Long Term Substitute School Guidance Counselor

The Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program has approximately 80 - 90 students, and we are in need of a long-term substitute guidance counselor for the remaining few weeks of this school year.  Understanding that filling this position may be a challenge, we are open to accommodating "creative scheduling" in order to provide valued services for our students.  This may mean we hire more than one part-time person, and work collaboratively on scheduling.  Our students are fantastic and will welcome a kind, listening ear with grace and compassion.  If you are licensed and interested, please include your availability in your cover letter.

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Position Overview

The successful candidate will be an individual who firmly believes:

• All students can and will learn, and that their learning can be directly influenced by focusing on factors over which we have control;
• In the need to work interdependently with teachers, school, and district leaders throughout the system, aligning the work of adults around improving student learning by meeting the needs, interests, and aspirations of students;
• In the need to work in partnership with staff to continuously improve practices to enhance student and family engagement, creating the conditions for equity, excellence and student success; and
• In meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs and aspirations so that each student feels valued and has a sense of belonging, leading to academic success

Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Director of Pupil Services, to provide students, parents, administrators, and other teaching staff with information on career and or educational opportunities; administer and interpret career assessment tools; and assist students in developing educational and occupational goals and plans. This position is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Primary Responsibilities

Duties of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Assist students in evaluating students' aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and work with students in developing education and occupation plans consistent with such evaluation.
• Assist students in making course and subject selections, as well as with evaluating career interests and choices.
• Assist in the scheduling of classes.
• Obtain and disseminate information regarding occupational opportunities to students and to classes studying occupations.
• Assist students with admissions, scholarship and identifying employment opportunities.
• Coordinate with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with guidance services.
• Research educational and career opportunities, and coordinate with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists, and business and community organizations for the purpose of providing information, and making recommendations.
• Assist with the registration and orientation students who are new to the school regarding procedures and educational opportunities.
• Assist with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
• Serve as ready resource to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
• Plan and coordinate field trips to institutions of higher learning, businesses and other organizations related to guidance responsibilities.
• Continue to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourage parental involvement in students' education and ensure effective communication with students and parents.
• Assist in the orientation of new teachers, and provide in-service training in guidance.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities and is not meant to be inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Preferences

We strongly prefer candidates who have exhibited excellence in collaboration with colleagues and an enthusiasm for working with students. Preferred candidates will also have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning as evidenced by graduate-level work or an earned degree, as well as participation in professional organization conferences or seminars related to the content area. Preferred candidates will have demonstrated the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of:
  • Pre/post high school program eligibility requirements
  • College/university admissions processes, scholarship programs and other education opportunities
  • Current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment
  • Differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles
  • Data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans
  • Applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students
• Ability to:
  • Use computer network system and software applications as needed
  • Organize and coordinate work
  • Communicate effectively with students and parents
  • Engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must have earned a B.A. or B.S. degree, with a Master's degree preferred, and current Minnesota State Licensure as a School Counselor. Additional demonstrated qualifications include: commitment to the equitable education of all students, creative planning and organizational skills, and highly effective interpersonal skills. Previous experience working with secondary students in a counseling capacity preferred. Prefer candidate with experience working with diverse learners.
Our school is a restorative practices program, and the guidance counselor would ideally help coordinate all facets of that initiative.  A Restorative Practices Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing restorative practices to foster a positive school climate and improve relationships between students, staff, and families. This role involves facilitating restorative circles, conducting conflict resolution trainings, and building a school community that prioritizes connection and repair after harm.  We can assist with training if this is not yet a practiced skill, but someone with restorative experience would be ideal.

Licensing Requirements

Current Minnesota School Counselor license or eligibility is required.

Salary and Benefits

Salary and Benefits
Substitute teacher will be paid at the daily substitute rate ($163.00/day) for the first 30 days.  If the substitute works for more than 30 consecutive days for the same teacher, they will be eligible to receive the Education MN rate under contract. The starting pay for this position is between $47,509 - $53,459/year)  and is based on Education Minnesota Cloquet Master Agreement. Your initial placement is dependent on your qualifications (education and years of relevant Cloquet School experience). You will be eligible for paid sick and safe time leave.

How to Apply

Application deadline is May 1st, 2025. Position will remain open until filled. 

Individuals who wish to be considered for this position must apply online at http://www.applitrack.com/isd94/onlineapp.

Only qualified and appropriately licensed individuals will be considered for an interview.