Upper School Learning Center and NetPals Coordinator (Part-Time)

Cambridge School Volunteers

Job Description

Upper School Learning Center and NetPals Coordinator (Part-Time)

Cambridge School Volunteers (CSV) manages two programs in Cambridge’s Upper Schools — Learning Centers and NetPals

Learning Center Program
Upper School Learning Centers (LC) serve students in grades 6-8. CPS educators partner with CSV to structure a tutoring program that offers participating students an inviting setting with individualized academic support from trained volunteer tutors. Students are referred by school staff using a CSV referral form and must have a signed CSV caregiver permission form. Learning Centers run after school at Cambridge’s four Upper Schools and one K-8 school from October through May. 

Responsibilities include coordinating two Learning Centers:

Program Planning
  • Participate in orientation sessions for new volunteers (ongoing) and support LC volunteer recruitment and placement.
  • Communicate with CPS staff at schools for setting up LC
  • Attend planning meetings at schools and develop a schedule for the program
  • Participate in CSV team meetings 

Program Management
Ongoing 
  • Involvement with the enrollment and matching of eligible students
  • Management of student permission forms and tracking student attendance
  • Engagement with caregivers and volunteers
  • Communication with teaching staff about the homework or projects students need to complete during the Learning Center 

Day of Sessions
  • Check morning student attendance and remind volunteers
  • Supervise and assist student-tutor pairs during the Learning Center sessions (after school hours, from October/November to May)

Program Close Out
  • Close-out meeting with CPS staff
  • Program evaluation and surveys
  • Assist with report writing

NetPals Program
The NetPals program has been running in partnership with CPS and local STEM companies for 30 years. The program’s goal is to spark interest in STEM careers among 7th-grade students. The program is hosted by the 7th-grade science teachers at three Upper Schools in Cambridge during the school day. We recruit volunteers from our longstanding partner companies to provide a sustainable way for scholars and NetPal mentors to develop a relationship around an academic focus. Volunteers and students meet face-to-face three times (at the companies and at school) and exchange four or five monitored emails. 

Responsibilities include coordinating the NetPals program at one of Cambridge’s Upper Schools:

  • Meet with the science teacher to develop the program schedule
  • Coordinate with companies to  recruit  volunteers and approve the schedule 
  • Recruitment support as needed
  • Provide training for volunteers in conjunction with the science teacher
  • Facilitate the planning of visits to the companies and to the school
  • Be at school during email days
  • Track and read student and mentor emails 
  • Manage end-of-program surveys
  • Assist with annual report writing
  • Participate in CSV team meetings

Other Responsibilities
  • Participate in weekly staff meetings
  • Attend and support workshops and other events organized by CSV (fundraisers, volunteer appreciation event, etc)
  • Contribute to the development of trainings and workshops for our volunteers

Organization Overview
Cambridge School Volunteers (CSV) supports Pre-K to Grade 12 students with trained 
volunteer tutors and mentors. CSV recruits and coaches volunteers to help students of all needs and levels achieve academic and personal success. 

CSV has been a nonprofit partner of the Cambridge Public Schools since 1966, and our work aligns with the district’s academic, social-emotional, equity, inclusion, and belonging objectives. Each year, CSV brings approximately 675 volunteers to work in Cambridge's twelve elementary schools, four upper schools, the Amigos School (K-8), and the Cambridge Rindge and Latin (High) School, CRLS. These programs match more than 1,400 students annually, primarily for one-to-one or small-group work. 

CSV’s offices are in the Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, and program work takes place in the four upper schools and the Amigos School.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college, university, or equivalent professional experience 
  • Strong organizational and program administration skills
  • Experience working with middle school-aged students preferred
  • Competency with Google Workspace
  • Excellent digital and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with adults and children from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Capacity to independently and creatively manage diverse responsibilities in a multi-faceted, expanding educational program
  • Ability to travel between school locations

Compensation
CSV’s offices are at the Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, 459 Broadway, and travel to different school sites in Cambridge is required. The position is part-time, 20 hours per week, September – June,  during the 42 weeks of the Cambridge Public Schools academic calendar. CSV’s programs do not run during the December, February, and April vacation weeks and other times when students are off.  Pay is $25/hr. Benefits include a 3% SIMPLE IRA contribution and individual health insurance coverage, prorated at 50%. The start date is September 3, 2024.

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter with the subject line “ Part-Time Upper School Program Coordinator” to Meg Ramsdell, mramsdell@cpsd.us.