Computer Science Education Fellow
- Posted
- 1 month ago
- Employment type
- Full-time, part-time
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Closing date
About this organization
9 Dots is a Los Angeles-based community of educators, researchers, and engineers aiming to provide K-6 students from Title I elementary schools with the opportunity to engage in a transformative Computer Science (CS) education. We are especially committed to creating empowering CS experiences for our female, Latinx, Black, and low-income students. We create learning environments that engage every student, foster joy, and promote fearlessness in problem-solving. We build sustainably by providing teachers with the support and tools to lead exceptional Computer Science learning experiences.
About this job
As a Computer Science Education Fellow, you would be a key player in our direct service offering. You would have the opportunity to:
- Join a dynamic and diverse team of CS Education Fellows working in public schools across LA County
- Learn Computer Science basics to support the growth of your confidence and skill
- Train and coach public school teachers as they build their own capacity to teach Computer Science
- Expand access to Computer Science Education with elementary school students in LA County by providing direct instruction in the classroom
This is a 2-year full-time position with full benefits and optional extension year(s). This service role is well-suited for anyone committed to bridging the opportunity gap in Title-I schools throughout Los Angeles County and interested in expanding access to Computer Science education in public schools. This role also suits people looking to develop their skills as a professional coach or teacher trainer.
This entry-level role does not require a background in Computer Science, but you must be open to learning. We provide all the professional development and training you will need to teach Computer Science and train other teachers along the way. You will learn CS fundamentals and instructional and coaching techniques to support and adequately train site teachers at our partner schools.
This role requires you to travel to school sites throughout Los Angeles County and Compton four days per week (Tuesday - Friday). Mondays are reserved for meetings and preparation, typically done from home or occasionally the 9 Dots office in Torrance.
Roles & responsibilities
Role Summary
On-site Teacher Training Responsibilities
Uphold 9 Dots' mission and values
- Train and provide coaching for public school site teachers, supporting them in building their capacity to eventually take the lead in teaching Computer Science
- Manage, track, and analyze teacher progress toward completion of pre-determined training goals
- Collaborate closely with Service Team Leads and school staff to develop and implement data-informed teacher training and coaching strategies
- Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for teachers at partner schools, offering continuous support, guidance, and troubleshooting assistance to address challenges and optimize teaching effectiveness
In-class CS Instruction Modeling Responsibilities
- Model whole-class instruction for elementary learners ranging from Kindergarten to 6th grade
- Review lessons and prepare materials to provide weekly direct instruction for students, acting as a model instructor for public school teachers
- Provide empathetic and culturally responsive classroom support, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed
Professional Development and Computer Science Fundamentals Learning
- Receive formal instructional coaching from 9 Dots program leads through classroom observations and professional development sessions
- Receive quality training on how to coach, support, and motivate other Computer Science teachers
- Attend regular Computer Science Development meetings
- Complete a Computer Science project by the end of the school year
- Learn software fundamentals: block coding, Javascript, Python
- Learn to think like a software engineer
Qualifications
Requirements
- Strong belief in 9 Dots’ mission to make transformative CS education accessible to all students
- Fearless problem solver ready to take on challenges as they arise
- Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail
- Ability to self-manage and work independently
- Excellent communication skills
- Desire to learn new skills and professional competencies
- Transportation (public or personal) to sites throughout LA County and Compton
- Willingness to travel to school sites throughout LA County and Compton up to four days a week
- Experience working with students (tutoring accepted)
- Proof of vaccination
Bonus
- Experience with and/or a willingness to learn about web-based coding educational tools like code.org, Scratch, etc.
- Background in Computer Science, Education, or Cultural Studies, or experience working with elementary-aged children
- Has an informed perspective with the student population we serve and/or the teachers we support
To apply
To apply, please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to the Hiring Manager at recruiting@9dots.org. Please use the following subject:
Subject: [NAME, LAST] CS Education Fellow Application
Contact
Hiring Manager
recruiting@9dots.org