Community Support Education Specialist (ESC)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Everett, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

DESE seeks an equity-oriented educator with expertise in combatting antisemitism and societal bias through effective education to join the Teaching and Learning Unit as a Community Support Education Specialist.

The Specialist will support effective education practices, guidance, and resources that meaningfully support the DESE Educational Vision that all students in Massachusetts are known and valued, that students and families have a sense of belonging: they are known, respected, and valued for who they are and what they bring to the school community, including their unique identities, strengths, interests, needs, languages, exceptionalities, and backgrounds, that students attend safe and supportive schools that tend to their overall wellbeing, and that students engage in learning that values and builds on their background knowledge, lived experiences, and cultural and linguistic assets. Pursuant to St. 2024, c. 140, § 106, DESE is responsible for creating resources and supports to help schools combat antisemitism and societal bias. The Specialist will lead this and other related work in collaboration with educators, community partners, and others at DESE.

DESE's Teaching and Learning Unit furthers the Educational Vision by supporting effective teaching and learning of the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks so that all students engage in meaningful, grade-level work that connects to their identities, and utilizes evidence-based practice. We are a deeply collaborative team driven by positive student outcomes and learning experiences. We partner with communities and support educators to be successful through developing resources, expanding opportunities for professional development and cross-district collaboration, and provide technical assistance.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service
• a Master’s degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.
• Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of best practices in teaching and instruction, including creating safe and supportive learning environments that foster a sense of belonging for all
• Deep knowledge of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices, and commitment to bringing an anti-bias lens to every aspect of the work
• Deep knowledge in history and current issues related to antisemitism, nationwide and in Massachusetts
• Experience working with organizations, coalitions, and/or community groups to increase representation, further equity-related goals, and/or combat societal bias including but not limited to antisemitism
• Ability to organize and manage multiple complex, detailed projects simultaneously
• Experience engaging and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to work towards common goals
• Experience publicly representing an organization
• Experience with and knowledge of the inner workings of public schools and school districts in Massachusetts
• Passion for teaching and learning, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting educators to provide rigorous, relevant, and culturally sustaining learning experiences for all students in meeting grade-level standards
• Demonstrated commitment to equity in education and desire to work alongside educators in ensuring a sense of belonging for all students in safe and supportive school environments
• Proactive, solutions-driven approach, bringing new ideas to improve our collective work and seeking out opportunities to extend our impact
• Ability to create high-quality products efficiently and independently and to coordinate various projects simultaneously
• Improvement mindset with a desire to be coached, solicit and receive feedback, and continually improve
• Comfort initiating and partnering with a range of diverse stakeholders, tailoring communication and approach in ways that lead to meaningful collaboration and strengthened relationships

Responsibilities

• Develop guidance and resources to support teaching and learning that is aligned to the Department’s commitment to equity, diverse representation, inclusion, and culturally sustaining instruction, including combatting antisemitism and societal bias
• Support equitable, representative, culturally sustaining, high-quality teaching and learning through development of curriculum, instructional resources, grant opportunities, and other projects
• Develop relationships with community partners and stakeholders, including but not limited to: ○ Members of the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism ○ The Native Education Council ○ Other engaged community organizations as relevant
• Curate and/or develop resources relative to teaching about antisemitism and societal bias for Massachusetts schools, including curriculum and professional development, collaborating with other Agencies as relevant (e.g., Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination)
• Collaborate with other Department of Elementary and Secondary Education specialists on related initiatives such as CURATE, genocide education, Investigating History, and bullying prevention
• Act as a liaison to district and school leaders and provide as-needed support when necessary
• Participate in shaping Department policies and programming, including initiatives around safe and supportive schools and educator development, to ensure they reflect the Department’s commitment to equity, diverse representation, inclusion, and culturally sustaining instruction, including combatting antisemitism and societal bias

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
• Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees