Instructional Specialist - Elementary Science and Social Studies

Newport News Public Schools • Newport News, VA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for supplementing and supporting the school division’s elementary science and social studies curriculum and instructional initiatives by working alongside the elementary supervisors, specialists, and coaches. The Instructional Specialist assists in developing, implementing, and assessing the district’s elementary science and social studies curriculum as aligned with the Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning. This role oversees elementary initiatives and is responsible for coaching, supporting, and guiding teachers in science and social studies. The specialist also participates in planning professional development to promote best practices in instruction and assists with the selection of instructional materials and equipment, and with the implementation of innovative practices in science and social studies. They remain abreast of professional development literature, participate in professional organizations, attend workshops related to best practices, and disseminate information. Additionally, the specialist assists with monitoring student assessment/test results and provides assistance to improve student outcomes, modeling nondiscriminatory practices in all activities and initiating and maintaining effective liaisons to stay current with developments and research.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Virginia teaching license with experience teaching science and social studies.
• Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
• Must possess three years of recent and successful elementary teaching experience.
• Must demonstrate evidence of involvement in school and division activities and committees involving leadership responsibilities beyond those required in the classroom.
• Must possess an in-depth knowledge of instructional best practices in math, curriculum development, and adult learning theory.
• Must possess excellent organization and communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers and administrators.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal/typewriter, and to perform.
• See and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids.
• Hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels and on the telephone.
• Speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms and on the telephone.
• Physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assists in developing, implementing, and assessing the district’s elementary science and social studies curriculum as aligned with the Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning.
• Oversees elementary initiatives and is responsible for coaching, supporting, and guiding teachers in science and social studies.
• Assists with planning, developing, and implementing an effective structure for elementary grade level.
• Participates in the planning of professional development to promote best practices in instruction.
• Assists with the selection of instructional materials and equipment, and with the implementation of innovative practices in science and social studies.
• Remains abreast of professional development literature, participates in professional organizations, attends (as appropriate) workshops related to best practices, and disseminates information.
• Assists with monitoring student assessment/test results and provides assistance to improve student outcomes.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
• Initiates and maintains effective liaisons to maintain a current knowledge of developments and research in the field.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Instructional Supervisor or other appropriate administrators.

What This Job Offers

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