ACADEMIC COUNSELOR
Job Title : Academic Counselor
Office / Department : Academics
Reports to : Dean of Students
Job Summary
Faculty and staff teach students to think and live well in the ethos of Pacifica's Core Beliefs and Approach to Teaching and Learning. The Academic Support Specialist has the responsibility of providing support for students with learning differences. S / he works closely with the Dean of Students, Principal, the Faculty, and Dean of Academics.
Personal Characteristics
School culture is formed by the way we interact, our habits, and our traditions. Pacifica's policies, whether they address what to wear or where to park, all serve to cultivate care towards learning and one another. Below are several policy reminders. Students who are not abiding by these policies will earn demerits.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Supporting Students with Learning Plans
- Supports students who have IEPs, 504 plans, and Educational Psychologist Assessments by creating Learning Plans for students based on what the school is equipped to provide, coordinating testing accommodations, providing consistent academic coaching, and proactively working to develop the skills necessary to operate independently and successfully. (Lead)
- Partner proactively with faculty and administration to support students with different learning styles and teachers in their efforts to advance students with different learning needs. (Lead)
- Secure standardized testing accommodations for qualifying students.
Academic Advisement & Development
Oversee Study Hall Operations including peer tutoring, study skills intervention, and make-up testing.Has a caseload of 9th grades for 4-year planning shared with the Dean of Students.(Lead)Study-skills development in both one-one and in groups, particularly focused on lower classmen, in particular 9th grade students in study hall.Direct one-on-one and / or small-group instruction for students in need of academic support. (Lead)Works closely with other Academic Counselor and Dean of Students to provide early identification of students for academic intervention to address and meet their academic needs.Lead Student Support Team quarterly meetings focused on low-performing students.Focused on lower classmen study skills development, academic intervention. (Lead)Initiate and schedule parent conferences as needed.Coordinate and facilitate communication between student, family, school, and other involved professionals.Maintain confidential student records and keep accurate documentation of sessions, meetings, and assessments.Recommend in-school and community resources for identified students.Work with professionals outside the school to support students.Pursue professional development opportunities.Attend conferences and professional meetings in order to remain current with industry trends.Participate in committee, department, and staff meetings as well as school-sponsored events that would benefit from your area of expertise.Be involved in the school community at large.Uphold and implement the school's mission and culture as outlined in Pacifica's Core Beliefs & Approach to Teaching & Learning, Staff Handbook, Student Handbook, etc.Assume responsibility for other projects as assigned by the Principal.Professional Responsibilities
Executes all duties in a timely manner (starts class on time, meets deadlines, attends meetings, turns in paperwork on time, etc.).Seeks opportunities to promote a collegial, educational environment throughout the campus.Maintains communication with parents and responds within 24 hours.Sustains cordial, professional relationships with all students, staff, parents, and community members.Attends meetings and sits on committees as directed by administration.Is eagerly involved in the Pacifica community outside of school hours.Is a team player and willingly collaborates in the ongoing advancement of the school.Attends Family Picnics, Athletic Activities, Performing Arts Events, and Open HousesAttends weekly Chapels and Assemblies.Participates in class overnight trip (All School Retreat).Faithfully completes reasonable extra duty assignments (Supervision, Advisory / Mentoring, Office Hours).Abides by the spirit and policies in the Pacifica Faculty Handbook.Holds self directly accountable to the chair of his / her department, the Dean of Academics, Principal, and ultimately the Head of School.Advisory Groups
The culture at Pacifica is dedicated to ministering to the whole person. Advisory Groups are an intentional way to have at least one adult assigned to the well being of each student. All Pacifica teachers will serve as an advisor (mentor) to one advisory group each academic year. Each advisor is expected to :
Meet weekly with their students during the designated timeSit with their students at school meetings such as chapels or assembliesEarn the trust of their studentsPray for and with their studentsCommunicate with parents as neededOther Duties & Shared Responsibilities
Embodies and promotes Pacifica's Core Beliefs and Approach to Teaching & Learning .Arrives on-time, is well-prepared, acts professionally, and seeks to add value in every facet of the job while working collaboratively with colleagues and students to advance Pacifica's mission. Maintains communication with parents and responds to messages within 24 hours. Holds self directly accountable to their direct report and to the departments they serve, and ultimately the Head of School.Wholeheartedly enjoys working with teenagers, championing their education, and encouraging their faith and Christian commitments.Cultivates a vibrant culture of learning in and out of the classroom and contributes to a healthy professional working community.Serves as an Advisor to a cohort of students.Attends and participates in weekly Chapel and All-School Meeting as well as other school-day events / assemblies.Attends and readily participates in Pacifica's annual overnight All-School Retreat as well as Admissions Open House(s), Back-to-School Night, and Commencement activities.Celebrates students by attending their co-curricular activities on occasion.Contributes to the supervision of a reasonable number of after-school activities as needed.Qualification Requirements
Pupil Personnel Services Credential or MA in Educational CounselingBachelor's degree2-10 years prior experience teaching in independent / private schools or at the college levelCapable of teaching all / most levels of the subject, demonstrating a mastery of current pedagogyA sincere enjoyment of working with teenagersExceptionally capable in both written and oral communicationExcellent organizational and presentation skillsTechnologically savvyProven success at working collaboratively with colleaguesPassionate about the chosen field of study and the mission of PacificaOVERSIGHT & RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to the essential duties and shared responsibilities outlined above, this role is responsible for serving as event owner or event support for the following events as well as leading or participating in the following teams and / or committees :
Event Owner :
Study HallEvent Support :
New Triton DayTeams / Committees Lead :
N / ATeams / Committees Participant :
Student Support TeamAnchors Aweigh TeamJob Posted by ApplicantPro
Salary : $55,000 - $70,000
