POSITION OVERVIEW:

The First Assistant position resides in the Department of Adult Education, Boston Central Adult High School. The mission of BPS Adult Ed is to provide a variety of flexible programs to ensure that Boston residents have access to quality instruction, job training, and college and career advising. We honor the diversity of our students by promoting equity and inclusion. BPS Adult Ed annually serves about 800 adult students who want to learn English, participate in vocational training, improve their academic level and/or graduate from high school. Day and evening, as well as in-person and online programs, are offered.
The First Assistant is a key member of the Boston Central Adult High School administrative team. Working closely with the Director of Operations, the First assistant oversees Boston Central Adult High School. This is an administrative position with supervisory responsibility. The first assistant works from 5:15 PM to 9:45 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, have excellent judgment, and have the ability to manage a fast-paced and multi-faceted workload with attention to detail. This individual should be a self-starter with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and projects.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

• Strong commitment to the Department of Adult Education’s mission, values, and educational model
• Two years of relevant successful experience in an adult education setting.
• Experience working with the adult learner population as well as the 16 - 21-year-old adult population
• Ability to read transcripts and determine transfer credits.
• Attention to detail to ensure that accurate records are maintained and shared.
• Knowledge of local and state graduation requirements.
• Strong digital literacy skills and ability to learn new technology.
• Possess a flexible and growth mindset that allows them to adjust to the changing demands of teaching in an adult education setting.
• Ability to create meaningful relationships with a diverse student population.
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks across multiple projects.
• Ability to interpret and present data for internal and external audiences.
• Attention to detail to ensure that accurate records are maintained and shared.
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office suite, Google Apps, and video conferencing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to effectively collaborate with students, teachers, and administrators.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and oral and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments, use judgment and initiative to accomplish results, work under pressure, and complete tasks in an accurate and timely manner.
• An understanding of and commitment to gain a greater understanding of what is necessary for an urban school system to enjoy a continuous improvement in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.
• A deeply held and unyielding belief in the overarching mission of public education and opportunities for adult learners.
• Current authorization to work in the United States.

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED:

• BPS values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity. BPS is particularly interested in candidates who are fluent in one of BPS’ official languages: Spanish, Creole (Cape Verdean), Creole (Haitian), Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, & Somali.
• Familiarity with Boston and Boston Public Schools
  UNION/MANAGERIAL/RESIDENCY REQUIRED: Stipend, BTU Overtime Rate

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops a deep understanding of BCAHS students and community including the needs, successes, challenges, and priorities.
• Supervise and support teaching and support staff, including Guidance Counselors and School Safety Officers.
• Greet students and staff.
• Coordinate plans for teacher absences.
• Ensure that the building is safe and clean.
• Ensure that the needs of students are met.
• Assist students and staff in the main office as needed.
• Conduct walk-throughs of the building during teaching and learning time.
• Contact the appropriate district, city, and emergency departments when problems arise.
• Ensure that the building is fully evacuated and the area is secure before leaving each night.
• Support the Student Support team with intake, testing, placement, and orientation of new high school students.
• Communicate student challenges with teachers, student support, and the administration team.
• Support required DESE testing, including MCAS, MAPT, Best Plus, and TABE.
• As necessary, enters and manages student attendance and grade information in various databases.
• Serves as an active participant on the school’s leadership team.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in department meetings and appropriate professional development activities.
• Establish a structured, positive, and inspiring school culture.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a rigorous, joyful, and safe environment for students and staff.
• Work collaboratively with school leaders to ensure effective communication with teachers, staff, and students.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining the goals, philosophy, and policies of BPS Adult Education.
• Communicate effectively with counselors, teachers, and program administrator(s) on student and program issues.
• Perform other miscellaneous department and/or BPS Adult Education duties as deemed appropriate by the Director.