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.

MAA

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. 

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.

The Academic Support Specialist provides flexible instructional and classroom support to ensure continuity of high-quality teaching and learning within a secure juvenile detention school. This position serves as an instructional partner to both general education and special education teachers while also functioning as the school's primary in-house substitute teacher. The Academic Support Specialist helps maintain instructional continuity during teacher absences, supports differentiated instruction, reinforces positive student behavior, and assists in creating a safe, structured, and trauma-informed learning environment.

Due to the unique nature of a juvenile detention setting, the Academic Support Specialist must demonstrate flexibility, strong classroom management skills, the ability to build positive relationships with students, and a commitment to educational equity and restorative practices.

Classroom Instructional Support

Provide instructional support in classrooms across all content areas and grade levels. Assist teachers in delivering standards-aligned instruction through small-group, individualized, and whole-class support. Reinforce academic concepts and provide targeted interventions based on student needs. Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), accommodations, and modifications under the direction of certified special education teachers. Assist with classroom organization, instructional materials, and learning activities.

In-House Substitute Teacher

Serve as the school's primary substitute teacher during staff absences. Deliver lesson plans prepared by classroom teachers while maintaining instructional pacing and classroom expectations. Document instructional activities completed and communicate relevant information to absent teachers.

Student Support

Build positive, respectful relationships with students using trauma-informed and restorative practices. Model appropriate social-emotional and behavioral expectations. Encourage student persistence, attendance, and academic engagement.

 Collaboration and School Operations

Participate in professional learning communities, staff meetings, and school-wide initiatives. Assist with school-wide academic intervention efforts and enrichment activities. Support school-wide testing administration as needed. Prepare instructional materials and organize classroom resources. Follow all school, district, and facility safety and security procedures.

Professional Responsibilities

Maintain professional boundaries with students. Demonstrate flexibility in responding to the needs of a highly mobile student population. Model professionalism, patience, consistency, and respect in all interactions.

Other Duties as Assigned:

Tasks that may not directly align with your job description but are vital and serve to maintain a safe and effective teaching and learning environment for scholars and staff.

Qualifications

●      Bachelor’s degree (required)

●      Paraprofessional certification (or ability to obtain) preferred.

●      Experience serving as a substitute teacher or instructional assistant across multiple content areas. (preferred)

●      Minimum of 1 year of experience working with at-risk youth, justice-involved youth, or students in alternative educational settings.

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!

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.

Salary Description

$60,000-$65,000