GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Student Achievement, the District K-12 Science Specialist will spend 80%-90% of their contract time developing systems and implementing teaching and learning strategies that advance the district’s vision for K-12 Science education. Primary responsibilities will include supporting the implementation of the Utah’s Science and Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards, participating in collaborative team meetings, facilitating professional development sessions, coaching teachers in designing/implementing effective 3D science lessons and instructional strategies, engaging in classroom observation/feedback sessions, collaborating with teachers and administrators to evaluate and select science curricular resources, and managing the district science and engineering fair.

The District K-12 Science Specialist will support teachers in ensuring that science is an active endeavor throughout the district and that students consistently engage in processes that emphasize gathering information through observations, reasoning, and communicating with others. Additionally, the District K-12 Science Specialist will support development and implementation of structures that help students organize and connect their understandings through the “three dimensions” of science learning: science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas.

The District K-12 Science Specialist will be expected to use the remaining 10%-20% of contract time to plan for the above mentioned activities, participate in district meetings, and support project oversight.

The District K-12 Science Specialist’s interactions will be governed by the district's teacher specialist expectations as well as the expectations listed below.

Contract:

• Contract Length: 183.5 days with the option of an additional 10 days 
• Start date: October 3, 2022

EXPECTATIONS

The District K-12 Science Specialists will be expected to: 

K-12 Science Content and Standards

1. Leverage technology and diverse learning resources that support science learning experiences
2. Identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions that promote effective science teaching/learning practices throughout the school district
3. Observe classroom instructional practices (including whole-group, small-group, individual, and computer-assisted instruction)
4. Provide timely feedback based on data collected during observations
5. Participate in grade/content-level collaborative team meetings (as needed)
6. Coach teachers to design and implement 3D science experiences that address content standards and course competencies
7. Coach teachers to use a variety of research-based, learner-centric instructional strategies and assessment tools
8. Coach teachers to address the diverse needs and interests of all students

Systems Development:

1. Recognize areas for improvement to classroom and school environments that will facilitate 3D Science practices. 
2. Identify barriers in district policy that may inhibit the implementation of effective science practices in the school district
3. Work with district and building leaders to develop engaging, rigorous science experiences in all classrooms and schools
4. Work with district and building leaders to develop a fully articulated science pathway for junior and senior high school students
5. Work with district and building leaders to develop and implement professional development for teachers, leaders, and other staff
6. Work with district and building leaders to communicate about and advocate for effective science practices with teachers, leaders, students, parents, and the community
7. Coordinate with district and building educators to develop and operationalize the district science and engineering fair (and collaborate with WSU Ritchey Science Fair)

Visionary Leadership

1. Work with building administrators and the Executive Director of Student Achievement to conduct needs assessments to inform the content and delivery of Science professional learning programs that result in a positive impact on student learning.
2. Work with building administrators and the Executive Director of Student Achievement to implement strategies for initiating and sustaining science instructional frameworks in buildings, schools, and classrooms.
3. Work with Utah State Board of Education leadership (e.g. state specialists) to implement high quality and vertically aligned exemplary science instruction. 

Professional Development

1. Design, develop, and implement professional learning programs (district- and school-level) that model principles of adult learning and promote learner-centric practices in teaching, learning, and assessment.
2. Evaluate results of professional learning programs to determine the effectiveness on deepening teacher content knowledge, improving teacher pedagogical skills and/or increasing student learning.

Professional Learning and Growth

1. Engage in continuous learning to deepen professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions in organizational change and leadership, project management, and adult learning to improve professional practice.
2. Regularly evaluate and reflect on their professional practice and dispositions to improve and strengthen their ability to effectively model and facilitate technology-enhanced learning experiences.
3. Participate in team meetings and ad hoc problem-solving meetings (as necessary).
4. Actively contribute to the Ogden School District online community of practice (i.e. develop resources that are shared district-wide via various web-based outlets).
5. Maintain, manage, and share a variety of resources for teacher and student use in learner-centric classrooms.