Expanded Learning Program Instructor (Sankofa Elementary)

As an Expanded Learning Program Instructor at Sankofa Elementary, your responsibilities will include planning and delivering engaging lesson plans, supporting students' emotional well-being, maintaining a safe learning environment, and serving as a positive role model. You'll also facilitate community circles and foster collaboration with youth to enhance their learning experiences.

To qualify for the Expanded Learning Program Instructor position at Sankofa Elementary, candidates must possess an associate degree or higher, 48 college units, or a high school diploma and pass the Instructional Aide exam. No prior experience is required, but you must pass a criminal background check and provide negative TB clearance.

The Expanded Learning Program Instructor role at Sankofa Elementary is designed to promote educational equity by providing a safe and engaging environment where all students feel valued. By collaborating closely with youth, you can create a youth-driven curriculum that addresses their specific needs, thus supporting students’ learning and development in meaningful ways.

Working as an Expanded Learning Program Instructor at Sankofa Elementary offers several benefits, including a competitive pay rate of $23 per hour, flexible working hours totaling 23 hours per week, paid holidays, and contributions to health and wellness programs, including dental and vision care. These benefits are crafted to ensure a rewarding work-life balance.

An Expanded Learning Program Instructor at Sankofa Elementary can have a profound impact on students by fostering their emotional well-being, building their confidence, and engaging them in creative educational activities that complement their school-day learning. By being a supportive role model, you’ll help guide them towards academic success and personal growth.

To plan an engaging lesson, I would start by assessing the students' interests and needs to develop a curriculum that resonates with them. Incorporating interactive activities, discussions, and collaborative projects will encourage participation and make learning enjoyable. Additionally, I believe in aligning lesson goals with school-day objectives to enhance learning connections.

Supporting a struggling student involves patience and empathy. I might implement one-on-one check-ins to understand their challenges, create personalized learning plans that cater to their pace, and collaborate with them and their families to ensure they receive the necessary support. Building a trusting relationship is key to their success.

Creating a safe learning environment starts with establishing clear rules and promoting respect among all participants. I would encourage open communication and ensure every student feels heard and valued. Techniques like community circles based on restorative practices can further foster a sense of belonging and safety.

Incorporating restorative practices can be done by integrating community circles into lessons. This involves fostering discussions about feelings, resolving conflicts collaboratively, and encouraging accountability. These practices help build a strong, supportive classroom culture where students feel empowered to share and learn from one another.

To maintain student engagement, I would ensure activities are interactive, hands-on, and relevant to their lives. Encouraging student input and allowing them to take ownership of their learning can boost their enthusiasm. Incorporating games and teamwork can also make learning fun and foster deeper connections between the students.

Collaboration with team members is essential in an expanded learning program. I would regularly communicate with colleagues to share ideas, strategies, and outcomes from various activities. Open discussions about student progress can help us to collectively identify areas of improvement and share resources to enhance our curriculum.

A successful mentoring experience involved building a close relationship with a student who was struggling academically. By providing consistent support, setting achievable goals together, and celebrating small wins, I helped boost their confidence, which ultimately reflected in their grades and engagement in class.

In handling a conflict between students, I would first ensure everyone feels safe and calm, then facilitate a dialogue in which they can express their perspectives. Promoting understanding and encouraging them to find common ground can help resolve the conflict while teaching important problem-solving and communication skills.

I believe the most important quality is empathy. An Expanded Learning Program Instructor needs to understand the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their students to create a supportive and inclusive environment. This quality helps in building trust and fostering strong relationships, which are essential for effective teaching and mentorship.

Promoting educational equity involves actively listening to students' needs and tailoring the curriculum accordingly. I would advocate for inclusive practices, ensuring that all voices are heard, and work to dismantle barriers to learning by providing individualized support and resources to underrepresented students.