Secondary Instructional Specialist 2026-2027

Job Description for District Instructional Specialist

Position Title: District Instructional Specialist   

Job Status:     Full-Time                                  Reports To: Exec. Dir. of Curr. & Inst.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt                               Amount of Travel: 25% Travel / Schools 

Classification: Curriculum & Instruction           Level: District Level Position  

Date Created: February  2026                         Work Schedule: 220 Days

Salary Range: Determined by Salary Schedule

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Watson Chapel School District (WCSD) is seeking a dynamic and dedicated professional to serve as one of the District Instructional Specialists. This individual is a leader that builds capacity with teaching staff to ensure student outcomes through data-driven coaching, professional development, and curriculum development. He/She will ensure compliance with applicable laws, state standards and promote effective instructional strategies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

The District Instructional Specialist will support classroom teachers in improving instruction by increasing rigor, student engagement, and differentiation of instruction to improve student achievement. 

The District Instructional Specialist will also foster positive relationships with students and staff to promote a safe, supportive, and collaborative learning environment. The instructional specialist’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Model effective teaching strategies, observe classrooms, and provide actionable feedback to teachers to enhance instruction, student engagement and differentiation.
• Collaborate with teachers to design, review, and align HQIM materials with Arkansas state standards.
• Collaborate with teachers to utilize student data and assessments to identify learning gaps, inform instructional decisions, and create intervention/enrichment plans.
• Plan and deliver workshops to improve teacher content knowledge and pedagogical skills.
• Monitors any academic plans/growth for targeted students such as Math Intervention Plans or Individual Reading Plans.
• Participates in creating an environment conducive to the learning and growth of all students.
• Serve as an instructional leader at each campus working collaboratively with building leadership.
• Conducts continuous coaching cycles with teachers to build capacity of all teaching staff for increased student outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent, or Superintendent.

COMPETENCIES: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of Arkansas state standards, effective instructional practices, and coaching cycles for teacher improvement.
• Strong understanding of collaborative practices and being a member of a Professional Learning Community.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to analyze data and implement strategies based on identified student needs.
• Strong communication, leadership, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Capacity to lead in a culturally responsive and equitable manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Valid Arkansas educator license
• Bachelor’s degree in Education with a preferred Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in education
• Demonstrated experience with building teacher capacity such as a lead teacher or instructional coach

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must meet all federal and state requirements related to providing instruction and support to teachers.
• Must possess or obtain a valid Arkansas driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

COMPUTER SKILLS: 

• Experience with Windows Server OS and Google Workspace.
• Proficient in student information systems, data dashboards, and Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace.

PROBLEM-SOLVING and SYSTEM THINKING:

• Understands the interconnectedness of collaboration, student achievement, and addressing students’ needs.
• Uses data to drive continuous improvement of student academics.
• Prioritizes initiatives to align resources and personnel to areas of greatest need.
• Develops creative solutions to persistent challenges with student achievement and engagement.

EVALUATION/ PERFORMANCE REVIEW CRITERIA:

Performance will be evaluated annually by the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction using the AR  TESS - Instructional Specialist rubric aligned with responsibilities in this job description.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth Perception)
• Sense of Sound (ability to carry on telephone conversations)
• Sense of Touch (temperature and texture recognition)