DreamCatchers Classroom Director: 2024-2025 school year

Join a close-knit team of professionals working to close the opportunity gap. DreamCatchers is seeking candidates inspired by the opportunity to make a palpable difference in the lives of socioeconomically disadvantaged middle school students in high-income Palo Alto. Your primary role will be to manage a classroom during our after-school academic support program, where middle school students attending Palo Alto Unified are paired with near-peer volunteer tutors from local high schools and area colleges. 

Location: Palo Alto, CA (Fletcher Middle School, Green Middle School or JLS Middle School) 
Work Months: Regular academic year (plus opportunity for summer employment) 
Compensation: $25/hour - all hours (including training and team meetings will be compensated) 

Expected Work Hours/Schedule: 

  • 6-15 hours per week (depending on availability) 

  • 2-5 days a week, Monday-Friday; min. Must be available to work at least 2 days per week consistently 

  • Monday/Wednesday 2:15 pm-5:15 pm; Tuesday/Thursday 3:00 pm-6:00 pm; Friday 1:30pm-4:30pm 

  • Bi-weekly team meetings and additional professional development training (meeting and training time will be compensated)

  • Because DreamCatchers aims to build lasting relationships with our students, we strongly encourage classroom directors to make a yearlong commitment to our middle school students and the organization. 

Position Overview 
Dreamcatchers is an after-school program for Palo Alto Unified District’s socioeconomically disadvantaged middle school students designed to provide academic and enrichment support to complement the school day curriculum, improve school outcomes, prepare students for high school, and foster a healthy interest in learning. 

The DreamCatchers' Classroom Director is responsible for effectively managing a classroom of middle school students and near-peer tutors participating in an academic-based program. As the classroom leader, your goal is to create a vibrant atmosphere that makes learning fun and rewarding. Management of tutor assignments and scheduling and some classroom-related administrative tasks are required. 

This position provides you with valuable professional development and personal growth opportunities. 

Role and Responsibilities  

  • Manage a classroom of approximately 10-15 students based on the standards and policies of the DreamCatchers program 

  • Deliver social & emotional learning lessons based on a shared curriculum; this may include some content development 

  • Conduct life skills and team-building activities 

  • Collaborate with the program staff and other classroom directors 

  • Provide support to tutors and other volunteers working with DreamCatchers students 

  • Communicate with DreamCatchers leadership 

  • Attend training and professional development opportunities 

  • Maintain a positive, safe, productive work environment 

Qualifications 

  • Experience building relationships with diverse youth communities and constituents 

  • College-level students, minimum, with a strong preference for those studying education, counseling, social work, or a similar field 

  • Successful experience working with young adults; ability to serve as a role model

  • Ability to work in a professional setting with a small, close-knit team 

  • Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship skills 

  • Ability to take the initiative, create plans, be flexible, and complete tasks efficiently 

  • Working knowledge of Spanish is highly valued

  • Ability to motivate through positive reinforcement 

  • Strong communication skills 

  • Flexible in navigating a fast-paced environment 

  • Mandated Reporter Training certification (training provided)