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University of Miami School of Law

Senior Teacher – First Star Academy

Position Description

The First Star University of Miami Academy is an innovative college-preparatory program for high school students impacted by foster care.  Due to trauma and a host of structural factors, only 50% of foster youth graduate high school, and less than 3% earn a college degree.  The Academy overcomes these outcomes by providing holistic academic and social-emotional support to allow youth to thrive.  The Academy strives to keep youth on track for high school graduation, prepare them for higher education, and equip them with the skills to successfully transition to adulthood.  Academy students spend all four summers of high school living on the University of Miami campus (Summer Academy) and return 1-2 Saturdays per month during the school year (Saturday Academies).  While on campus, the youth attend academic classes, participate in life skills workshops, and explore life on a university campus. 

We are currently seeking teachers for our monthly Saturday academies and seasonal summer position, renewable each year depending on funding and performance.  The position also has the potential to continue as a part-time, school-year position.  Teachers design their summer curriculum aligned to the Miami-Dade Public School curriculum and also assist students in preparing for required state assessments and college admission tests.  The ideal candidate is creative at engaging students, familiar with differentiated and trauma-informed instruction strategies, and welcomes working in a dynamic team setting. 

CORE Job Summary:

The Senior Teacher plans, organizes, and implements an appropriate instructional curriculum for students with and without disabilities, in an inclusive learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential. More specifically, the incumbent plans, prepares, and delivers instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences.

CORE Job Functions:

Develops comprehensive lesson plans and developmentally appropriate activities. Identifies and selects different instructional resources to meet students’ varying educational needs. Provides a syllabus of course material before the start of the course when applicable. Records daily attendance. May administer tests, evaluations, and/or assessments to monitor progress of individual students. May provide homework assignments on course materials to evaluate course knowledge. Updates all necessary records as required by applicable laws, district policies, and school regulations. Works directly with teacher assistant(s) on the application of an appropriate instructional curriculum. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Department Specific Functions:

Prepares engaging lessons for our monthly Saturday academies to meet the needs of small groups of students

Develops course objectives and lesson plans, and teaches a 4-week course, following guidelines from the Miami Dade Public Schools curriculum and using a range of teaching methods and individualized instruction

Prepares students for required state assessments and college admission tests using various teaching methods, including socio-emotional learning strategies, lectures and demonstrations.

Assesses student's progress and participates in research activities to assess student learning and overall program effectiveness

 Prepares and administers tests to evaluate student progress, records results, issues reports to inform progress, and counsels students when adjustment and academic problems arise.

Participates in staff team meetings aimed at addressing a child’s holistic needs.

 Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field. Minimum 2 years of relevant experience.

Valid Florida Teaching Certificate

Ability to work with a diverse student population including communicating with people from diverse culture and ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic, educational levels.

Level 2 Background screening required.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

Ability to lead, motivate, develop and train others.

Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.

Commitment to the University’s core values.

Proficiency in computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office).

Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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