After School Classroom Director

DreamCatchers Classroom Director 

DreamCatchers is an After School Program for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Middle School Students in Palo Alto, CA. www.dreamcatchersyouth.org 

Join a close-knit team of professionals working to close the educational opportunity gap. DreamCatchers is seeking candidates for Classroom Director who are inspired to make a palpable difference in the lives of socioeconomically disadvantaged middle school students in Palo Alto. Your primary role as Classroom Director is to manage a classroom during our after-school academic support program, where middle school students attending Palo Alto Unified (PAUSD) are paired with near-peer volunteer tutors from local high schools. You manage the classroom, teach lessons and provide support to tutors. The position can best be described as a teacher/mentor/coach, who both teaches lessons and guides students in a safe, supportive, and productive environment. Many DreamCatchers Classroom Directors are local college students or young professionals who are looking for meaningful part-time work and career exploration in education and youth service. Join us!

Employment Status: Part Time 

Pay Rate: $25.00 per hour (multi-year commitments will be compensated with yearly rate increases)

Benefits-Eligible: No 

Expected Work Hours/Schedule: 

• 3-12 hours per week (depending on availability) 
• 1-4 days a week, Monday-Thursday. Ideal availability is at least 2 days per week. 
• Hours are: Monday/Wednesday 2:15-5:15 pm and Tuesday/Thursday 3:00-6:00 pm.
• Bi-weekly team meetings and additional professional development trainings (all compensated) 
• Because DreamCatchers aims to build lasting relationships within our students, we strongly encourage Classroom Directors to make a yearlong commitment to our students and the organization. Multi-year commitments are encouraged and will be compensated with increased hourly wages.

Work Months: Regular academic year from August through June 

Location: Palo Alto, CA (Fletcher Middle School, Greene Middle School and/or or JLS Middle School) 

Position Starts: Ongoing 
 

Position Overview 

The DreamCatchers Classroom Director is responsible for effectively managing a classroom of middle school students and “near-peer” high school tutors participating in an academic-based program. As the classroom leader, your goal is to create a vibrant atmosphere where learning is fun and rewarding. You will manage the tutor assignments and scheduling and assume some classroom-related administrative tasks. This position provides you valuable professional development and personal growth opportunities. Many Classroom Directors begin their careers in education and youth service at DreamCatchers.

What will you do? 

• Manage a classroom of approximately 10-14 middle school students and 5-10 high school tutors
• Deliver social & emotional learning (SEL) lessons based on a shared curriculum; this may include some content development, although slides are provided in advance
• Conduct life skills and team-building activities 
• Collaborate with the program staff and other classroom directors 
• Provide support to tutors and other volunteers working with DreamCatchers students 
• Communicate with DreamCatchers leadership and staff
• Attend trainings and professional development opportunities (compensated)
• Maintain a positive, safe, and productive work environment 

What qualifications will the ideal candidate have? 

Required:

• Must have at least a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old.
• Vaccinated against COVID (prior to start) and current with boosters
• Cleared LiveScan background check through PAUSD (at no charge)
• Strong communication skills and timely response to emails
• Flexibility and calm in navigating a fast paced environment 
• Ability to take initiative, think on your feet, create plans and complete tasks efficiently 

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or Mandarin is highly valued 
• One year or more experience working with youth (daycare/preschool through 8th grade) in school, afterschool and/or camp environments – or–  equivalent college-level coursework in the areas of education, counseling, social work, or a similar field 
• Experience building relationships with diverse youth communities and constituents
  
  Link to application: CD Application