Mentor Teacher

About the role

The Mentor Teacher at Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA) plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to expand opportunities and build self-sufficiency for our community members. This position performs duties as a classroom teacher, responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children enrolled in the Head Start program. In addition, the Mentor Teacher provides guidance, support, and professional development to Head Start teaching staff.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that promotes positive interactions and learning;
• Ensure cleanliness and safety;
• Plan and implement daily activities and lesson plans that align with Head Start Performance Standards and help children develop socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically, including learning experiences for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate;
• Mentor Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with center-based leadership to provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to Head Start teachers to promote best-practice, research-based instructional practices and comprehensive learning environments;
• Conduct classroom observations, administer assessments, and provide constructive feedback to teachers;
• Develop and implement individualized professional development plans for teaching staff;
• Support teachers in the use of developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum; ensure that new research techniques are being introduced on an on-going basis;
• Facilitate professional development workshops and training sessions;
• Collaborate with teachers to analyze child assessment data and plan instructional strategies;
• Promote a positive and collaborative learning environment among staff;
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies;
• Stay current with best practices in early childhood education and share new knowledge with teaching staff;
• Participate in agency meetings and contribute to the overall strategic planning and development of the Head Start program;
• Serve as the “person in charge” in the absence of the Site Administrator.

Qualifications and requirements

• Required Education, Skills and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field is preferred; must have a minimum of an Associate degree in ECE; Experience in early childhood education, with a minimum of 3 years in a teaching or mentoring role; Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and developmentally appropriate child development practices; Ability to work effectively with diverse families and communities; CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain); Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications;
• Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual in English and Spanish; Experience with the Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD; Knowledge of adult learning principles and effective coaching techniques;
• Required Job Competencies: CAA Core Competencies: Passion for service to the community Compassion for others – empathy, respect, caring, kindness Collaboration and teamwork Commitment to continuous improvement Position-Specific Competencies: Active learner - willing and able to continuously develop new knowledge and skills Analytical skills - able to compile, assess and act on data Communication – able to effectively exchange information with others through verbal, nonverbal, and written methods Customer service - willingness and ability to provide high-quality support, assistance and solutions wherever needed Feedback and Coaching - Helps team members find their strengths; provides constructive feedback and mentoring Interpersonal - can effectively interact, communicate and build positive relationships with others Listening – active and empathetic listener with the patience to hear people out and understand their needs or concerns, even when they are under stress Organization – able to multi-task, prioritize work and meet deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail Problem-solving - can effectively recognize, assess and resolve issues Sense of Urgency - meets deadlines, establishes appropriate priority, gets the job done in a timely manner

Physical requirements

• Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment;
• Walk, bend, kneel, and reach;
• Lift a 20-60 lb. child, using all safety precautions;
• Stand, sit, and play with infants and toddlers for long periods of time;
• Conduct both outdoor and indoor activities, in both warm and cold temperatures;
• Talk, hear, and communicate with parents;
• See and be able to read, write, and interpret written documents.