EVERY STUDENT, NO MATTER WHAT

For 25 years, iJAG has been dedicated to empowering Iowa’s youth to succeed, thrive, and become future-ready leaders. At iJAG, our mission is to ensure a future Iowa where every youth is resilient and well-prepared with the skills, purpose, and opportunities they need. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative approaches, we bridge the gap between education and employment, building strong communities and unlocking the potential of every student—no matter what!
Our team of Career Education Specialists plays a crucial role in helping students thrive by developing essential employability skills through project-based learning in small classes. We also partner with employers throughout the school year to provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities. Our ultimate goal is to equip all students with the skills and experiences necessary for lasting success.
If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact and committed to helping young people reach their full potential, we want you on our team! Are you ready to be part of something transformative?

POSITION OVERVIEW

The 9th and 10th Grade Career Education Specialist at iJAG is a cornerstone role dedicated to guiding high school students toward both academic and personal excellence. This role integrates project-based learning (PBL), individual mentoring, data-driven strategies, and work-based learning initiatives, working closely with employer partnerships to prepare students for successful futures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated proficiency in delivering content to diverse audiences and adapting teaching styles to meet the varied needs of students.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Skilled in leveraging data analytics to refine instructional approaches and enhance student achievement.
• Skilled in building supportive relationships while upholding professional standards.
• Curriculum development capability and tech-savviness with Microsoft Office/Google apps.
• Ability to learn new software systems.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, counseling, education, or a closely related discipline is required, with a master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Relevant experience in secondary or post-secondary education environments, demonstrating a deep understanding of academic support systems.
• Current possession of an active Iowa teacher license or iJAG authorization, with the expectation to secure a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Supervisor authorization within the first six months of employment.
• Commitment to iJAG’s mission and flexibility to perform diverse program roles.
  Job Type: Full-time
  Pay: $49,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In perso

Community Engagement

• Actively cultivates and maintains robust relationships with a broad spectrum of employers, securing a variety of career exploration and skill development opportunities that align with student interests and market demands.
• Cultivate and mobilize community resources, develop partnerships and collaborations that support educational experience, and open new pathways for iJAG students.
• Design and implement comprehensive work-based learning programs that integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences, preparing students for life after high school by developing their professional skills and understanding industry expectations.

Student Recruitment and Engagement:

• Partner with school administration to identify and select eligible students while proactively promoting the iJAG program within the school community to build and sustain a strong student cohort.
• Conduct outreach and informational sessions for prospective students, their families, and school staff to communicate the benefits and opportunities of the iJAG program.
• Introduce students to a variety of careers through interactive workshops and guest speaker sessions, fostering early interest and understanding of different professional career paths
• Provide individualized guidance and resources to support students as they prepare for transition into employment, post-secondary education, military service, or training programs

Instructional Delivery and Classroom Management:

• Employs project-based learning (PBL) methodologies to develop engaging and transformative educational journeys, seamlessly bridging classroom theory with real-world applications, thereby enriching students’ practical understanding and skills.
• Utilize iJAG’s competency-based approach to steer project creation and cultivate a student-centered learning environment, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personalized growth.
• Champion student empowerment and autonomy, cultivating an inclusive learning environment that encourages teamwork and community building.
• Develop and maintain a positive, structured learning environment that promotes student engagement and participation through effective classroom management strategies, adapting techniques to meet the diverse needs of learners, and ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities.
• Implement effective behavior management plans and conflict resolution strategies to cultivate a safe, respectful classroom culture, enabling students to focus on their academic and personal growth within a supportive and inclusive classroom setting.

Data Management and Analysis:

• Maintain accurate student records, systematically tracking essential metrics including attendance, academic performance, and program participation to monitor and enhance student progress effectively.
• Skillfully analyzes data to evaluate the impact of the iJAG program on student outcomes, utilizing insights to identify areas needing targeted interventions or additional supports, thereby optimizing student success.
• Manages and updates Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students, participating in relevant meetings to advocate and adapt educational strategies to meet the unique needs of each learner.

Professional Development and Support:

• Engage in collaboration with the program supervisor and school administration, leveraging collective expertise to drive the success of the program and ensure it meets both educational standards and student needs effectively.
• Participate in iJAG and school district professional development activities to stay updated on best practices and continuously enhance skills and knowledge.