ABOUT US
Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter Schools (www.freedomprep.org) comprise a high-performing PreK-12 charter school network in Memphis, TN. Our mission is to prepare all students in grades K-12 to excel in college and in life. We accomplish our mission through providing a highly structured, academically rigorous environment where students master core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, and demonstrate the school’s core values of: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Excellence, and Community.
Freedom Preparatory Academy was established in August of 2009 with a class of nearly 100 6th graders. We now serve nearly 1,800 students in grades PreK-12. In 2019, as we celebrate our 10th year of providing a quality education for students in low-income/underserved communities, we are proud to see our students exceed local and state averages in Math and local averages in English language arts. We have received numerous awards year after year for being one of the top schools for growth in the city and state of TN. In 2018, 100% of our 2nd graduating class were accepted to four-year colleges and universities!
We have three core beliefs that drive our mission: Every child deserves the right to a high-quality public education, a foundation in character development is essential, and direct exposure to an array of opportunities and experiences provides each child with the self-confidence and social knowledge to compete globally.
JOB TITLE: FPA High School College Counselor
ACCOUNTABILITY: Head of School/ Director of College Success
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The College Department at Freedom Preparatory Academy High School is responsible
for the development of students’ academic habits and character, placement in
summer programs, ACT preparation and administration, the college application
process, matriculation to college and alumni support. Using a caseload model, each
college counselor will support a group of students beginning with teaching the
Collegiate Skills course and culminating in alumni support. It is the ultimate goal of
the College Counseling Team that all FPA high school students maintain success in
their academic, professional, and personal lives and graduate from college. The
College Counselor will report to the Director of College Success/Head of School.
The College Counselor’s responsibilities include:
TEACHING COLLEGIATE SKILLS COURSE
- Teach Collegiate Skills course, including writing lesson plans, upholding school
culture expectations and maintaining a grade book
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS & FAMILIES
- Plan and lead workshops for parents on key topics (financial aid planning,
application timelines, etc.) related to both summer programs and college
admissions process
- Write and manage the collection of letters of recommendations for seniors,
including providing professional development and coaching for the Letter of
Recommendation writing process for all teachers
SUMMER PROGRAMS PLACEMENT
- Support and guide all 9-11th grade students and families through each step of
the summer programs placement and application process including but not
limited to: application essays, financial aid paperwork, interview preparation
and execution, and financial aid support
COLLEGE & ALUMNI COUNSELING
- Support and guide all 12 th grade students through each step of the college and
financial aid application process
- Provide one-on- one college counseling to a caseload of seniors through the
admissions and matriculation cycle including, but not limited to: creating a
college list, writing and revising the personal statement, advising on financial
aid, and making final matriculation decisions
- Support 12 th grade students through college matriculation
- Provide alumni support: monthly check-ins with all first year college students,
degree progress counseling, campus visits, FAFSA renewal, etc.
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT
- Contact and meet with campus admissions representatives to build positive
relationships and market FPA applicants
- Research the academic and social environments at the various colleges
students are considering for summer programs and college matriculation in an
effort to recommend suitable matches
- Develop and maintain a robust network of college admissions and summer
program professionals through regular communication and high school visits
from colleges and universities that best support first generation, low- income
college students
- Recruit and retain summer partnerships, annually, to secure guaranteed spots
in both pre-college and internship experiences
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT TEAM MEMBER
- Assist with the administration of the ACT/PSAT assessments
- Attend and plan overnight college trips for students
- Assist with specific projects and areas as determined by the Director of College
Success (based on expertise and skills of college counselor)
- Attend professional conferences and visit universities to develop knowledge
about various schools
- Maintain student data across various platforms
OTHER SCHOOL-BASED RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Participate in school-wide professional development, grade-level teams, and
school-specific duties
- Support and participate in school-wide activities and programming
QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution
- 1-2 years experience in college counseling or admissions required
DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
- Availability to travel
- Ability to maintain emotional control under stress
- Intelligent, driven self-starter with a demonstrated track record of success in
developing and executing on a long-term, multi-tiered strategy
- Extremely detail and process oriented, able to develop and implement internal
systems necessary to build capacity and organizational structure
- Relentless accountability to deadlines, internal and external
- Proven ability to collaborate and build relationships with multiple stakeholders
- Proficiency with all MS Office programs including: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Outstanding project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple
tasks and projects simultaneously
- Openness to giving and receiving frequent feedback
- A dedication to learn, grow, and develop as a professional
- Unquestioned integrity and commitment to Freedom Prep’s mission
- Bilingual (Spanish preferred)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience.
START DATE
An exceptional candidate will assume a full time role as soon as possible.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
Freedom Preparatory Academy is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced
team of educators. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender,
handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an
equal opportunity employer.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Outstanding candidates should apply here: https://freedomprep.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx. |