9th Grade Success & Transition Lead

Reading School District l Reading, Pa.; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Reading School District in Reading, PA is seeking a Full-time Freshman Success Coordinator to lead the transition for rising 9th graders. The role emphasizes mentorship through programs like Link Crew, ensuring students are well-prepared academically and socially for high school.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's Degree in Education or related fields and have experience working in urban high schools. Responsibilities encompass monitoring student data, coordinating activities, and fostering positive relationships with students and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Education, School Counseling, or related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years of successful experience working with high school students in urban schools.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with high school students and families.

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination of Link Crew to ensure effective mentorship.
• Facilitate the transition activities from middle school to high school.
• Monitor real-time student data to ensure academic success.

Skills

Building positive relationships

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field

Valid Pennsylvania instructional certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google applications

Job description

Position Title: Freshman Success Coordinator

Classification: RSSSA 12-Month (Range 7)

Reports To: Principal or Designated Associate Principal/Supervisor

Position Goal: The Freshman Success Coordinator is a strategic leadership role responsible for bridging the critical transition from middle school through the beginning of tenth grade. By leveraging a 9th grade on-track framework and support systems, like Link Crew peer mentorship, this position ensures rising 9th graders are socially, emotionally, and academically prepared for high school success. This position assists in coordinating data-driven interventions and developing and implementing a rotation of freshman-specific transition experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Education, School Counseling, or other related field required
• Minimum of 3 years of successful experience working with high school students in urban schools required
• Valid Pennsylvania instructional or related non-instructional certificate preferred, but not required.
  
  

Prerequisite Skills

• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with high school students and families
• Institutional and/or organizational knowledge regarding the Reading School District and the Reading High School system.
• Ability to initiate, prioritize and complete tasks, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication, organizational and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of technology, general office software (ie Microsoft and Google applications) and educational data management systems.
  
  

Essential Functions: The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties:

• Assist the administration in the leadership and coordination of Link Crew, ensuring that the four core components are implemented: High School Orientation, Academic Follow-ups, Social Follow-ups, and Leader-initiated Contacts.
• Lead the annual recruitment process for Link Leaders, striving to expand the mentor pool to reach a target ratio of 1:10 (Mentor to Freshmen).
• Facilitate the mandated two-day Link Leader training sessions focused on communication and mentorship skills.
• Coordinate with 8th-grade teams at the middle schools to facilitate 9th grade transition activities and early identification of students requiring tiered support before the school year begins.
• Monitor real-time student data for Attendance, Behavior, and Course performance as it specifically relates to success in core academic subjects.
• Partner with Core Teams to review data sets and assign interventions to ensure every student remains on track for credit attainment.
• Collect, maintain, share and regularly analyze pertinent data and administrative reports in relation to designated on-track indicators.
• Engage students and families in progress reporting through two-way communication systems, meetings and/or conferences.
• Collaborate with administrators and teachers in the development and implementation of the Freshman Seminar course focusing on learning strategies, career exploration, and "on-track" indicators.
• Ensure all 9th graders begin satisfying Act 158 evidence-based pathway requirements by collecting career-aligned evidence.
• Coordinate regular academic follow-up lessons delivered by Link Crew Leaders within freshman classrooms to reinforce study skills and character development.
• Design and facilitate orientation sessions for families that clearly explain high school graduation requirements and available support services.
• Organize social events through Link Crew and/or other student organizations to increase student engagement and foster a sense of belonging at Reading High School.
• Guarantee every student has an opportunity to engage in visits and/or conversations with industry professionals, local colleges and universities, Reading Muhlenberg CTC, and RHS Innovation Academy.
• Actively participate and engage in on-going professional development opportunities as they relate to this position including, but not limited to: Link Crew Coordinator Certification training, Act 158, career-connected learning, etc.
• Lead and assist in the coordination of professional development as it relates to 9th grade success initiatives.
• Establish relationships with 9th grade teaching and non teaching professionals for the purposes of data sharing, professional development, and student support.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and FERPA-protected information as required.
• Perform other duties related to student support, credit recovery, and related educational programming as assigned by administration
  
  

Terms Of Employment: Full-time (12-month) position. Salary and benefits consistent with the District's approved Compensation and Benefits Plan.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the school district administrator designated as immediate supervisor of the position, of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.

Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

The Reading School District is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.