Educational Equity Program Instructor

Location: North Region (Antelope Valley Office) or South Region (Inglewood Office)

Position Summary:

The Educational Equity Program Instructor is a mission-driven educator responsible for delivering transformative, culturally responsive instruction as part of SJLI’s high school educational equity programs. This role facilitates justice-centered learning experiences that foster academic achievement, personal development, critical consciousness, and civic engagement among high school youth of color. Program Instructors lead classroom instruction, support co-curricular activities, and contribute to holistic youth development grounded in SJLI’s educational equity framework.

Instructors are one half of a school-based implementation team, working alongside a college and career-focused counterpart to advance students’ success and prepare them to create positive change in their communities. Reporting to the Regional Manager, Instructors implement curriculum and program activities, contribute to school site coordination, and help maintain a learning environment rooted in identity, excellence, and purpose. This role is ideal for educators who view teaching as a liberatory practice and who bring both instructional expertise and a deep commitment to youth voice and leadership.

As SJLI continues to evolve its educational model, Instructors are expected to be flexible, collaborative, and growth-oriented—capable of delivering high-impact programming across multiple curricular pathways. Ongoing training, coaching, and team-based collaboration are integral to this role and central to SJLI’s learning culture.

Responsibilities:

Instruction and Curriculum Implementation

●      Facilitate high-impact, culturally affirming instruction that is aligned to SJLI’s educational equity curriculum and program approach.

○      Deliver SJLI’s project-based, discussion-driven lessons that center student identity, lived experience, history and community relevance.

○      Manage all aspects of classroom instruction, including lesson planning, assessment, and record-keeping, to ensure effective curriculum delivery.

○      Manage classroom logistics, including attendance, assessment tracking, and behavioral support.

○      Establish a strong classroom culture that promotes self-worth, agency, civic awareness, and academic confidence.

●      Demonstrate expertise in instructional strategies, activities, and resources based on the ongoing needs and diverse learning styles of students and ability to adapt lesson plans within SJLI’s educational equity framework to meet those needs.

●      Collaborate with the SJLI Coordinator or Specialist and Teacher of Record to identify and address the academic needs of individual youth in the program(s).

●      Maintain a strong understanding of the designated Educational Equity curriculum outcomes and ensure effective instructional pacing to facilitate student understanding and self-efficacy.

●      Establish and maintain a positive and academically focused classroom environment that adheres to established safety policies and protocols.

Program Coordination and Collaboration

●      Serve as the instructional member of a two-person program team at school sites, collaborating closely to ensure holistic, student-centered support.

●      Plan and facilitate co-curricular experiences, including field trips, retreats, guest speakers, service-learning projects, and family engagement events, in collaboration with the Academic and Career Services Coordinator and Teacher of Record with support from the Regional Manager.

●      Manage assigned school sites with consistency and professionalism, maintaining a strong presence and staying informed of class schedules, calendars, and site-specific needs.

●      Act as a supporting liaison between SJLI, partnering schools, and the educational equity program under the guidance of the Educational Equity Program Manager.

●      Build and maintain cooperative, equity-centered relationships with school staff, site administrators, and volunteers to support successful implementation.

●      Support partnership-building efforts with community members, public agencies, and local organizations to expand civic engagement opportunities and enrich student experiences.

●      Participate in fundraising and in-kind support activities as needed to contribute to program sustainability.

●      Attend all required SJLI regional meetings, team trainings, team meetings and community events as part of SJLI’s collaborative learning culture.

Data Tracking and Evaluation

●      Maintain accurate student records, including but not limited to attendance, progress, and engagement, using SJLI’s database systems (e.g., Apricot) in concert with the partnering SJLI Coordinator or Specialist.

●      Analyze instructional pacing, course alignment, and student progress data to inform lesson delivery and program effectiveness.

●      Participate in site-based evaluations, curriculum feedback cycles, and strategic planning efforts to strengthen program outcomes.

●      Communicate program needs, highlights, and challenges to the Educational Equity Program Manager and consultants to support continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

●      Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Justice Studies, Ethnic Studies, Humanities, or a related field.

●      Minimum of 4 years of teaching or youth development experience with high school-aged students, preferably in urban or community-based settings.

●      Demonstrated ability to engage and motivate students of color using culturally affirming and student-centered approaches.

●      Strong classroom management skills rooted in restorative, trauma-informed, and inclusive practices.

●      Deep understanding of culturally relevant pedagogy and the ability to connect curriculum to students’ lived experiences, identities, and communities.

●      Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with students, families, and school-based partners.

●      Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

●      Experience designing or adapting lesson plans to reflect themes of justice, identity, and community impact.

●      Skilled in facilitating critical conversations that promote self-worth, agency, and civic engagement.

●      Familiarity with student data systems and comfort using digital tools to track and reflect on progress.

●      Committed to SJLI’s mission and values; able to maintain confidentiality and model professionalism in all interactions.

Preferred Qualifications

●      Master’s degree in Education, Ethnic Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.

●      California teaching credential strongly preferred; candidates without one may be considered if eligible and willing to pursue credentialing with SJLI support.

●      Experience with program development or co-curricular programming, including service-learning or youth participatory action research (YPAR).

●      Lived experience or strong connection to the communities SJLI serves.

●      Experience supporting Black girls, young women of color, and Black youth through intersectional and healing-informed frameworks.

●      Familiarity with the Urban Scholars model or other equity-focused, cohort-based education programs.

●      Bilingual or multilingual ability is a plus.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to BambooHR.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

SJLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, particularly those from underrepresented communities and those with lived experiences relevant to our work with youth of color. SJLI is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the youth we serve.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment for this position are consistent with those of a typical office setting. However, this role requires regular travel within Los Angeles County and beyond for meetings, school visits, youth events, college visits/tours, retreats and community engagements. The position may require standing for extended periods, lifting up to 25 pounds, and navigating various community settings. Evening and weekend work is often necessary to accommodate youth and their family’s schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations:

The Educational Equity Programs Director must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to anti-discrimination laws, labor laws, and laws governing non-profit organizations. They must also adhere to SJLI's policies and procedures, including those related to ethics, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. Given the focus on youth, familiarity with and strict adherence to laws and best practices related to working with minors is essential, including mandatory reporting requirements, youth safety protocols, and data privacy regulations.

Background Check and Clearances:

Employment with SJLI is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check and any required clearances or certifications, as applicable to the position. This includes, but is not limited to, criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, TB testing, and verification of eligibility to work with youth. The Senior Manager must also maintain any relevant certifications or clearances throughout their employment.

At-Will Employment:

Employment with SJLI is on an at-will basis, meaning that either the employee or the organization can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified by applicable law or a written employment agreement. However, SJLI is committed to fair employment practices and open communication to ensure a positive and productive work environment for all employees.

SDG Impact