Who's Hiring

Check out some of the organizations seeking new hires

Featured Jobs

Full time

IT Customer Liaison - Entry/Mid-Level

National Security Agency Fort Meade, MD, USA

IT Customer Liaison - Entry/Mid-Level Fort Meade, MD Grade: 07/1 to 12/10 Open: 2019-11-05, Close: 2020-08-31 Job Posting: 1133665 link Responsibilities NSA Overview The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information. In support of a customer's mission, Information Technology (IT) Customer Liaisons incorporate the customer's process and technology needs into the enterprise mission planning and execution space. Description of the Position The responsibilities of an IT Customer Liaisons include: - Defining, interpreting, documenting, and prioritizing customer's technical requirements - Preparing operational, functional, and technical requirement documentation - Identifying opportunities to improve customers' capabilities by monitoring developments that indicate evolving customer technical needs and providing information about new and enhanced technical capabilities - Providing timely and accurate customer-centric information regarding capabilities activities that may affect customer operations - Creating partnerships that promote interoperability and consolidate IT resources - Relaying customer feedback to appropriate IT managers - Develop and maintain customer relationship and communication throughout the customer lifecycle and serve as the primary point of contact between the organization and the customer. Job Summary NSA is in search of Computer Science professionals to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions to storing, manipulating, and presenting information. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to projects that seek to create new standards for the transformation of information. If you want to develop technologies and tools and be a part of cutting edge innovations; join our team of experts! Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of computer science professionals! Qualifications Salary Range: $48,670 - $77,396 (Entry/Developmental) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. A high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered. Degree in Computer Science or related field (e.g., Telecommunications, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Cyber Security, and Information Technology Security) is preferred. Relevant experience must be in a computer science (CS) or information technology (IT) area (e.g., systems administration; application administration; and information technology support or management) and may also include requirement analysis. External engagement/collaboration experience (e.g., participation in cross-Agency working groups, JDA, field assignments, and external customer support) is preferred. Salary Range: $72,030 - $112,240 (Full Performance) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree and no experience. A high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered. Degree in Computer Science or related field (e.g., Telecommunications, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Cyber Security, and Information Technology Security) is preferred. Relevant experience must be in a computer science (CS) or information technology (IT) area (e.g., systems administration; application administration; and information technology support or management) and may also include requirement analysis. External engagement/collaboration experience (e.g., participation in cross-Agency working groups, JDA, field assignments, and external customer support) is preferred. Competencies The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and who possesses strong communication (oral and written), problem-solving, analytic, interpersonal skills, and is: - motivated - accountable - adaptable - detail-oriented - customer service & requirements oriented - able to work effectively (independently and/or within teams) across functional areas in a collaborative environment - able to manage multiple tasks with competing timelines and deliverables - proficient with Microsoft Office suite of tools (i.e., Word, Excel) Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: - Systems administration - Project management - Application administration - IT support or management - Requirement analysis - Systems Engineering Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day. How to apply To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. ***PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility. Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing. Please Note: Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. DCIPS Disclaimer The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. arrow_upward Back to Top

Apr 02, 2020
Full time

Mathematician - Entry/Mid-Level

National Security Agency Fort Meade, MD, USA

Mathematician - Entry/Mid-Level Fort Meade, MD Grade: 07/1 to 12/10 Open: 2019-11-01, Close: 2020-04-30 Job Posting: 1137753 link Responsibilities NSA Overview The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes, and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information. At NSA, mathematics is a core discipline and is present in every aspect of the mission. Mathematicians bring a wealth of expertise including, but not limited to, number theory, finite field theory, coding theory, Fourier analysis, graph theory, probability, and statistics. They work on some of the hardest problems associated with signals intelligence (the interception, collection, and analysis of foreign signals) and information security (assuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information). Mathematicians have the opportunity to learn and experiment in areas far from their academic training. These opportunities and core mission needs help make NSA the largest employer of mathematicians in the country. Description of Position NSA is actively seeking mathematicians to join a vibrant community of mathematicians, statisticians, physicists, computer scientists, and other intelligence professionals. Newly-hired mathematicians begin their careers in the Mathematics Development Program (MDP). The goal of the three-year MDP is to train mathematicians to be broadly knowledgeable in the spectrum of mathematical sciences used at NSA. To accomplish this goal, MDP members study cryptologic mathematics and related subjects in Agency taught classes and complete 6-month tours in diverse NSA offices. Graduates of the MDP may choose their first permanent assignments from any of the NSA Directorates, depending on availability. The Agency is unique in its ability to offer the opportunity to work in diverse areas of Applied Mathematics. In addition to cryptologic mathematics, mathematicians work in: - Signals analysis - Data compression - Machine learning - Data science - Human language technology - Speech/image/video processing - Analysis of communication networks - Network vulnerability analysis - Cybersecurity Additionally, computing is an essential component of mathematics at NSA and mathematicians must use a variety of computing platforms to test ideas and implement solutions. While there is no specific requirement for any previous programming or computing experience, a mathematician must be willing to learn to use computers effectively. Job Summary NSA is actively seeking mathematicians to join a vibrant community of mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists, and other intelligence professionals to collaborate in both long and short term work to solve mission-critical problems. To solve the problems generated by NSA's mission, mathematicians draw from a wide body of mathematical knowledge, including number theory, abstract algebra, graph theory, combinatorics, analysis, probability, statistics and more. However, the essential ingredient to the solution of a problem is often not mathematical knowledge per se, but the keen analytic ability that a mathematician possesses through training and talent. Qualifications Salary Range: $72,351 - $90,157 (Entry/Developmental) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. Degree in Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science is preferred. Degree must include 2 years (which equates to approximately 24 credit hours) of advanced mathematics. Experience in the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, and/or techniques (e.g., algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems is desired. Salary Range: $83,692 - $112,240 (Full Performance) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. Degree in Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science is preferred. Degree must include 2 years (which equates to approximately 24 credit hours) of advanced mathematics. Relevant experience must be in the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, and/or techniques (e.g., algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems. Competencies Candidates should possess: - Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities - Desire for continual learning - Ability to work effectively independently and within teams across functional areas Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following is desired, but not required: - Programming expertise - Experience in the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, and/or techniques (e.g., algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday. How to apply To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. In addition to an online application at www.intelligencecareers.gov, the following must be completed: - Submission of a resume or CV to mathjobs@nsa.gov - Submission of all college transcripts (including community college, if applicable) sent to mathjobs@nsa.gov. Note: Transcripts can be unofficial or official. Applications will not be fully considered until all of the documents are received. If needed, the mailing address for official correspondence for the Mathematician application is: National Security Agency 9800 Savage Road Suite 6844 Ft. George G. Meade, MD 20755-6844 Attn: Math Hiring ***PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility. Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing. Please Note: Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. DCIPS Disclaimer The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. arrow_upward Back to Top

Apr 02, 2020
Full time

Auditor - Entry to Experienced Level

National Security Agency Fort Meade, MD, USA

Auditor - Entry to Experienced Level Fort Meade, MD Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 07/1 to 15/10 Open: 2019-08-15, Close: 2020-04-18 Job Posting: 1134624 link Responsibilities NSA Overview The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts oversight of the NSA mission. Within the OIG, the Audit branch performs independent audits and related reviews of Agency programs and operations in accordance with government auditing standards, designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards and to improve the Agency's efficiency and effectiveness. Description of Position(s) The Audit branch has three functions: Financial, Performance, Cyber/IT. Auditor (Financial) As an Auditor in the Financial branch, you will be part of a team that oversees and conducts audits of NSA's Financial Statements and related financial activities. Responsibilities of Auditors working in the Financial branch include: - Assisting in the performance of complex and comprehensive audits of NSA financial statements and NSA financial operations - Overseeing the planning and execution of financial audits contracted to an independent public accounting firm to perform the audit of the Agency's financial statements - Evaluating the work of external auditors to ensure their work complies with generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) performance and reporting standards, and relevant statements on auditing standards (SASs) - Assisting in the development of formal reports and recommendations to Agency officials for corrective actions - Consulting with the NSA Office of General Counsel on matters involving interpretation or possible violations of laws, rules, or regulations Auditor (Financial Systems) As an Auditor on the Financial Systems team, a component of the Financial branch, you will be part of a team that oversees and conducts audits and examinations of NSA's financial general and application information technology controls. Responsibilities of Auditors working on the Financial Systems team include: - As part of the annual financial statement audit, overseeing the planning and execution of the assessment of NSA financial IT controls in accordance with the Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual - Overseeing the planning and execution of the assessment of NSA financial IT and business controls as identified by NSA as part of a Type II Service Organization 1 examination in accordance with Standards for Attestation Engagement 18the Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual - Evaluating the work of external auditors to ensure their work complies with generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) performance and reporting standards, and relevant statements on auditing standards (SASs) - Assisting in the development of formal reports and recommendations to Agency officials for corrective actions - Consulting with the NSA Office of General Counsel on matters involving interpretation or possible violations of laws, rules, or regulations Auditor (Performance, Cyber/IT) As an Auditor in the Performance branch, you will be part of a team that oversees and conducts audits of NSA's program operations, contract compliance, and Agency's mission. As an Auditor in the Cyber/IT branch, you will be part of a team that oversees and conducts audits of NSA's IT programs, systems, and policies. Responsibilities of Auditors working in the Performance and Cyber/IT branches include: - Conducting risk assessments on Agency programs and processes - Researching, planning, and developing audit objectives, audit approach and scope - Assessing and evaluating internal controls within the context of the audit objective - Identifying and evaluating criteria to measure performance and evaluate compliance - Conducting interviews within the context of an audit or review - Gathering and analyzing audit evidence and compare observed results to specified requirements in the criteria - Identifying problems and developing recommendations to improve the Agency's efficiency and effectiveness - Writing reports outlining results and findings from assessments and evaluations All Auditors are required to complete 80 hours of training every two years to maintain the requisite knowledge, skills, abilities, and professional development. Job Summary The Office of Inspector General (OIG) defines the oversight authority, responsibilities, and guidance regarding activities of the OIG at NSA and conducts oversight of the NSA mission. Within the OIG, the Audit branch performs independent audits and related reviews of Agency programs and operations in accordance with government auditing standards, designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards and to improve the Agency's efficiency and effectiveness. Qualifications Salary Range: $48,670 - $77,396 (Entry/Developmental) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. -Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. An Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. -Degree must be in Business, Accounting, or a related field (e.g., Finance, Economics, Management, and Information Technology). Related degree will differ depending on the type of auditing (e.g., IT vs financial). -Relevant experience must be auditing in the public or private sector and/or IT auditing. Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is preferred. Salary Range: $72,030 - $112,240 (Full Performance) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. -Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. An Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. -Degree must be in Business, Accounting, or a related field (e.g., Finance, Economics, Management, and Information Technology). Related degree will differ depending on the type of auditing (e.g., IT vs financial). -Relevant experience must be auditing in the public or private sector and operational or IT auditing. Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is preferred. Salary Range: $102,663 - $157,709 (Senior) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. -Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. -Degree must be in Business, Accounting, or a related field (e.g., Finance, Economics, Management, and Information Technology). Related degree will differ depending on the type of auditing (e.g., IT vs financial). -Relevant experience must be auditing in the public or private sector and operational or IT auditing. Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is preferred. Salary Range: $142,701 - $170,800 (Expert) *The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. -Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. -Degree must be in Business, Accounting, or a related field (e.g., Finance, Economics, Management, and Information Technology). Related degree will differ depending on the type of auditing (e.g., IT vs financial). -Relevant experience must be auditing in the public or private sector and operational or IT auditing. Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and/or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is preferred. Competencies The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continuous learning, strong problem-solving, communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills who is: - accountable - detail-oriented - able to adapt to changing requirements - able to manage multiple tasks and assignments - able to work effectively (independently or within teams) across functional areas in a professional and collaborative environment Specialized knowledge and experience in any of the following is desired: - applying auditing standards, principles and appropriate methods in analyzing processes and evaluating internal management controls - applying techniques of interviewing, elicitation, and debriefing in a systematic manner - obtaining, evaluating, organizing, and maintaining information - leading an audit team The following certifications are preferred: - Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) - Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) - Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule On-the job training, Internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee. Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 and 1800 (flexible). How to apply To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. ***PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility. Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing. Please Note: Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. DCIPS Disclaimer The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. arrow_upward Back to Top

Apr 02, 2020

Latest From the Blog

How to help students during coronavirus lockdown

Mar 15, 2020

In a Wednesday virtual Q&A hosted by CalMatters, two of California’s top education leaders gave parents and teachers advice on how to educate students while schools remain physically closed. Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, and Cindy Marten, superintendent of San Diego Unified, the state’s second-largest school district, answered questions about special education, bridging connectivity gaps and advice for parents homeschooling their kids. The Q&A came as state leaders such as Gov. Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond have urged school districts to throw their weight behind distance learning for the rest of the 2019-20 term. Darling-Hammond and Marten reiterated that while campuses will likely not physically re-open for the rest of this academic year, schools and students are expected to continue their learning while at home. Here are some highlights from Wednesday’s conversation. (You can catch a recording of the entire virtual Q&A below.) Q: How will the coronavirus and remote learning affect my high school student? A: California’s K-12 and higher education systems have agreed on a list of exemptions Wednesday for high school students who are applying to colleges. The state’s two public university systems, the University of California and the California State University, will accept “credit-no credit” grades instead of traditional letter grades for “A-G” courses required for admission. Darling-Hammond said schools will ensure that students who were on track to graduate prior to physical school closures will receive their diplomas. Also, students this year will not be required to take the Smarter Balanced standardized exam administered in grade 11. “We want children to be held harmless so that they carry into this period of time the grades that they’d already earned,” Darling-Hammond said. She added: “Everyone’s pulling together to make it possible for young people to continue their education, and to do so in a way that is not even more stressful.” Q: I’m a teacher. How can I help parents? A: Teachers looking to help parents homeschooling their children can offer templates for schedules to help create structure for students, Darling-Hammond said in response to a question from a teacher seeking advice. “I’ve seen a lot of schools and teachers posting possible schedules,” Darling-Hammond said. “Sometimes their schedules are, ‘I’m going to be available and our classes are going to happen at this time, but here’s what you can do with your kids for cooking or outdoor play’ or other things that allow (parents) to know how to structure their time in a productive way for their kid.” Marten, a former teacher and principal, encouraged teachers to be innovative in determining how to best connect with students based on their family’s needs — be it through phone calls, video calls or paper materials. “There’s never a one-size-fits-all approach to any type of education, especially now,” Marten said. For one San Diego teacher who started a virtual class, for example, “Fourteen out of 20 students have signed in, so she’s finding the other ones that are missing and finding a different way to connect if that doesn’t work,” Marten said. “That theory of action of how do we reach out to our kids, what’s the best way of doing it all — good teachers know that’s what they do every day in the classroom when you’re teaching a lesson, and most of the kids got the lesson and some didn’t,” Marten said. “It’s never the student’s fault when they’re not learning. That’s always the educator coming up with another way and another way and another way.” Q: What are schools doing over the next few weeks? A: Circumstances have rapidly evolved over the past three weeks. Most California school districts began to declare temporary campus closures the week of March 13, days before Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order. Many districts initially held out hope for re-opening their campuses, though state officials have said this week that they don’t expect it will be safe to do so for the rest of the school year as the coronavirus pandemic spreads. While some districts have kickstarted their distance learning programs, other districts are not yet there. “I think that within the next couple of weeks everyone will have heard from their school districts about what the distance learning plan is,” Darling-Hammond said. San Diego Unified was among the first California districts to release a timeline for resuming instruction remotely. The district plans to begin instruction informally April 6 after students return from their scheduled spring break, with formal grading beginning April 27. “While we’re not going to be able to learn in the physical environment of the classroom, our challenge is to ensure that students will get what they need so that learning can continue,” Marten said. “That’s a key message that’s really important for parents and everybody to understand is that we want to make sure learning continues.” Source