Early College Leadership Facilitator
The Texas High School Project

Dallas, Texas

ABOUT THE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT

The Texas High School Project (THSP) seeks experienced school administrators to serve as leadership facilitators in the Early College High School Initiative, a nationally recognized reform program with the goal of enabling all students, particularly those from traditionally underserved populations, to attain a college degree. Early college high schools blend high school and college, offering students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 college credits at no cost.

In partnership with Jobs for the Future (JFF), a Massachusetts-based education non-profit, the Texas High School Project has created a school change professional development program that includes training for principals and the use of an instructional coach to drive a school toward the development of a consistent and coherent pedagogical framework using a set of engaging teaching strategies and the creation of a college-going culture that supports all student achievement.

This program is based on the successful model of the University Park Campus School in Worcester, MA, an unselective neighborhood school in the city’s poorest neighborhood whose impressive 12-year track record includes more than 99% students passing the state graduation exam, more than 95% enrolling in college and more than 85% receiving or staying on track to receive postsecondary degrees.

The Texas High School Project is hiring leadership facilitators to support early college high schools beginning in the 2009-2010 academic year. After participating in JFF/THSP’s training program, the leadership facilitators will provide ongoing support for school leaders on the organizational practices needed to create an academic program and school culture that will allow all students to enter and succeed in college. Leadership facilitators will receive 8-16 days per year of training from JFF and provide 1-2 days per month of support to a portfolio of 4-12 schools.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Visit assigned schools 1-2 days per month to provide leadership support to the principal. Specific roles at visits include:

  • One-on-one meeting with principal

  • Walk-through of classrooms to observe classroom instruction and culture

  • Providing strategic advice to principals on how to implement UPCS Institute school improvement program

  • Deliver follow-up to structured workshops designed by JFF

  • Review student achievement data with principals and support their use of it to drive change in their schools

  • Other leadership support as needed

• Provide support to principals by phone and email as needed between site visits

• Submit monthly reports on the progress of each school to JFF and CFT trainers

• Deliver workshop-style leadership training developed by JFF to cohorts of 10-25 principals

• Communicate with JFF and CFT trainers and with instructional coaches about progress and barriers to successful implementation of the UPCS Institute program.

• Participate in training program provided by JFF and CFT training staff (approximately 12 days per year).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work well with people – productive and positive interpersonal skills
• At least 10 years of experience working in urban schools or educational settings focused on preparing underserved students for the highest academic standards
• Experience as a secondary school administrator
• Demonstrated record of achievement for diverse learners
• Experience analyzing and acting on student data
• Experience delivering professional development programs to school personnel
• Thorough knowledge of research on effective practices and school designs for boosting the achievement of underrepresented youth
• Strong knowledge of adolescent literacy issues
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and with a degree of independence
• Knowledge of effective adult learning practices and experience facilitating for adults
• Masters degree or higher.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY:

Submit a cover letter, resume, writing samples and references to:

THSP-CoachingStaff@gononprofit.com.

Jobs for the Future is an equal opportunity employer.