Counseling Apprenticeship Program

The Opportunity:

The EQA Alternative Education Apprenticeship Program is a unique opportunity for individuals to gain experience and develop their skillfulness while learning from experts in the field of Alternative Education.

EQA is nationally recognized for its effective approach supporting young people who have struggled in traditional schools. EQA’s programs provide high quality, innovative options that empower young people to succeed academically and behaviorally. It currently has three in-person high schools, one virtual high school, one therapeutic middle school, early childhood education programming, and HiSET programming. 

It is well known that working in alternative schools requires specialized mindsets and skills that, once acquired, make you a stronger teacher, counselor, and administrator in any school or youth development program. This program is an opportunity to gain these mindsets and skills while earning a full time salary and getting targeted educational support and training.

Invest in Yourself:

• Get training, coaching, and mentoring from experts in the field
• Earn a full-time salary, retirement, and benefits package
• Get financial support for earning your teaching or counseling certification
• Position yourself for hire at EQA or other school or youth development opportunity in New Orleans*

Invest in our Youth:

• Build relationships with some of the most talented and vulnerable young people in New Orleans 
• Support, teach, and mentor them to successfully graduate high school and reach their short and long term life goals
• Be a part of challenging the racism, poverty, and violence harming many of our young people and families

2024-2025 Apprenticeship:

Middle School Counseling Track 

• 3 blocks of co-constructing a therapeutic classroom with a expert teacher
• 1 block of case management
• Weekly observation and coaching session from the Therapeutic Director, Donna Jackson 

Apprenticeship Benefits:

• Earn full time annual salary of $45,000 plus benefits and retirement
• Up to $5,000 in reimbursement for certification and licensing program (paid at the end of the commitment) 
• Weekly observations and coaching from experts in the field of alternative education
• Priority in hiring for full time positions at EQA the end of the program 

Applicant Requirements:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree
• Be enrolled or accepted into in a certification or  licensing program
• Have experience with and be committed to working with young people with significant academic and behavioral challenges
• Be eager to learn and grow 
• Available from XX-XX 

*An offer of permanent employment is not guaranteed but is contingent upon Apprentice performance and qualifications and EQA need.

_________________________________________________________________________

The idea of this program is:
 

• To get smart, hard working individuals who are eager to learn and grow-- specifically in those positions where we are struggling to find people who are willing to put the time and energy into developing their skills to meet our expectations.
   
• It is a “sell” to people who are focused on “what does this job do for ME?” -- by explicitly framing it that way for them.

• Giving us an opportunity to train and “try out” individuals before offering them permanent employment. Also building a pool of individuals who might stay in contact and apply for positions in the future.

Tradeoffs

• Apprentices are expected to learn and grow but could not be expected to arrive with the skills of a permanent hire
• Apprentices will work full time but will need 1 more “planning” block than a “normal” position
• A leader’s time (3-5 hours a week) would go into teaching, coaching, and mentoring
• Since we don’t have enough money to pay for double staffing, this only makes sense financially in positions where having a “learner” is possible.

EQA encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. EQA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. EQA does not sponsor employment visas. In compliance with state law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in a Louisiana public school via the appropriate background checks.

Salary : $45,000