Academic Specialist, MECIC

The University of Southern Mississippi • Hattiesburg, MS

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Specialist, MECIC, develops high-quality, evidence-based professional development materials and serves as a trainer and coach for Division of Early Childhood and Development and Department of Education Collaborative programs throughout Mississippi. The specialist leads face-to-face and virtual training and coaches participating programs on project initiatives related to academics and development.

The role supports professional development for educators and stakeholders working with young students with disabilities in early intervention and PK–12 settings. It includes building participants’ capacity through evidence-based training and coaching strategies, strengthening data-informed decision-making, and assisting with project management, reporting, and dissemination.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, behavioral sciences, or a related field.
• Two years of experience providing educational services to children and youth in early intervention and PK–12 settings.
• Advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices addressing the academic needs of young students with disabilities, including curricula, Universal Design for Learning, and high-leverage practices.
• Ability to develop high-quality training materials for diverse stakeholders and for face-to-face and online platforms.
• Ability to coordinate activities among administrative and teaching personnel and other stakeholders, and negotiate a shared vision and scope of work.
• Ability to organize and motivate site-level teams to implement systems-change activities related to academic and developmental interventions for students with disabilities.
• Ability to complete tasks and develop materials accurately, on time, and with attention to detail.
• Ability to accurately analyze and prepare plans, documents, reports, and correspondence using standard professional English.
• Adeptness with, or ability to learn, technologies and software including Microsoft tools, Google Apps, Canvas, social media and networking tools, email, and webinar platforms.
• Must maintain currency on relevant research, professional certifications, and continuing education in academic and developmental success for Early Intervention and PK–12 students.
• Initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member.
• Resourcefulness and commitment to providing a positive experience for professional development participants.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to be supportive and motivational while working with a diverse population.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion, including complying with FERPA guidelines.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends and travel overnight as necessary.
• Applicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• A Specialist’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, behavioral sciences, or a related field, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications.
• Reliability certification in current research tools: ICP, TPOT, and TPITOS.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director, Associate Director, and other Specialists to select professional development participants and providers for academic and developmental initiatives using clearly defined expectations.
• Develop participants’ capacity through evidence-based training strategies.
• Develop participants’ capacity through evidence-based coaching strategies.
• Help participants increase their use of implementation, intervention, and outcome data to support decision-making.
• Develop high-quality, evidence-based materials that increase educators’ knowledge of academic and developmental strategies aligned with Professional Growth System standards.
• Lead face-to-face and virtual training and provide coaching to participating programs.
• Assist with project management, reporting, and dissemination.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level