IRC Phoenix, AZ Field Office

Jan 18, 2006 11:10 AM

A Joint Project of the United Federation of Teachers and the International Rescue Committee

Position: One Teacher Educator for Newly Arrived Refugee Students

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. One aspect of the IRC is to provide assistance to refugees resettling in the United States. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) is the union of New York City’s public school educational professionals, with a tradition of commitment to and advocacy for human rights, democracy and international solidarity and cooperation. The Sandy Feldman Fellowships are a joint project of the IRC and the UFT, named after the late President of the UFT and its national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers. Throughout her life and in all of her work, Sandy Feldman was an exemplar of the teacher’s commitment to the intellectual development and general well-being of the students living in poverty.

The Summer 2006 Sandy Feldman Fellowships in Phoenix, Arizona will serve the educational needs of students who are newly arrived refugees The Phoenix IRC office resettles over 500 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. The Sandy Feldman Fellow will help the IRC Phoenix Resettlement office design and run several educational programs for youth during the summer of 2006.

The Teacher Education Fellows will report to the IRC Volunteer Coordinator. For the purpose of day-to-day operations, the Teacher Educator Fellows will work closely and in collaboration with the IRC Youth and Volunteer Coordinators in Phoenix.]

All travel and living expenses will be covered by the Sandy Feldman Fellowship program.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOENIX, AZ FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM:

The Sandy Feldman Fellow will:

• Design and implement a number of weekly programs for refugee youth who need assistance with basic literacy [English and native language] skills and basic numeracy skills;
• Structure curriculum and lesson so all students benefit, regardless of ability level;
• Conduct sessions focusing on basic literacy skills;
• Conduct regular planning sessions with volunteer tutors to structure lessons and divide class instruction according to students’ needs, and productively incorporate volunteers into classroom instruction;
• Conduct 1-2 workshops for middle school and high school students on strategies for doing well in school;
• Conduct a workshop for parents on the U.S. school system and how to get involved in their child’s education;
• Ensure attendance is taken at all workshops and programs;
• Provide guidance and act as a resource for volunteer tutors, including training of different teaching strategies that can be used after completion of the fellowship;
• Implement system for evaluating summer program and receiving feedback from volunteer tutors;
• Develop training curriculum that can be used in the future for volunteer tutors in the IRC Tutoring program.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

A strong candidate will be an active or retired member of the United Federation of Teachers who has:

• Experience in professional development for educators and/orteacher education, [i.e., experience as Teachers’ Center staff, lead teacher, full-time mentor, coach or the equivalent] and experience in curriculum development;
• A knowledge of and experience in educational programs and initiatives in a multi-cultural setting, and with many immigrant students;
• A commitment to and knowledge of student-centered pedagogy; 
• A working knowledge of educational programs for English Language Learners;
• Experience in community-based programs for children and adolescents;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a team;
• Flexibility, dependability, and creativity are desired;
• Must be able to work independently, be a self-starter, and maintain responsibility for multiple tasks;
• A commitment to work as a Sandy Feldman Fellow in Phoenix, AZ for July and August, 2006.
  
  
  To apply for the position, send the following materials to SANDY FELDMAN FELLOWSHIPS, United Federation of Teachers, 52 Broadway, Fourteenth Floor, New York, NY 10004 ATTN: Winsome Johnson:

1. A cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship, and stating your qualifications for the fellowship;
2. A complete resume;
3. Three letters of recommendation from educators with whom you have worked.
   
   Applications must be received by JANUARY 28, 2006.