District Curriculum Specialist - RLA/SS - PK-5th

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: District Curriculum Specialist - RLA/SS - PK-5th

Position Hours: Full-time extended workdays

Length of Term/Employment: 220 workdays / At-Will

Reports to:  Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Position Mission: 

The Curriculum Specialist for Reading Language Arts/Social Studies for grades PK-5th plays a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality, research-based literacy instruction across our elementary campuses. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting the Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade reading language arts curriculum and social studies curriculum, aligning with state standards and best practices. This position is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, and support to district  and campus staff in curriculum development, instructional design, and assessment strategies through planning to enhance student learning outcomes

Position Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a related field.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with a minimum of three years of successful classroom teaching experience.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of successful classroom teaching experience, primarily in grades PK-5 is required.
• Experience providing professional development and coaching to educators is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, professional development facilitation, and instructional coaching.
• Deep understanding of scientifically-based reading research, and effective instructional strategies for elementary students.
• Track record of improving student achievement supported by data.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Curriculum Writing and Development:

• Lead the research, development, and revision of comprehensive, standards-aligned PK-5th grade Reading Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum, including scope and sequence, pacing guides, lesson plans, unit plans, and instructional resources.
• Integrate best practices in early literacy development, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.
• Ensure vertical alignment within the PK-5 literacy continuum and horizontal alignment across content areas.
• Select and recommend high-quality instructional materials, programs, and assessments.

Lesson Internalization and Support:

• Collaborate with campus instructional coaches and teachers to deep dive into curriculum documents and lesson plans, ensuring thorough understanding and effective implementation.
• Provide individualized and small-group support to teachers in lesson preparation, delivery strategies, and differentiation for diverse learners.
• Model effective instructional strategies and co-teach lessons as needed to support teacher growth.

Facilitating Professional Development:

• Design, develop, and deliver engaging and impactful professional development sessions for PK to 5th grade teachers, instructional coaches, and campus administrators on topics related to reading language arts curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Stay current with educational research, trends, and legislation in early literacy and integrate new knowledge into professional development offerings.
• Foster a collaborative learning environment and build capacity among district and campus staff.

Data Analysis and Action Planning:

• Collect, disaggregate, and analyze a variety of quantitative and qualitative data (e.g., benchmark assessments, classroom observations, student work samples) related to reading language arts performance.
• Identify trends, strengths, and areas for growth in student achievement and instructional practices.
• Collaborate with campus leadership and teachers as needed to develop data-driven action plans to address identified needs and improve student outcomes.

Campus Walkthroughs and Feedback:

• Conduct regular campus walkthroughs to observe reading language arts instruction, providing constructive feedback to campus leadership.
• Identify exemplary instructional practices to share across the district.
• Support campuses in creating positive and literacy-rich learning environments.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with other curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, campus administrators, and district staff to ensure coherence and alignment of instructional initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders regarding curriculum updates, instructional strategies, and student progress.
• Represent the district at regional and state-level professional organizations and conferences.

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of  pedagogy and best practices
• Ability to use data to inform instructional decisions
• Ability to develop and deliver staff development.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpretational skills.
• Knowledge of Texas Resource System and gradual release of responsibility
• Establish and maintain open communication with students, teachers, campus administrators, and directors.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, teachers, and administrators.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. 

This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Actively develops others towards goals through the use of timely and constructive feedback, targeted professional learning, personalized coaching, and recognition of accomplishments and strengths.
• Continuously enhances knowledge of current research, effective instructional strategies, and evolving state and national standards in PK-5 Reading Language Arts, including foundational literacy skills, to design and support an exceptional RLA curriculum.

Charter & Community Responsibilities

• Convey the charter's mission to the public and encourage support in accomplishing the mission.
• Illustrate understanding of Charter and community needs and begin activities to meet those needs.
• Demonstrate use of productive and efficient skills to raise community and parent involvement.
• Actively participate in student recruitment efforts. 

Charter Atmosphere

• Encourage a constructive, thoughtful climate for learning.
• Promote fairness of students and staff from all cultural backgrounds.
• Communicate with students and staff in an effective manner that promotes and sustains the Jubilee culture. 

Working Conditions

• Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Frequent and prolonged standing.
• Stooping, bending, pulling and pushing required.
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other  classroom equipment and supplies.

?Other

• Adhere to the staff dress code.
• Maintains a good working relationship with Jubilee Academies' staff
• Compile, maintain, and fill all reports, records, and other documents  required.
• Actively stays abreast of new developments in education.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be  assigned or skills that may be required.