Jan 15, 2020
Seton Education Partners seeks a mission-driven, results-oriented individual to be the Director of Formation of the Seton Teaching Fellows program. We are looking for a resourceful, organized and highly efficient team member who will report to the Chief of Programs. Background Co-founded in 2009 by KIPP pioneer Scott W. Hamilton and Teach for America alumna Stephanie Saroki de García, Seton Education Partners is a response to the dramatic decline of urban Catholic schools in America, which have served the economically disadvantaged so well for decades. In 2013, amidst the shuttering of 60+ urban Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York, Seton launched Brilla College Prep Public Charter School in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx. Brilla, which means “shine” in Spanish, has achieved academic results that parallel the nation’s most acclaimed high-poverty schools. Alongside Brilla, Seton launched El Camino, an optional, privately funded after-school Catholic faith formation program. In only 6 years, 119 children have been baptized through their participation in El Camino. Seton is working to take these remarkable achievements to scale by managing a network of schools and programs that ensure that thousands of underserved children whose Catholic schools close—and other local children—have access to an academically excellent, character-building, and, for those who choose it, faith-nurturing education. This network is a national model for how other cities facing the shuttering of Catholic schools can continue to serve children and families with limited educational options. For more information on Seton Education Partners, please visit www.SetonPartners.org .
About the Brilla Schools Network The first Brilla charter school opened its doors in 2013, with 200 kindergarten and first graders, and currently serves 930 children in grades K-7 across three campuses in the South Bronx. The Brilla network plans to expand to eight schools (four elementary and four middle) across the Bronx over the next six years. Roughly three-fourths of Brilla scholars are Latino, and one fourth are African American. Over 90% qualify for the federal meals program. About one in three students are English Language Learners, and one in five has special needs. Brilla schools seek to educate students to lead lives of excellence, virtue and purpose. We do this by leveraging the best instructional practices of model charter schools—implementing a longer school day and year, using technology-based blended learning to deliver individualized instruction, intensively supporting and coaching teachers—and combining this with a robust character education program, centered around our core virtues of courage, justice, wisdom and self-control. Brilla schools will grow to serve children through 8th grade, growing a grade level at a time each year. About El Camino El Camino, which means “The Way” in Spanish, is an optional, privately funded Catholic after-school faith formation program for underserved children and families. El Camino helps children, their families and their catechists to know, love and serve Christ and His Church; develop the habits, dispositions and beliefs that are indispensable to human flourishing and happiness; and live as disciples in this world and saints in the next. El Camino honors the teaching authority of the Catholic Church.
El Camino currently serves more than 400 kindergarten through seventh-grade children for 90 minutes a day, Monday through Thursday. Children receive homework help from experienced teachers, a nutritious snack, and 30 minutes each of catechism and physical fitness. Additionally, children and families have opportunities for shared and personal prayer and character formation. This video provides a snapshot of El Camino. El Camino will grow to serve children through 8th grade, growing a grade level at a time each year.
About the Position Reporting to Chief of Programs the Director of Formation’s p rimary responsibility is to oversee the holistic development of the Seton Teaching Fellows (STFs or Fellows). The Director of Formation upholds the mission of the Church to evangelize and bring others to Christ. Critical to this position is the ability to incorporate new approaches to Christian formation in order to form disciples (our STFs) who, in turn, form younger disciples (our El Camino students). The Seton Teaching Fellows program is first and foremost a missionary program bringing Christ and His gospel to young children.
The work of a Fellow extends beyond that of a merely professional role. The STF program aims to nourish and support all aspects and needs of our Fellows during their year of service, and places great importance on their spiritual development and formation. The Director of Formation facilitates weekly formation sessions and seasonal retreats, holds Fellows accountable to one another, and supports a healthy home culture grounded in prayer and fellowship. The Director of Formation works closely with the Leadership team to guiding the spiritual and emotional growth of each Fellow, supporting in a differentiated way their specific needs.
Main Responsibilities
Organize high-quality retreats, grounded in prayer and the sacraments
Direct summer onboarding for new STFs
Facilitate weekly formation meetings
Coach and support Fellows to develop norms, routines and appropriate expectations around community living (community prayer, house chores, cooking, finances, etc.)
Mediate and mitigate conflict, creating the space and structure to resolve issues between Fellows
Manage STF alumni engagement
Help develop and sustain close working relationships with local parishes
Qualifications and Desired Characteristics Candidates for the position must possess the following personal characteristics :
Unquestioned integrity and commitment to Seton’s mission and values
Personal responsibility with humility
A relentless drive for excellence
A strong belief that all children can achieve both moral and academic excellence
An unwavering determination to be better today than you were yesterday
The ideal candidate will bring experience, skills, and beliefs in the following areas:
Living as a faith-filled and practicing Catholic, who understands and honors the teachings of the Catholic Church and is passionate about sharing the Catholic faith
Proven track record of leading, managing, and coaching
Demonstrated ability to quickly build productive and meaningful relationships with multiple stakeholders including program, school and network based staff, families, and community members
Proven ability to effectively support, collaborate, and partner with a variety of personalities and working styles and an openness and generosity of spirit in navigating differences
Project management expertise and the ability to drive efficiency and excellence in all aspects of work alongside and/or through others
Optimistic self-starter with the ability to prioritize competing goals, exhibit flexibility, grace and sound judgment along with productive urgency in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
Strong strategic thinking, analytical and creative problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and a keen attention to detail
3+ years experience in adult formation and community management
3+ years experience in relational ministry
Advanced degree in theology or ministry
Diversity & Inclusivity We are building an organization in which talented individuals from all walks of life and past work experiences can join our team and make significant contributions. We are particularly committed to attracting and developing individuals who share the life experiences or backgrounds of the students we will serve.
Seton Education Partners provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees.
Seton Teaching Fellows
New York, NY, USA
Full time
