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TITLE: GEAR UP College Advocate                                     
DEPT: Secondary
REPORTS TO:  GRAD’S Director of Secondary Programs         

PURPOSE

To support students enrolled in HISD/GRAD partnering schools in their preparation for college access and college success; for school year 2008-2009, to work with 8th and 9th graders and their parents to maximize promotion rates to 9th and 10th grades.

Responsible for assisting the administration in the implementation of four GEAR UP objectives:

1.  Improve academic performance of GEAR UP students
2.  Increase numbers of students in rigorous classes
3.  Improve high school graduation rates
4.  Increase college-going rates

Responsible for assisting the administration in the implementation of three GEAR UP activity categories:

1.  Tutoring
2.  Mentoring
3.  Summer Academies

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES                                

1. Working collaboratively with members of the intervention team to assure success for all students in the cohort grades
2. Organizing group/individual sessions with target students to address academic success issues indicated by their data
3. Regularly monitoring student grades, attendance and conduct, to effectively intervene with target students to replace unsuccessful school behaviors with academically productive choices. 
4. Working with students on goal setting, positive choices, time management, studying and test-taking skills, pro-social behavior choices and other skills to reduce the likelihood of dropping out of school and increase students’ college options
5. Administering GEAR UP surveys as required for the Annual Performance Report
6. Collecting grant documentation
7. Collaborating to assure all cohort students receive college and career guidance services
8. Working with building leadership to plan school-wide interventions which could include: 1) attendance programs; 2) academic success programs provided by GEAR UP such as reading and math tutorials; 3) positive classroom behavior programs, character education programs, and access to school counselors.
9. Providing students with targeted college awareness activities and college advising
10. Coordinating tutoring for target students
11. Coordinating GEAR UP mentoring provided by business partners, PG scholars, Parent Pals, and college students
12. Coordinating summer transition academies

PRIMARY CONTACTS & PURPOSE

Director of Secondary Programs—supervision, guidance, training
GEAR UP Director—program standards, documentation
School based administrative staff—service provision
Campus counselors and students—service provision

EXPERIENCE

Have at least 8 years teaching experience.  Prefer experience additionally in program management outside the classroom. 

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Teaching certification required.  Supervision/Counseling/Administration certification or master’s degree preferred. Bilingual (English & Spanish) preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Demonstrates a desire to contribute to the success of students, particularly low-income and first-generation college students.
2. Recognizes opportunities for intervention and take initiative to act proactively.
3. Organizes interventions for target students and their parents.
4. Relates well to students, parents, teachers and staff.
5. Manages time wisely.
6. Has exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
7. Works collaboratively with HISD leadership, faculty, and staff to add value for student success.

Inquiries, please contact jobs@projectgradhouston.org