What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Turnaround Specialist position at Central Admin?
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The School Turnaround Specialist leads the rapid academic, cultural, and operational transformation of underperforming or state-intervention campuses. This leader works directly with campus administrators and teachers to implement high-impact instructional practices, data-driven systems, and a culture of high expectations to dramatically improve student outcomes aligned with Texas Education Agency (TEA) frameworks.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certifications
(a) Degree: Master’s degree from an accredited university in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field.
(b) Licensure: Valid Texas Principal Certificate or Mid-Management Certificate.
Knowledge & Skills
(a) Texas Frameworks: Deep understanding of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), STAAR accountability systems, and T-PESS.
(b) Change Management: Proven track record of leading school-wide culture shifts and accelerating academic achievement in high-need environments.
(c) Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills to navigate high-stakes environments and motivate diverse staff and community groups.
Preferred Experience
(a) Teaching: Minimum of 3–5 years of successful classroom teaching experience with documented student growth.
(b) Leadership: Minimum of 3 years of successful campus-level leadership experience (e.g., Principal, Assistant Principal, or Instructional Dean), preferably in an urban or turnaround setting.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
Strategic Leadership & Compliance:
(a) Action Planning: Develop, monitor, and execute the Campus Improvement Plan (CIP) and Targeted Improvement Plan (TIP) in alignment with TEA School Improvement guidelines.
(b) Systems Alignment: Implement the Effective Schools Framework (ESF) levers to build strong school leadership, high-quality instructional materials, and positive school culture.
(c) Progress Monitoring: Conduct regular campus walk-throughs and data reviews to measure the impact of interventions and pivot strategies as needed.
Instructional Coaching & Data-Driven Instruction:
(a) Data Mastery: Lead school leadership teams in analyzing state assessment (STAAR/EOC) and local benchmark data to identify and close learning gaps.
(b) Professional Development: Design and deliver targeted training on Data-Driven Instruction (DDI), rigorous lesson planning, and tier-1 instructional strategies.
(c) Observation & Feedback: Coach principals and instructional coaches on establishing rapid, actionable feedback loops for classroom teachers.
Culture, Climate & Operations:
(a) Operational Design: Optimize master schedules to maximize instructional time, intervention blocks, and Professional Learning Community (PLC) collaboration.
(b) Student Support: Establish robust Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for academic and behavioral interventions.
(c) Stakeholder Trust: Rebuild community trust by organizing parent-engagement initiatives and collaborating with external turnaround partners.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to grasp, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 25 pounds.