Academic Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Academic Specialist  

About The School of The New York Times & Summer Academy 

Highly innovative, The School of The New York Times (The School) offers a comprehensive set of educational offerings for pre-college students. Drawing upon unequaled expertise and unrivaled access, The School provides seminal formative experiences, helping students develop expanded vision and focus, while serving as the foundation for success in their future studies and in life itself. Held in New York City, Summer Academy (SA) provides students with an immersive environment during 2-week terms, in which they learn, investigate and explore while having fun and discovering friends, mentors and instructors who share their passions and interests.   

Job Summary

Helping support Faculty members, Academic Specialists will work to maintain a high level of excellence in the classroom, where students continue to hone their skills and explore different career paths.  

Under the direction of School staff and Instructional Coordinators, Academic Specialists provide pedagogical feedback to School staff, observing classrooms and giving critical information in order to strengthen pedagogy. Additionally, they help coordinate the administrative and programmatic aspects of the Summer Academy educational experience, as well as serve as back-up instructional support and chaperones for classroom activities and site visits.  

As leaders, Academic Specialists are expected to serve as a role model for responsible behavior, work ethic and integrity for both staff and students throughout SA. In addition, Academic Specialists serve as on-the-ground support for day-to-day challenges and liaising between School staff and Faculty members. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following, but other duties may be assigned.   

• Attend online training sessions on diversity and inclusion; an orientation session on relationships, responsibilities and logistics and other training as directed   

• Review course syllabi as needed      

• Provide pedagogical feedback to strengthen courses, visiting assigned classrooms and observing sessions 

• Ensure successful preparation and deployment of classroom materials, petty cash, bookings, logistics and educational technology     

• Serve as backup/substitute Faculty   

• Review and revise student evaluations as needed   

• Chaperone classroom activities and site visits as needed 

• Ensure the safety of students while on campus or on field trips 

• Follow safety and discipline protocols when situations require action  

• Support students when they need guidance   

Knowledge and Abilities  

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.    

• Demonstrate professionalism and diplomacy in interpersonal relationships  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, whether it be in person or online.  

• Ability to be present in the office  

• Demonstrate professionalism and diplomacy in interpersonal relationships, working across diverse teams and cultures.   

• Organizational and administrative skills with the ability to anticipate, improvise and adapt for optimal resolutions.    

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, work effectively on a team, maintain composure in stressful situations and work under pressure.    

• Support and embrace diversity and inclusiveness  

• Enthusiastic about working with youth between the ages 15-18   

• Effective communicator on the phone, in person, and online   

• Can recognize an issue and address it in a timely manner Curious about the city and comfortable exploring it with students    

Education, Work Experience and/or Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; a graduate degree (obtained or in progress) or relevant professional experience is recommended.   

• 2+ years of assistant teaching experience or one year of experience as a lead teacher with some experience in teaching writing (either journalism, composition, and/or academic analysis)   
• CPR certification (obtained prior to arrival on campus) 

Dates  

Academic Specialists will staff Summer Academy terms Monday to Friday starting on June 2 and finishing on August 8 (10 weeks equivalent). Summer Academy runs in two-week terms. Week 1 and Week 2 take place Monday to Friday. This position will have general hours between 8am-5pm. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of his/her job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics listed here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Salary

The Academic Specialist is paid a summer stipend of $8,750 as an Independent Contractor.   

The School of The New York Times is an equal opportunity employer.