Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Director, the Instructional Specialist - Improvement Science will work with Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) staff and leaders on the scientific principles of improvement science and data-driven strategies. The incumbent of this position plays a crucial role in driving school and systemic improvement efforts, enhancing instructional quality, and ultimately improving student outcomes. By leveraging data, research, and evidence-based practices, the Instructional Specialist helps create an environment where educators, students and district stakeholders can thrive. In addition, the incumbent of this position will support and champion the training and practice of improvement science in PGCPS.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Influences, monitors, champions and supports the scale, spread and sustainability of improvement science work in PGCPS;
- Organizes and facilitates professional learning communities to inform instructional practices and intervention strategies;
- Serves as a key conduit and spokesperson to expand improvement and leadership work;
- Observes and monitors instructional programs in school-wide and targeted assistance schools to enhance program effectiveness and ensure compliance with federal, state and local guidelines;
- Informs principals, school staff, area office staff and other applicable central office staff of program expectations;
- Works collaboratively with schools and area and central office personnel to develop instructional programs;
- Assists with the interpretation of student data, the evaluation of program activities and serves as a resource for instructional program modifications;
- Plans and organizes the implementation of participating schools with guidance from the supervisors;
- Provides guidance to area and central offices regarding the status and implementation of instructional programs and initiatives including regulatory, programmatic and fiscal requirements;
- Provides technical assistance to schools in the development of school performance plans (SPPs) to ensure that program components are evidenced throughout submitted school specific plans; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Considerable knowledge of system-wide school improvement planning;
- Thorough knowledge of PGCPS organization and K-12 curriculum;
- Knowledge of latest research, best practices, developments and techniques in the delivery of instructional practices at a federal, state and district level;
- Knowledge of instructional techniques, management skills and strategies for modifying curriculum;
- Knowledge of federal, state and district regulations, policies and procedures;
- Experience in determining program evaluation criteria and implementing ongoing program evaluation;
- Effective planning and organization skills, as well as the ability to multitask and meet deadlines;
- Effective communication (oral and written), as well as human relations skills;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, group communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community;
- Ability to collaborate in planning and project managing the design and implementation of school improvement;
- Ability to effectively analyze a variety of school system data and correctly determine the implications of such data on strategic goals; and
- Computer and technology literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and cloud-based systems.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, educational policy, administration or a closely related field required. A minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience, including experience participating in school-wide improvement planning.
Certification:
Holds or is eligible for a valid professional license in Administrator I (historical) or Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, or Principal issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
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:
This is a two-year grant funded position; employment will end at the conclusion of the grant.
