Teaching and Learning Strategist

Decatur Public Schools•Decatur, IL

24d

About The Position

Support the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, PreK-12 Director of Teaching and Learning and Building Principal in instructional development/change management and school-level continuous improvement to drive academic achievement for all students.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 years of classroom teaching experience
A minimum of 3 years of experience working with adult learners, including coaching, and designing and facilitating professional development to classroom teachers and school leaders
Teaching experience in the related content area of support
Ability to use multiple data sources to set measurable goals and strategically plan to complete the goals
Ability to drive the creation of relevant reports, presentations and materials to share on sustainable approaches for teaching and learning improvement
Ability to track and analyze key data to make short and long-term recommendations for teaching and learning improvement
Ability to define problems, analyze data and develop action plans as part of a continuous improvement cycle aligned to teaching & learning improvement in all DPS schools, Grades PreK through 12
Excellent communication skills: writing, speaking and listening
Endorsement in related field required
Experience with curriculum mapping, unit planning, and formative progress monitoring
Knowledge of research-based school improvement models and strategies
Experience and knowledge of Rt I/ MTSS
Positive energy
Ability to handle stress
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Education in the related content areas of support preferred
Education background in the related content area of support
Valid standard teaching license (Type 03, Type 09, or Type 10) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education with appropriate grade level and content level endorsements
Type 75 license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (or equivalent licensure from outside Illinois), preferred

Nice To Haves

Curriculum and Instruction Degree preferred
Educational Leadership Degree or program completion preferred
Project-Based Learning experience preferred
Montessori education experience preferred
STEAM education experience preferred
English Language Learners experience preferred
Additional licensure, experience, and expertise may be required

Responsibilities

Implements a school and/or District strategic action plan and continuous improvement strategies to drive academic improvement in all DPS school, Grades PreK through 12.
Leading Teaching and Learning Strategists with implementing a school strategic action plan and continuous improvement strategies to drive academic improvement in all DPS school, Grades PreK through 12.
Builds day to day instructional capacity of Curriculum Coordinators, Classroom Teachers and School Administrators to deliver core District priorities aligned to teaching and learning.
Strategically creates and implements a plan to increase student achievement.
Plays an integral role in the efforts to horizontally and vertically align all content curriculum and oversees progress monitoring in all DPS schools, Grades PreK through 12.
Supports the development of high-quality/effective instruction in all schools.
Observes and coaches Classroom Teachers to improve instructional planning, teaching practice, and the use of data, assessment, and instructional technology.
Works with Classroom Teachers, Support Staff, and Building Principals to refine and develop common standards-based pacing plans, mid-year, and end of year common assessments for each grade level (when applicable).
Works with various teams to facilitate analysis of data provided by diagnostics, common assessments, and formative assessments.
Helps Curriculum Coordinators, Classroom Teachers, Support Staff, and Building Principals develop both district-wide, school-wide and classroom academic intervention plans.
Works with Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, Directors of Teaching & Learning and School Administrators to develop policies and school structures that facilitate the improvement of instruction and the appropriate interventions and supports for students.
Supports and delivers guidance on all content using 21st Century learning strategies and techniques.
Continuously monitors, tracks and analyzes student achievement data in order to identify needed supports and strategies.
Provides differentiated teaching and learning support by working directly with Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, Directors of Teaching & Learning, Administrators and Teachers in the classroom to model effective, research-based instructional practices, by working collaboratively to drive data-informed instructional planning, and by working with school-based leadership teams to actualize CCSS implementation at the classroom level.
Consults and collaborates with Principals, Assistant Principals, School-based Instructional Leadership Teams to develop data-informed strategies to support teaching and learning improvement. These strategies include (but are not limited to): curriculum development, professional development plans, direct support to classroom teachers, student outcome progress monitoring, and student intervention plans.
Prepares and presents progress monitoring reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, PreK-12 Director Teaching and Learning and/or Designee which will include but not limited to: identifying information of teachers, grade levels of teachers assigned and specific timelines of support provided for teaching and learning improvement, outcomes of teaching and learning support provided to teachers and administrators.
Performs multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
Applies assessment instruments; coaching skills; training and workshop skills; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
Performs Algebra and/or Geometry; reads technical information, composes a variety of documents, and/or facilitates group discussions; and analyzes situations to define issues and draws conclusions.
Performs the functions of the job which includes but are not limited to: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of Essential Functions Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
Participates in a variety of meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
Researches best practices in instruction for the purpose of providing current methods and instructional techniques.
Works with Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning and Directors of Teaching & Learning to ensure Building Administrators maintain a comprehensive tiered identification process for the purpose of providing help to students who need additional support to achieve academic success.
Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Schedules a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gathers, collates, and/or classifies data; and uses job-related equipment.
Be flexible when working with others in a wide variety of circumstances; works with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operates equipment using standardized methods.
Works with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; works with a variety of data; and utilizes job-related equipment.
Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate.
Supports and leads the design, delivery, and facilitation of professional development professional and learning communities.
Implements the continuous improvement to affect significant, trackable improvement in teacher performance and student achievement.
Plans the necessary time, resources, and materials to support accomplishment of education goals.
Provides project support for all Career, College, and Technical Education programming.
Provides support and data collection related to Work Force development and post-secondary follow-up and documentation for the District.