Approved by Arlington School Committee 4/26/2012

Arlington Public Schools

Arlington, MA  02476

Job Description

POSITION:               METCO Program Director/Academic Liaison, K-12

JOB GOALS:  The K-12 METCO Program Director/Academic Liaison provides leadership to central office administrators, principals, district personnel, and members of the school committee concerning the K-12 METCO program which provides quality education to urban children of color in suburban school districts.  The director is responsible for the administration and management of the METCO program.  Working closely with the district administrative team and building principals, the director facilitates the educational and socialization process of the METCO students and participates in the development of academic and social programs that support their educational progress.  The director monitors the academic progress of all METCO students.  It is also the role of the director to foster collaboration between urban parents/students and suburban parents/students and the school districts.  The director provides leadership in the issues of race/color that frequently evolve in suburban communities which are not racially diverse. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Bachelor’s Degree with specialization in education, psychology, counseling, social work or related program required; Master’s Degree preferred

·         Massachusetts Certification as teacher, social worker or counselor required; Supervisor/Director preferred.

·         Demonstrated experience as a teacher, guidance counselor, or in another educational position;

·         Demonstrated experience working with urban parents and children of color;

·         Experience and demonstrated skill as an effective communicator and collaborator;

·         Experience and demonstrated skill in educational program administration.

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills

·         Efficient and effective use of technology

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.      Collaborate with administration and faculty to develop and implement educational programs that support the progress of METCO students;

2.      Advocate for METCO students/parents in collaboration with the school district;

3.      Coordinate all activities related to the operation of the K-12 METCO program in the school district.

4.      Provide full educational access for METCO students;

5.      Act as the primary public representative of the school district for METCO. Work with METCO, Inc., Assistant Superintendent, and Principals to select and place urban students within schools; assist in the development, supervision and implementation of each child’s educational program;

6.      Ensure maximum participation in extracurricular activities and organize age-appropriate activities for METCO students;

7.      Develop and coordinate orientation programs for incoming METCO students;

8.      Assist principals and faculty in using achievement data to identify the educational needs of METCO students and to develop new programs/initiatives to increase student achievement;

9.      Meet regularly with principals and METCO staff to discuss program improvements;

10.  Facilitate communication between METCO parents and schools; Ensure that parents are informed about school programs and assist them in understanding the purposes and procedures of additional services ( before/after school tutoring, Title 1, special education, Section 504); 

11.  Work closely with Assistant Superintendent and CFO to prepare, implement, and monitor  the annual METCO program proposal and budget; 

12.  Participate in the hiring, supervision, and evaluation of METCO staff. 

13.  Work closely with the Director of Transportation to coordinate and supervise transportation arrangements for METCO students;

14.  Prepare an annual evaluation of the METCO program by utilizing current student achievement and social involvement data; 

15.  Maintain a relationship with METCO, Inc. and the METCO Directors Association as well as other relevant educational or cultural organizations;

16.  Collaborate with and be a resource to principals, curriculum directors and faculty on cultural proficiency, the development of multicultural curriculum and the goal of high academic expectations for urban students of color.

17.  Facilitate the collaboration between urban parents and Arlington parents and the school district.

18.  Serve on appropriate school-based committees;

19.  Meet regularly with METCO students, in a defined schedule, regarding academic performance and concerns;

20.  Complete required district and state reports within timelines;

21.  Prepare written and oral reports as appropriate;

22.  Attend administrative team meetings, faculty meetings, parent meetings, and student meetings/conferences when appropriate;

23.  Perform other duties assigned by Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:       193 Days

REPORTS TO:                                 Superintendent

SALARY:      Range of $65,000 - $70,000, to Be Negotiated with the Superintendent

This Position is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Arlington School Committee and the Arlington Administrators Association (AAA)

Arlington values diversity. We strongly encourage candidates of varied backgrounds, including people of color, persons with disabilities and others to apply.