Mentor Teacher

Job Description

Position Reports to: Education Specialist

FLSA Status: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Nature of Work

The Mentor Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality coaching, guided reflection, training and technical assistance to Head Start and Early Head Start classroom staff on best practices related to early learning and supporting the development of children in compliance with comprehensive Head Start Performance Standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires an Associate's Degree in Child Development or related field of study, with four years of Early Childhood Education teaching experience. Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Coaching and Mentoring

Provide mentoring support to teaching staff and program implementers in providing RCCDC children and families with warm and nurturing learning environments which offer varied culturally respectful experiences that support individual social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development

Support staff as needed in curricula implementation, individualization, screening, and child assessment.

In coordination with the Center Manager and Education Specialist team develop a comprehensive teacher mentoring plan; plans will be reviewed by the Education Specialist and Program Coordinators

Allows teachers and assistants to observe him/her and other classroom staff, offers support, and leads discussions on what was demonstrated.

Utilizes leadership styles that are developmentally appropriate for individual teaching staff and gives guidance regarding classroom/time management, discipline, scheduling, planning and organizing the day.

Supports teacher and school readiness goals, objectives and learning styles; analyzes the nature, extent and duration of identified training needs; provides written and verbal feedback on general/specific teacher job competencies in the area of education services; coordinates scheduling of and may conduct training activities

Evaluation and Assessment

Participates in site visits, classrooms, observations, and work groups to assess program needs and planning strategies for system/process improvement and/or development of early childhood education, disabilities, and mental health.

Monitor the staff's progress and child outcomes based on school readiness goals.

Providing guidance and support to staff with implementation of curriculum/individuation plans and ongoing assessments.

Communication and Partnership

Maintains a cooperative attitude of working together with the teacher, classroom staff, volunteers, parents, management staff in planning and implementing classroom activities, consistent with the curriculum guide, resources and training provided;

Maintains a positive, calm attitude and a soft voice, and encourages this attitude and voice in others

Shares information with teachers and assistants related to the RCCDC program procedures.

Meet regularly with the Center Manager and Education Specialist to support on-going professional development for staff

Miscellaneous

Attend meetings, training and professional development activities as needed or requested by Supervisor.

Perform other duties as requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge and experience in Early Childhood Education and Developmentally Appropriate Practices.

Broad based knowledge and experience in computer applications and systems, i.e. database, spread sheet, word processing, power-point, e-mail and internet.

Ability to utilize agency resources and technology to appropriately answer questions and provide technical support to staff.

Demonstrated training skills, ability to provide presentations to small and large groups.

Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.

Intermediate to advanced level computer skills, internet and e-mail.

Ability to work in a professional manner both independently and with others in a team environment.

Special Considerations

Employees within this classification are required to:

Obtain a Louisiana Child Care Criminal Background Check Determination of Eligibility

Pass a physical examination every three years

Maintain a valid driver's license with a driving record in compliance with RCCDC's insurance carrier requirements.

Be able to frequently sit, work at computer keyboard and desk, and stand to file misc. documents in filing cabinets.

Be able to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Be able to travel overnight as required.

Be able to travel to assigned sites.

Be able to sustain concentration and ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously.

Be able to bend, stoop and kneel and lift up to 50 lbs.

Frequent kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's need

Be able to perform duties in an active environment with changes in climate and noise level.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

I fully understand that this job description is not intended to be a contract for employment, and that the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job descriptions at any time without notice.

My supervisor has afforded me a one on one review of my job description. I fully understand the duties and responsibilities of the job and my supervisor's expectations where this job is concerned. I am able to perform all duties as outlines.