Instructional Specialist, Learning Environments

DPS•Denver, CO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Specialist, Learning Environments is responsible for enhancing student achievement by providing targeted support to schools, facilitating professional learning communities for teacher leaders, school leaders, and student support staff, and designing district-wide professional learning experiences. This role specializes in fostering strong school cultures and transformational learning environments, ensuring the effective implementation of the Safe & Welcoming Environments Strategy to promote student well-being, belonging, academic success, and meaningful learning experiences. Additionally, the specialist collaborates across Academics to provide strategic guidance on integrating culturally responsive-sustaining pedagogy into educator resources and professional learning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work or other related field is required
Four (4+) years of teaching experience in relevant subject area
At least two (2+) years of experience in coaching other teachers
Experience designing and implementing strong school culture and learning environments is required
Previous experience working in an urban district with Multilingual Learners is required
Valid Colorado Drivers License is required
Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
Strong organizational and analytic skills and strong attention to detail
Self-starter/leader who can anticipate department needs in a proactive (versus, reactive) manner
Ability to develop and interpret data and manage resources
Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
Effectively manages multiple demands and competing deadlines while maintaining organization in a fast-paced environment
High degree of integrity in handling confidential information
Demonstrated expertise in Social Emotional Learning competencies, Culturally Responsive-Sustaining pedagogy, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), implementation science and innovation, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), restorative and trauma-informed practices, prevention science, and other school culture improvement frameworks
Ability to work as a member of a team in a collaborative, influential capacity
Demonstrated cultural competency and understanding of the social, cultural, and historical context of educational inequity
Demonstrated working knowledge of project management methodology and implementation techniques
Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, or other related field Education, Counseling, Social Work or other related field is preferred

Responsibilities

Cultivates a deep understanding and commitment to safe and welcoming environments across the district, grounded in evidence-based school culture improvement strategies such as PBIS, restorative practices, trauma-informed care, and social-emotional learning (SEL).
In partnership with the academics team, develops and facilitates cycles of professional learning in School Culture and transformational learning environments (PBIS, RP, TI, CRSE) for the District and its school teams to promote safe and welcoming environments ensure schools meet measurable student outcomes tied to district priorities, such as culturally responsive-sustaining teaching and learning, equitable discipline practices and data-driven instruction
Facilitates learning cycles across school teams, including collaboratively setting learning goals, engaging in observations, and coaching participants
Models exemplar culturally sustaining practices for teacher leaders and student support staff, including school culture planning, data meetings, and feedback conversations, all grounded in restorative, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered strategies such as effective classroom management, de-escalation and regulation, and equitable discipline practices
Analyzes school culture, discipline, and student engagement data to drive informed decision-making, inform school support, adjust coaching and professional learning cycles, and strengthen culture interventions to improve student experiences
Works collaboratively to achieve actionable and observable results at the student level; contributes to a strong team culture grounded in district values and a commitment to excellence and service to schools
In collaboration with Multilingual Education and Exceptional Student Services teams, develops and facilitates coaching and professional learning opportunities for teachers and leaders on best practices for supporting multilingual learners and students with disabilities in inclusive and restorative learning environments
Supports with district curriculum adoption and implementation
Other duties as assigned