POSITION SUMMARY This is a substitute role and will lead to approximately 1-2 substitute requests a semester (Jan - June). Most sub requests are for a full day (8:00am-3:30pm). If you are accepted for this role, you will be added to our substitute distribution list. KaiPod organizes pods of 10-12 students who live close by and are all enrolled in an online school or homeschool program. We provide a location for parents to drop their students off, and staff those locations with a KaiPod Coach. KaiPod Coaches are responsible for making the space a place where students are safe, can focus and complete assignments, and have fun together.
In some ways, a KaiPod Coach is similar to a traditional teacher. Coaches truly enjoy being with young people and supporting their growth. They must have strong relationships with students and their families. They must have a high standard of excellence in terms of academic achievement and be familiar with learning standards. Coaches need to deeply know their students and connect them with educational and social experiences they will find fun and engaging. Our pods are an inclusive environment and Coaches must be able to welcome and support learners from all backgrounds.
In many ways being a KaiPod Coach is not like being a traditional teacher at all. KaiPod students are enrolled in an online school/homeschool program with its own curriculum and teachers. KaiPod Coaches are responsible for learning the ins and outs of each student's academic program and creating plans to support each child in meeting their academic goals. Responsibilities will include goal setting, personalized check-ins, and individualized coaching. To support students socially, the Coach has a responsibility to create opportunities for socialization through facilitated play and planned enrichments. As a Coach, you have more flexibility and autonomy than a traditional teacher to do what you believe is best for the students in your pod. If there's a new exhibit at a local museum you want to take the students to, you can make that happen. If enough students in the pod love legos, you can create a Lego League team.
Learn more about the KaiPod model by clicking here. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES There are three core responsibilities to being a KaiPod Coach Substitute: A KaiPod Coach's primary responsibility is to lead and create an incredibly positive student culture. KaiPod is a space where students make friends, complete challenging enrichments, and look forward to coming every day. Together, the Coach and students work on developing social skills that are critical for life success. All KaiPod students are enrolled in an online school or homeschool program. Students need support with their academics (stuck on how to start a math problem) and executive functioning (they need help with focusing or managing their workload). KaiPod Coaches accelerate student learning by supporting students in both of these areas. Perhaps more than anything else, KaiPod Coaches are support for parents. Families trust Learning Coaches to support their children academically and emotionally while at our learning centers. It is our job to keep their children safe during the day. Earning this trust requires a significant amount of attention to detail, communication, and community building. ESSENTIAL SKILLS, FUNCTIONS Learning Coach Deeply knows their students and what motivates them. Challenges their students and helps them be their best selves. Able to support students with executive functioning challenges (e.g., has strategies to help a student who has a hard time focusing complete their assignments) or other neurodiversities. Familiar with relevant state learning standards. Able to identify where a student is struggling academically and is able to support them or find resources to help for core content areas including ELA, math, science, and social studies. Tech-savvy. Able to navigate multiple learning platforms and curricula. 6th - 10th-grade classroom teachers who have a track record of supporting academic growth and creating a positive classroom environment are ideal candidates for all learners. Culture Builder A leader and culture builder. Thinks strategically about how to create a harmonious environment where kids want to be. Highly effective communicator. Constantly in touch with families. Sends out weekly written updates on pod activities. Organized and prepared. Enrichment activities planned in advance. Learning Center calendar kept up to date. Has hobbies, expertise, or skills that students find interesting (art, board games, puzzles, sports, etc). A connected member of the community. Someone who is always seeking out learning experiences happening close by. Exercises exceptionally good judgment. Errs on the side of caution and safety when making decisions concerning students. MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATION/REQUIREMENTS Associate's degree. At least 2 years of teaching experience. Experience working with students with neurodiversities Other experience working with young people (e.g. - coaching) is also prioritized. COMPENSATION Compensation is $30 an hour