Specialist 2 (Academic Enrichment Specialist - Summer 2025)

Milwaukee Recreations Summer Recreation Programs (SRPs) provide enriching learning experiences for youth during out-of-school time. These summer programs typically take place at locations that operate CLC and Safe Place programs during the school year. The focus of MPS Summer Recreation Programs is to provide a safe space for youth to participate in academic, recreation enrichment and youth development opportunities. In addition, SRPs provide youth development activities, technology education, art, music, and recreation activities, and family programs. Milwaukee area community-based organizations work collaboratively with the MPS to operate Summer Recreation Programs at CLC and Safe Place program locations.

During the summer, Summer Recreation Programs (Summer CLCs and Safe Places) at MPS elementary and K-8 schools operate from Monday through Friday from 7:30a.m.-6:00p.m. and middle/high school locations operate from 11:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Each summer program location serves an average of 55 to 100 or more participants daily. At elementary and K-8 locations, academic enrichment programming typically occurs in the morning before lunch. Summer Recreation Programs at MPS CLCs and Safe Places also provide daily meals and/or snacks.

Summer Academic Enrichment Specialists (Specialist 2) will provide CLC and Safe Place group leaders/teachers at various summer program locations with in-person, on-site coaching, training, resources, and instructional support to improve the implementation and quality of summer program academic enrichment activities.

This a part-time, summer program only position. Summer Academic Enrichment Specialists are expected to work 15 to 20 hours per week (3-4 hours per day, 5 days per week), Monday through Friday during summer program academic enrichment programming from June 23, 2025 August 1, 2025. Daily work hours may be flexible depending on CLC and Safe Place summer programming, staff schedules, and staff support needs. In general, CLC and Safe Place summer academic enrichment programming occurs in the morning between breakfast and lunch, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours may vary.

Summer Academic Enrichment Specialists must attend mandatory summer program planning meetings and training (approximately 10-15 hours) in May and June prior to the start of the summer program on June 23, 2025. Summer Academic Ernichment Specialists must also attend mandatory weekly team meetings.

• Conduct regular on-site (primarily) and virtual (if needed) observations of academic enrichment curriculum and activities implemented at MPS summer program locations primarily during summer program hours
• Provide instructional support, academic coaching, training, and resources to summer program staff implementing academic enrichment activities
• Assist summer program staff in setting up additional extension activities related to the academic enrichment program
• Maintain consistent communication with summer program coordinators and staff, sharing timely feedback from observations, resources, and support to resolve issues effectively and immediately on-site
• Complete and submit in a timely manner all required documentation including: site observations; and preparation of a final cumulative report to be submitted to MPS Recreation at the conclusion of the summer program
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Recreation Supervisor
• Attend training and in-services as needed
• Communicate effectively with afterschool/summer program staff

• Substantial experience teaching literacy/reading/STEM, working in curriculum development, or other in an education and/or afterschool, summer, or out-of-school-time program-related field.
• Substantial experience as a classroom teacher, implementing lesson plans and teaching children in traditional or non-traditional settings.
• A college degree and a valid, current teaching license are required.
• Current contact information is required for two to three professional references from schools, afterschool or summer programs, or community-based organizations you have worked with as an instructor, educational leader, or curriculum developer.

• Demonstrate substantial knowledge and enthusiasm for literacy/reading/STEM enrichment
• Possess substantial knowledge of and experience teaching the fundamentals of effective instructional strategies and classroom management practices.
• Demonstrate a strong ability to listen and communicate effectively with staff.
• Show ability to assess the needs of the afterschool/summer/out-of-school-time learning and teaching environment and afterschool or out-of-school-time program staff
• Demonstrate ability to effectively explain, model, and coach afterschool/summer/out-of-school-time program staff on academic enrichment curriculum, as well as appropriate instructional strategies and classroom management
• Possess qualities of patience, flexibility, understanding, creativity, enthusiasm, and caring

Contributes as a team member to an office/working atmosphere that is friendly, cooperative, creative, energetic, and professional