Mentor Teacher

Website: www.cincy-caa.org

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title:

Mentor Teacher

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Business Unit:

Head Start

Pay Grade:

E

Department:

Head Start Early Childhood Center

Revision Date:

10-2024

Company Address (work location may be different):

Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency * 1740 Langdon Farm Road * Cincinnati, Ohio 45237

ABOUT US

At the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA), we envision an equitable community where everyone has the tools and resources to be self-sufficient. Our mission is clear: through advocacy, high-quality programs, and strong community partnerships, our dedicated team is breaking down barriers to equity and opportunity while building self-sufficiency across generations. Our values guide us in everything we do: we serve with passion, collaborate as a team, have compassion for others, use our talents to do transformational work, and strive to continuously improve.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mentor Teacher at CHCCAA 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. This role involves mentoring teachers to enhance their instructional practices, ensuring high-quality early childhood education, and promoting continuous improvement within the program. The ideal candidate will use their skills to embody our values and contribute to our vision of a thriving, self-sufficient community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Teaching 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.

Mentoring 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.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Additionally, CAA management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

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 ne…