The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is the fourth largest school board in Ontario and a major employer in one of Canada’s fastest growing regions. Our inclusive and diverse board serves 83,000 students and employs nearly 12,000 staff across the City of London, Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford Counties, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames. We offer competitive benefits including a pension program and comprehensive mental health and well-being support. Best of all, every role at TVDSB directly supports the success of children and families in YOUR community. Join TVDSB to build each student's tomorrow, every day!
Graduation Coach for Black Students-Temporary Position
JOB TITLE:?Graduation Coach for Black Students (NOT HYBRID)
LOCATION: TVDSB, Secondary School, London
HOURLY RATE OF PAY: $36.44 (plus 4% vacation pay)
DATE OF VACANCY: As soon as possible
APPLICATION?
DEADLINE:?2026 August 24
POSITION SUMMARY:
TVDSB
is seeking a
Graduation Coach for Black Students as part of a provincially funded pilot program designed to improve the well-being and academic achievement of Black students and address systemic barriers, including anti-Black racism. Reporting to the System Principal: Equity & Inclusive Education, this role provides intensive, culturally responsive support to Black students and their families, with the goal of helping each student earn credits, graduate, and successfully transition into their chosen post-secondary pathway. This position values lived/living experience and strong connections within local Black communities as essential expertise. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with students, families, school staff, and community partners to create spaces where Black students thrive and have their voices heard.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Student Support & Advocacy
- Build positive, trusting relationships with Black students and families through a strength-based approach.
- Act as a mentor, advisor, and advocate for students with educators, administrators, and families.
- Affirm student identity and culture through culturally responsive and relevant practices.
- Support students during extended school breaks (e.g., summer, holidays) with engagement plans.
- Facilitate access and referrals to academic supports and community resources to provide integrated support systems.
Collaboration & Program Delivery
- Work with the core team and school staff to create academic and long-term plans for participating students focused on credit accumulation and graduation.
- Help establish and maintain a welcoming, culturally responsive space for Black students.
- Collaborate with the Circle of Caring Adults and community partners to provide integrated supports.
- Participate in a community of practice with other school boards to share strategies and learnings.
Data & Reporting
- Track and monitor student progress (attendance, credit accumulation, engagement).
- Contribute to and complete provincial reporting requirements, including outputs, outcomes, and qualitative impact.
Capacity Building
- Support staff learning about anti-Black racism, culturally responsive practices and actions outlined in the TVDSB Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy.
- Assist with developing resources and communications about the program’s goals and roles.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Humanities or Social Sciences with two years of experience in a related field; or equivalent education/experience, as determined by the Thames Valley District School Board.
- Deep, first-hand life experience rooted in local Black communities and understanding of systemic barriers Black students face in the education system and in the wider community.
- Demonstrated respect and understanding of the diversity and composition of Black communities.
- Demonstrated expertise and experience designing appropriate interventions to increase the well-being and academic achievement of Black students.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and advocate for Black students and engage families.
- Strong knowledge of youth culture and principles of youth engagement.
- Strong advocacy skills to support individual and collective student voice.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as external partners.
- Experience building partnerships with community resources and supporting families to access them.
- Ability to collect and share data accurately for program reporting.
- Valid driver’s license and use of a vehicle required for travel.
- Ability to speak French and/or other languages considered an asset.
Please note, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is received by Human Resources on or before the deadline date.
Thames Valley does not utilize any assistive technology in the recruitment and selection process.
The recruitment process requires a criminal background check for work with vulnerable persons. In accordance with regulations, this will be an ongoing expectation of employment for TVDSB employees every five years of employment.
This position will be posted outside the jurisdiction of the Association of Administrative Professional and Support Personnel; however, first consideration will be given to permanent members of AAPSP.
If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas or degrees assessed against Canadian education standards. This will enable you to provide proof of Canadian equivalency when applying for a job. The Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada is a membership organization that offers fair and credible academic credential assessment services in Canada. (NOTE: This is different from translating credentials into English).
The Thames Valley District School Board is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment of qualified staff who reflect and support the diverse perspectives, experiences and needs of our students and school communities. The Thames Valley District School Board seeks to ensure that all recruiting processes are non-discriminatory and barrier-free and will provide accommodations to applicants in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please inform the Human Resources team member indicated below of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you require.
.
A. Pease, Staffing Specialist, Human Resources
We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.