Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Instructional Supervisor, the Instructional Specialist provides leadership to schools in the development of curricula, instructional techniques, and professional development within the content area.  The incumbent of this position liaises with staff, students, families and administrative personnel on all matters relating to English Language Development (ELD).  The role of the Instructional Specialist is essential to the team’s overall effort to raise student achievement and school performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides administrative support to all ELD educators in the areas of curriculum, assessment, instruction and classroom management;
• Designs, implements, and evaluates system-wide instructional programs for multilingual learners;
• Develops, organizes and conducts district, regional, and school-based professional development on the implementation of ELD curricula, best practices of teaching multilingual learners, culturally responsive practices, and PGCPS ELD instructional models;
• Develops and revises curriculum guides aligned to the Maryland State Department of Education State Curriculum and English Language Proficiency State Curriculum;
• Analyzes multilingual learner data to identify priorities for schools and provide targeted support based on student performance;
• Facilities partnerships with internal and external partners to support ELD programming and additional targeted ELD professional development opportunities;
• Provides leadership and support to schools with the implementation of district and state-mandated instructional initiatives;
• Supervises, observes and formally evaluates central office staff and school-based teachers, including formal observations;
• Reviews, revises and implements the ELD Strategic Plan and Title III goals;
• Assists the Instructional Supervisor in the management of Title III grant activities and oversees projects funded under the Title III grant;
• Leads team of ELD coaches in supporting educators of multilingual learners;
• Evaluates and purchases instructional materials, textbooks, software and media;
• Collaborates with other departments to provide necessary services to multilingual learners;
• Participates in the interview process for teachers and central office staff; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Expertise in subject area – content and pedagogy;
• Ability to work cooperatively with students, staff, parents, and community;
• Demonstrated exemplary classroom practice as well as the ability to present demonstration lessons to classes and staff;
• Ability to work collaboratively to improve instruction using research-based approaches;
• Demonstrated competence in developing and leading staff development sessions for teachers, principals, and parents;
• Knowledge of state standards and alternative modes of assessment;
• Experience in writing curriculum framework guides or an integrated curriculum desired for ELD;
• Experience in writing and managing grant budgets desired;
• Ability to analyze student performance and participation data;
• Knowledge of state standards, benchmarks and alternative assessment, PreK-12;
• Extensive expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of professional development programs and initiatives;
• Understanding and expertise in implementing accommodations and modifications;
• Effective planning and organization skills, as well as the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines;
• Experience working with computers, instructional and business technology; and
• Demonstrated skill in effective human relations and in oral and written communications.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education or a related field required; emphasis in TESOL instruction and course work in curriculum development preferred.  A minimum of five (5) years of teaching multilingual learners required.

Certification:

Holds or is eligible for an Advanced Professional Certificate in ESOL K-12 with the Administrator I endorsement issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).  Certified in Framework for Teaching observations preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None