential in self-esteem, personal-social adjustment, decision-making, and other life skills.
Respects the dignity of each student as an individual and attempts to gain an adequate understanding of his/her needs, interests, abilities, aptitudes, temperament, and environmental influences, as a basis on which to meet his/her needs, and to treat him/her with fairness and courtesy.
Communicates concerns and ideas and conducts oneself in a positive, confidential, solution-oriented manner when working with administrators, parents, community and students.
Assumes individual and legal responsibilities for the discipline and supervision of students in the classroom assigned by the principal/supervisor, on school property, or in attendance at school-sponsored activities at all times and maintains a high standard of conduct.
Maintains accurate, complete, legible, and correct records as required by law, Sweetwater County School District Number One policy, and Administrative regulation.
Takes necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Strives to be a good employee as well as an effective teacher.
Other duties as assigned.
Attends and supervises school sponsored field trips.
Attends parent and staff meetings and is an effective member of assigned committees.
Keeps informed by reading building and district communications.
Responds to requests for information in a timely manner.