District Science Instructional Support Specialist 2026-2027

HAZELWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT______JOB DESCRIPTION-____

District Instructional Support Specialist Purpose Statement: The position of the district instructional support specialist is designed to enhance instructional support for teachers new to the district, novice teachers, international teachers, Teachers in Residence (TIR), teachers pursuing alternative certification and add-on certification, and support and grow a talent pool of teachers certified to teach multiple areas. The position will supplement the capacity of mentor teachers.

The district instructional support specialist reports to the Director of Instructional Services Division and collaborates and coordinates with the Director of Human Resources.

Essential Functions: The district instructional support specialist will work with assigned teachers for the following:

• Provide intensive support for instructional planning in assigned content area(s)
• Assist teachers at all levels with an in-depth understanding of instruction
• Work with teachers to ensure an in-depth understanding of curriculum content
• Provide intensive “in classroom” modeling of exemplary teaching for assigned content area(s)
• Provide “job imbedded” and traditional professional development for assigned content area(s)
• Assist with identification and provide support for teachers pursuing alternative certification and add-on certification for content area(s)
• Work closely with district mentor teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum coaches to identify and support new, novice, TIR, alternative certification, add-on certification, and international teachers
• Work with instructional coaches and administrators to strengthen knowledge of content and instructional strategies of assigned area(s)
• Develop content programming to improve success rate of new to district, novice teachers, international teachers, TIR, teachers pursuing alternative certification, and teachers pursuing add-on certification
• Assist with identification and recruitment of teachers for add-on certification in content areas (especially gifted, science, math, and hard to fill positions)
• Conduct content observations of instruction and work with administrators for the purpose of providing support and feedback for teachers pursuing add-on certification Office of Human Resources, March 2025
• Provide strategies to improve instruction, classroom management, and confidence for teachers in the assigned content area(s)
• Participate in meetings as required for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform departmental functions
• Work collaboratively and in consultation with curriculum development
• Other duties as assigned to support the outcome of the program and ensure the efficient and effective functioning of department

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications:

Skills, knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; training others; preparing and maintaining accurate records; applying curriculum and instructional techniques; comparing results; conducting meetings; and estimating required resources.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform in the content area; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age-appropriate activities; lesson plan requirement; stages of child development; District curriculum; current and emerging technology; and methods of instruction and training.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequency requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability- based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relations; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; assessing needs and providing answers to issues; Office of Human Resources, March 2025 solving problems; communicating effectively with diverse individuals; setting priorities; dealing with frequent interruptions; meeting deadlines and schedules; organizing tasks; working as a part of a team; and working with detailed information/data.

Responsibility: Responsibilities include working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other people within a small work unit; tracking budget expenditures. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 40% sitting, 10% walking, and 50% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience: Content area expertise and job-related experience are required. Increasing levels of experience is preferred.

Education/Certificate: (Minimum) Master’s degree in job-related area(s). Certification must include the area of assignment (math, science, gifted), administrative certification preferred.

Term: 11-month administrative position paid in accordance with the district’s board approved administrative salary schedule. This is a district level administrative position.

Stipulations: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein or commonly associated with the position may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. "Commonly associated" is not intended to mean always or only.

There are different experiences that suggest other ways or circumstances where reasonable changes or accommodations are appropriate.

All activities, Demands, Conditions and Requirements are linked to Essential Job Functions unless marked with an asterisk which denotes linkage only to marginal function(s)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $68,861 - $104,229