The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed — they will thrive!

If you are interested in learning more about See Forever, please visit our website at www.seeforever.org.

Site Description

New Beginnings Youth Development Center (NB) is the District of Columbia’s long-term detention center for male and female youth located in Laurel, MD. It is responsible for the care and custody of youth placed in secure detention by court order. 

Position Overview:
The Academic Support Specialist provides targeted academic and behavioral support to students, ensuring engagement, mastery, and progress across content areas. They collaborate closely with teachers, interventionists, and the leadership team to promote student success and uphold a culture of learning.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Provide in-class academic and behavioral support to students across clusters, focusing on engagement, comprehension, and completion of tasks.
• Reinforce lesson content by assisting students with guided practice, differentiated instruction, and skill-building activities.
• Implement teacher-designed modifications, accommodations, and instructional strategies to support diverse learning needs, including students receiving interventions or special education services.
• Track and communicate student progress, participation, and behavior trends to classroom teachers and administrators.
• Support the implementation of schoolwide routines and expectations that maintain a positive and structured learning environment, such as scanning student assignments, school beautification, and other assigned tasks.
• Collaborate with teachers during planning sessions to align supports with learning objectives and upcoming assessments.
• Assist in the collection of academic and behavioral data for MTSS progress monitoring and intervention tracking.
• Participate in professional learning and coaching sessions to strengthen instructional support practices.
• Model professionalism, reliability, and teamwork while contributing to a collaborative and student-centered culture.
• Other duties as assigned depending on school and individual scholar needs and school needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (required)
• Experience with working with urban teens in an educational environment
• Ability to motivate others and work as part of a team
• Ability to think critically and analytically
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history and differences
• Hold a firm belief that all students have strengths and talents and that a good teacher helps students find these and use them to address weaknesses and overcome fears
• A commitment to youth advocacy

The Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful, and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Salary and Benefits

Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation salaries are comparable to those of other public charter schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, we offer a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental and vision, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan with employer contribution offered after 1 year of service, along with the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.