With a strong record of developing reciprocal, respectful, active, and democratic partnerships, George Washington University (GW) in downtown Washington DC is seeking a VISTA to serve as a School Redesign Fellow for DC Public Schools (DCPS). This is a one year, renewable, position in which the VISTA will work with DCPS Partnerships and Design team in the Office of School Improvement and Supports (OSIS), which aims to develop educational opportunities for at-risk populations through the development of new research, identification of best practices, and creation of new tools. The VISTA’s activities will increase the support provided to OSIS, external organizations, and schools in developing and managing community-driven school models. This is a full-time, 12 month service term with the GW/DCPS AmeriCorps VISTA Program. The project term is based on the start date.
Service Activities
- Develop sustainable systems and structures for ongoing collection of feedback from a variety of stakeholders
- Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative feedback to help inform the iteration of school models
- Develop communications to support school outreach to community at large
- Co-create community events that focus on the Redesign school models
- Data collection and analysis
- Create innovative solutions to address problems faced in under-resourced schools
- Build relationships to help inform DCPS’s evidence-based practices
Community Need Addressed
Addresses the achievement gaps in education by creating educational opportunities for at-risk populations through the development of new research, identification of best practices, and creation of new tools
Position Outcomes
- Sustainable systems and structures developed for ongoing data collection
- Increased communications to support school outreach to community at large
- Community events that focus on the Redesign school models
- Increased capacity of the DCPS Partnerships and Design team in the Office of School Improvement and Supports
- Engagement with students, staff, and community members to rebuild trust and support the refinement of the Redesign school model
- Data-driven decision making to refine the Redesign school models at Anacostia and Ballou HS
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
- Networking opportunities with DCPS, Community Organizations, and GWU
- Access to GWU Campus Amenities (Library, Adobe Suite)
- Learning opportunities through conferences, events, etc.
Skills you will gain
Community Organizing, Relationship Building, Communications, Public Speaking, K-12 Education Experience, Higher Ed experience, Project Planning, etc.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment