Academic Support Specialist

About the School

Northeast Ohio College Preparatory School, founded in 2010, is the only public charter school in Cleveland offering a continuous EK-12 college preparatory education. Located in the Tremont neighborhood, the school features separate K-8 and high school buildings with extensive educational facilities. The school emphasizes a well-rounded education, supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally through nurturing teachers, specialty classes, and a focus on social-emotional wellbeing. Northeast Ohio College Preparatory School is part of ACCEL Schools, a network of public charter schools serving K-12 students across the United States since 2014.

About the Role

As an Academic Support Specialist, you will relentlessly work to meet goals related to student achievement, culture, and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). You will play a key role in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth while fostering a positive school climate.

Responsibilities

• Meet with at-risk students each marking period to formulate academic success plans involving students and parents/guardians.
• Plan and promote programs enhancing academic, social, or emotional growth (e.g., Curriculum Fair, Career Fair, Honors Program, graduation, enrichment/remediation opportunities, scholarship programs, and parent informational sessions).
• Meet with eighth-grade students each semester and provide updates on their promotion status to parents.
• Assist students with high school admissions applications.
• Support the educational and behavioral goals of all students, including those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or English Language Learners (ELLs).
• Collaborate with the Director of Academics, Parent Liaison, and Dean of Students on discipline, attendance, and academic challenges.
• Integrate culturally responsive teaching practices into daily interactions with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Implement school-wide culture expectations and norms.
• Communicate regularly with families about their child’s academic and social-emotional progress.
• Monitor student eligibility for extracurricular activities, including athletic participation requirements.
• Discuss test results with students and parents to develop academic improvement plans.
• Assist the principal in preparing diploma lists and identifying honor graduates for eighth-grade graduation and kindergarten promotion.
• Aid students in developing high school and post-secondary educational plans aligned with their interests, abilities, and career goals.
• Maintain accurate student records and make appropriate schedule changes aligned with students' abilities and plans.
• Serve as a resource for students, staff, and parents regarding developmental needs, including:
  • Identification and referral of students for Child Study Meetings.
  • Creation and oversight of Section 504 plans.
  • Active participation in Special Education meetings.
  • Support for students experiencing personal challenges (e.g., grief, illness).
• Work with teachers to increase their knowledge of students with physical or emotional challenges.
• Participate in, coordinate, and conduct activities for the K-8 social-emotional learning program.
• Evaluate and revise the building guidance and counseling program.
• Align all activities with the school’s philosophy and mission statement.
• Assist and coordinate Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) programs.
• Develop a capstone program for eighth-grade promotion.
• Create and implement a foundational Social-Emotional Curriculum into daily practice.
• Facilitate retention protocols, including meetings with teachers and families.
• Develop programming for the transition from eighth grade to high school.
• Organize monthly "Curriculum & Success Nights" to support parents and students.
• Manage student behaviors using restorative justice practices and social-emotional learning resources.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Guidance & Counseling with a School Counseling Endorsement on a Valid Ohio Teaching Certificate (preferred).
• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree with a Valid Ohio Teaching Certificate.

About ACCEL Schools

ACCEL Schools is a network of over 80 high-performing public charter schools serving PK-12 students across the United States. The organization advocates for school choice and addresses educational inequities through inclusive, innovative models such as career-technical education, sports training, and bilingual programming. ACCEL Schools has been recognized for providing exceptional education options in historically under-resourced communities.

Benefits

• Life benefits – time & peace of mind
  • Paid time off.
  • Retirement contributions.
  • Optional Basic Life and AD&D insurance.
  • Voluntary life insurance (employee, spouse, child).
  • Discounted childcare at Early Learning Academies locations.
• Health benefits – stay well & thrive
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Voluntary short-term disability insurance.
  • Voluntary long-term disability insurance.
• Career benefits – keep growing
  • Career advancement opportunities throughout Accel Schools and its network of 4,000+ instructors and education professionals.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000. Factors affecting starting pay include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications.