<p>The Instructional Leadership Specialist collaborates with district and school leaders to facilitate and execute the district's Strategic Plan with integrity. The primary responsibilities of Instructional Leadership Specialist include coaching, modeling, co-teaching around standards-based best practices and the district approved High Quality Instructional Material; reviewing and analyzing data; collaborating with department leaders to develop and present professional learning; and supporting professional learning communities. Instructional Leadership Specialists will be evaluated through the SEEDS process, including Principle 8.</p> <p>THE INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP SPECIALIST HAS A PRIMARY ROLE TO TEACH AND COACH ADULTS BY:</p> <ul> <li>Planning, implementing, and supporting rigorous standards-based instruction for all students. </li><li>Design model classrooms for demonstration purposes. </li><li>Support and facilitate the planning and implementation of rigorous, standards-based lessons in response to student data. </li><li>Support educators and building-based coaches with the implementation of technology tools and resources that enhance student-centered, standards-based instruction. </li><li>Analyze and act on school, classroom, and individual student data in support of quality tiered standards-based instruction. </li><li>Support the development and facilitation of professional learning communities. </li><li>Collaboratively designing and executing district-wide professional development that is in alignment with the district's Strategic Plan. </li><li>Attends and actively participates in all meetings alongside district content leaders. </li><li>Attends and actively participates in all applicable district-based professional development to ensure connections are made between district initiatives and the instructional goals of each school's improvement plan. </li><li>Actively engages the school community to understand how everyone contributes to the execution of the district's Strategic Plan to collectively raise student achievement. </li><li>Creating a district culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and continuous learning. </li><li>Develops partnerships with district and building administration, families, and community to support the improvement efforts of the district. </li><li>Consistently models high expectations for the quality of instruction and behavior and ensures accessibility for all students. </li><li>Develops and nurtures a culture in which staff members are reflective about their practice and use student data, current research, best practices and theory to continuously adapt. </li><li>Coaches and manages teams to create, monitor, and achieve district and school-based goals. </li><li>Delivers constructive, informal feedback to coaches and educators that acknowledges effective practices and provides next steps that will impact student achievement. </li></ul> <p>QUALIFICATIONS:</p> <ul> <li>Possesses a master's degree from an accredited college or university. </li><li>Possesses a professional teaching license from the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The license should be in the appropriate content area for the position sought. </li><li>Has completed a minimum of 5 years of experience working directly with students, with most of the teaching experience in the content area to which the candidate is applying. </li><li>Has a 97% attendance rate in a historical context from the academic year 2023-2024 and the academic year 2024-2025. </li><li>Demonstrate growth in student achievement based on assessments over the past one to two years. </li><li>Overall exemplary evaluation rating from a direct supervisor is preferred. A minimum of an overall proficient rating is required. </li></ul> <p>Application Process:</p> <p>Initial Application</p> <p>The initial application must include:</p> <p>Letter of Interest that describes the following: expertise in impacting teacher practice, analysis and use of student data, leadership skills,</p> <p>implementation of student learning goals, and the instructional planning process in your school.</p> <p>A copy of your valid, professional teaching license.</p> <p>Resume with complete history of professional work experience. Name and contact information of three (3) professional references.</p> <p>After the initial review, candidates will be notifed if they are approved to proceed to the next phase of the application process.</p> <p>Site-Based Observation</p> <p>Members of the Academic Department will come on-site to observe the candidate either leading the learning of adults or instructing students. This observation is non- evaluative.</p> <p>Panel Interview Inclusive of Performance-Based Tasks:</p> <p>Leading the Learning of Adults</p> <p>Candidates will present a professional learning event or series that they have led, which shifted the beliefs and actions of educators. Professional Development, Professional Learning Communities, or other opportunities for professional learning experiences would be applicable to share. The professional learning session(s) and evidence of impact should be included.</p> <p>Interview and Data Analysis</p> <p>During the interview the candidate will present their data analysis from their work, explanation of student growth, evidence of educator learning, and answer questions that allow the candidate to articulate their expertise related to the duties detailed in this posting.</p> <p>Principal Interview</p> <p>Candidates that have successfully completed the process will be designated as Highly Qualified Instructional Leadership Specialist candidates. Principals with vacancies will interview these candidates, in collaboration with their Chief School Officer. After this interview the Principal and the Chief School Officer will determine if a candidate is selected for employment as an Instructional Leadership Specialist.</p> <p>If after the principal interview, a candidate is not selected for immediate placement then they will be placed in the pool of eligible applicants.</p> <p>Reach out to Valerie Williams, the Senior Administrator of Talent and Diversity Development at williamsv@springfieldpublicschools.com. She will be happy to answer any questions that you have.</p> <p>"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!"</p> <p>About our District</p> <p>Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.</p> <p>Join a team that Empowers Educators</p> <p>In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.</p> <p>If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at molinafigueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com.</p> <p>The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.</p> <p>NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT</p> <p>The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.</p> <p>NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION</p> <p>Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.</p> <p>Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools' Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.</p> <p>The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Katie O'Sullivan, Senior Administrator of Human Resources, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55428, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.</p> <p>Springfield Public School's sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination</p> <p>To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com</p>