2026 Summer Academic Specialist

2026 Summer Academic Specialist

Salary Range $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly Position Type Seasonal

Description

Position Title: Academic Specialist - Reports To: Site Director / Multi Site Manager

Hourly Rate: $20.00 - FLSA Status: Seasonal / Non-exempt

General Purpose:

Scholars Unlimited is a community-based non-profit program helping young learners master critical literacy skills. Our mission is to foster academic, social, and emotional growth for children living in metro Denver communities. Our summer program is geared toward grades K-5 and includes reading, SEL, STEM, and recreation/enrichment components. These programs are educational, engaging, and effective.

The Academic Specialist will conduct site-based extended learning, enrichment, and/or family literacy programs at public elementary schools. This position is responsible for providing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and/or supporting literacy instruction for the K-5 summer program. Working directly with students this person will assist with literacy and SEL curriculum. The Academic Specialist reports to the Site Director and/or Multi Site Manager.

Scholars Unlimited summer program will start June 9, 2026, and end July 17, 2026. The program will be held in our partner schools in Northeast Denver, Southwest Denver, Sheridan, and Westminster. The Academic Specialist will work Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM and will attend mandatory training sessions the week of June 1, 2026.

Essential Functions:

• Provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to our students
• Provide positive opportunities that engage students to express and create
• Provide safe and quality care to students
• Provide and support opportunities for students to learn new skills
• Provide clear steps and tools that support goals and achievements
• Provide guidance and instruction to individual students or small groups
• Provide SEL instruction
• Be actively engaged with the students at all times
• Sit side-by-side with individual students whether they are learning literacy with the teacher or working on the computer with Lexia and/or Amira, our online reading programs
• Sit side-by-side with the student during recreation/enrichment activities when needed
• Attend all training and staff meetings
• Allow for flexibility in order to support the team and program as needed
• Adhere to Colorado childcare licensure rules and regulations
• Adhere to all policies and procedures and implementing the best practices of Scholars Unlimited as stated in the Scholars Unlimited Employee Handbook
• Performs other duties as required and necessary to ensure the success of Scholars Unlimited

Supervisory Duties:

• None

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age per Colorado childcare licensing rules and regulations
• Must have at least 3 months (460 hours) of part time or equivalent satisfactory and verifiable experience with school aged children (ages 5-12).
• Must possess all child care licensing certifications within 30 days of hire date.
• Must attend and complete all paid training requirements
• Must be able to work the scheduled program hours
• Must complete and pass criminal history background checks prior to the start of employment

Experience:

• At least 1 year of experience with classroom instruction and implementing project based units for elementary-age students
• Experience working with elementary-age students
• Experience in basic classroom management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Consistently promote, support, work, and act in a manner in support of Scholars Unlimited's vision, mission, and values
• Strong conflict resolution skills, problem solving skills and the ability to handle stressful situations
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow protocol and adhere to program and external procedures.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Bilingual in Spanish is desired

Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required

Benefits

• Eligible for overtime as defined by the Colorado Overtime & Minimum Pay Standards Order
• In accordance with the Healthy Families Workplace Act, employers must provide at least 1 hour of accrued, paid sick leave per 30 hours of work, up to 48 hours per year. Paid sick leave will begin accruing upon hire date.
• Up to 2 paid holidays (Juneteenth/June 19 and Independence Day/July 4)

Compensation:

• Hourly Rate is $20.00

To Apply

• Please visit Our Application Page
• Resumes are accepted on an on going basis

Scholars Unlimited is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law