INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST - ANTICIPATED
WILLIAM S. COHEN/JAMES F DOUGHTY SCHOOL
Grade 6-8
Position Overview:
The Instructional Specialist will work collaboratively with teachers and other educational professionals to enhance teaching practices, improve student learning outcomes, and foster a positive school culture. The ideal candidate will be a dedicated and skilled educator who has been a strong educator and is passionate about supporting teachers in their professional growth and in the implementation of effective instructional strategies. The Instructional Specialist will provide one-on-one coaching, lead professional development sessions, work collaboratively with the building principals and assist with the design of curriculum and instructional materials.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coaching and Support:
- Provide individualized and group coaching sessions to support teachers in the implementation of research-based instructional strategies
- Observe classroom practices, provide constructive feedback, and model effective teaching techniques
- Support teacher professional growth by setting specific, measurable goals for improved student outcomes
- Aids in the development, updating, and refinement of pacing guides
- Organizes and maintains the book room at assigned school(s)
- Assists with the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) process
- Professional Development:
- Plan, organize, and lead professional development workshops and training sessions for educators to enhance instructional practices
- Facilitate collaborative planning sessions with teaching teams to develop and implement curriculum aligned with best practices
- Work closely with building principals to align instructional practices with school-wide goals and initiatives
- Curriculum Design and Implementation:
- Collaborate with teachers and school leaders to design and refine curriculum that promotes high-quality instruction and meets the needs of all students
- Assist in the integration of technology and innovative practices to improve student engagement and learning outcomes
- Data-Driven Instruction:
- Analyze student performance data to identify trends and gaps in learning, and work with teachers to create actionable plans for improving student achievement
- Assist teachers in using formative and summative assessments to guide instructional decisions
- Building a Positive School Culture:
- Promote a growth mindset and a culture of continuous learning for both students and educators
- Support the development of a collaborative and supportive professional learning community within the school
- Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day
- Collaboration with Leadership:
- Meets weekly with the building principals to offer feedback and themes that can support continuous improvement while maintaining confidentiality as a colleague
- Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Education or a related field
- Certification in teaching (appropriate to the grade level or subject area)
- A minimum of 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience
- Strong knowledge of instructional best practices, curriculum design, and assessment methods
- Experience with data analysis and using student performance data to inform instruction
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and coaching skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of educators, students, and families
- Desired Skills and Attributes:
- Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
- High level of flexibility and adaptability in response to evolving needs of teachers and students
- Passion for continuous improvement and educational excellence
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment
- Ability to model effective teaching practices and provide actionable feedback
- Work Environment:
- Full-time, school-based position with regular responsibilities before and after school to meet with teachers
- Occasional evening or weekend responsibilities for professional development or events
- Collaborative work environment within a dynamic team of educators
- May be required to teach a graduate level course in Bangor through the University of Maine
- Other Duties as assigned by building principal and superintendent