Learning Specialist-High School English Language Arts

Job Title:  Learning Specialist High School English Language Arts

Supervisor:  Director of Professional Development and Standards
 
Terms of Employment:  220 days
 
Job Summary:  
To provide leadership and support for schools in the implementation of the district's high school ELA programs and initiatives, including curricular maps, instructional models, staff development, utilization of effective instructional strategies, integration of technology, diagnostic testing, and data analysis
 
Essential Duties 
Professional Development

1. Lead/facilitate professional development activities at the school level during planning periods, common planning time and/or after school on best practices, teaching methods, curricular standards, content, use of instructional technology, lesson planning, instructional materials/resources, instructional models, and other areas consistent with the district initiatives
2. Develop and lead/facilitate district staff development sessions
3. Support implementation of and use of instructional technology
4. Support implementation and use of digital content
5. Work with instructional coaches to plan for common planning sessions
6. Support teachers as identified by the school-level administration
7. Model lessons and debrief with teachers and coaches
8. Lead/facilitate department meetings and collaborative planning sessions at the school and district levels
9. Work with new teachers (i.e. planning, classroom management, curriculum, instructional strategies)
10. Work with instructional coaches and teachers in implementing curricular maps and South Carolina State Standards
11. Work with administrators, instructional coaches and teachers with data
12. Serve as a mentor for new instructional coaches
13. Develop and support teacher leaders through
    1. Ongoing, sustained professional development
    2. Networking and engaging in reflective conversations over time
    3. Developing professional development sessions with teacher leaders
    4. Equipping teacher leaders with strategies for presenting, facilitating, and navigating conversations
14. Participate in staff development

 
 
Instructional Leadership

1. Analyze district data and identify priorities
2. Coordinate and assist in developing curricular documents (i.e. curricular maps, unit plans, lesson plans)
3. Assist schools in the implementation of district initiatives
4. Assist school instructional coaches in employing effective coaching strategies and best classroom practices
5. Assist schools in implementing the mult-tiered system of supports model and interventions
6. Assist schools in developing action plans and next steps
7. Observe teachers and provide feedback on instructional effectiveness
8. Assist teachers in the analysis of data to make informed instructional decisions
9. Assist schools in compiling and analyzing data including data from specific intervention programs
10. Reflect with school teams on next steps that address areas of growth
11. Conduct meetings with teacher leaders in order to coordinate curricular alignment and instruction with assessment
12. Assist administrators and instructional coaches in progress monitoring
13. Facilitate the management of program accounts and analyze data
14. Participate in classroom walkthroughs
15. Lead collaboration on implementing high-yield strategies
16. Serve on committees as assigned
17. Monitor implementation of programs

 
Technology

1. Facilitate the integration of technology into teaching and learning by developing and conducting professional development sessions on infusing technology into the core areas of academic curriculum
2. Collaborate with instructional staff and teachers to develop curricular materials and specific lesson plans that integrate technology
3. Assist classroom teachers to integrate successfully the use of effective strategies and multiple technologies in order to differentiate and enhance student learning
4. Work with school leadership teams and teachers to utilize student performance data from digital content providers to provide appropriate small-group or individualized instruction and interventions
5. Provide input/insight on ways to increase teachers' use of technology as it positively impacts student performance in the classroom
6. Provide input and recommendations regarding digital content selection

 
Other Duties
Carry out other tasks and responsibilities as assigned
 
 
Job Specifications
Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on the evaluation of Professional Personnel
 
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge)

1. Valid South Carolina certification for secondary English Language Arts
2. Master's degree in education or administration from an accredited university, preferred
3. Minimum of five years successful teaching experience
4. Direct experience with use of high school ELA programs, materials, and resources currently in use in the district
5. Experience in working with and/or teaching adults
6. Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken interpersonal communication skills
7. Demonstrated proficiency in use of technology
8. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and reach with hands and arms; walk; sit; stoop or kneel; crouch or crawl. 
 
Additional physical requirements include the following:

• Physically capable of frequently lifting or moving up to 40 pounds;
• Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus;
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time;
• Manual dexterity for the purpose of using a telephone and data entry;
• Read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids;
• Hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone; and
• Speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in person and on the telephone.

 
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   
 
Pay Grade: 209

Please click here for salary scales.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The Special Education Paraprofessional will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by classroom teacher and approved by the Principal or other appropriate administrator. Horry County Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.