Elementary Schoo, Instructional Specialist

Organization Background:

ICEF (Inner City Education Foundation) Public Schools is a nonprofit charter school management organization serving communities in the South Los Angeles area. ICEF Public Schools operates high-quality, tuition-free, public charter elementary, middle and high schools. ICEF’s vision is to transform South Los Angeles into a stable, economically vibrant community by providing first-rate educational opportunities for students within their school communities. ICEF’s mission is to prepare all students to attend and compete at the top 100 colleges and universities in the nation. 

Position Description:

The Instructional Specialist will provide instructional support and coaching to teachers at a specific school site as they work to ensure that each student is able to reach his or her academic potential. The Instructional Specialist’s primary role is to work with teachers to support best practices in using data, provide analysis of school-wide trends in instruction, and make recommendations about potential next steps to address areas of need. As an advisor to teachers and the leadership team, the Instructional Specialist is responsible for four main areas: a) observing instructional delivery and providing feedback to enhance and support the development of each teacher's content area b) supporting teachers in the design of units and lessons for the development of their year-long curriculum, c) analyzing data in order to modify curriculum and forms of assessment to meet students' needs, and d) working with the academic staff (grade level chairs, AP of Instruction, Principal, Specialists, ICEF Academic Team members) to support the sharing of best practices. S/he will work collaboratively with admin team and teachers on developing instructional strategies and intervention programs for struggling students. 

The Instructional Specialist must take a hands-on approach to improving instruction and effectiveness by working at various levels (classroom, school, system-wide) to directly improve instruction, student learning and foster teacher development. This may include modeling lessons in classrooms, helping teacher groups plan instruction, creating system-wide policies and procedures, and facilitating professional development.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Cycle: 11 months

Salary: Commensurate with Experience ($90,000)

Benefits: Medical, Dental, vision, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan

Reporting:

This position reports to the Principal

Essential Functions:

TEAM LEADERSHIP 25%

• Supports the development of high-quality/effective instruction at the school site; observes and coaches teachers to improve instructional planning, teaching practice, and the use of data, assessment, and instructional technology
• Observes, coaches, and provides feedback to teachers on their instructional practice and classroom management techniques
• Meets regularly with grade level teams to provide guidance on lesson planning, pacing, and assessment implementation
• Supports with the development and implementation of professional improvement plans for teachers based on observational and evaluation data
• Participates in ICEF Professional Development, and provides effective professional development and training when necessary to enhance instruction for all students, including those with social communication, behavioral and learning challenges.
• Serves as a member of the school site Instructional Leadership Team

 STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT  25%

• Meets regularly with members of the ICEF Academic Team to review status of teaching pacing, Teacher Effectiveness Framework (TEF) data, conduct classroom walkthroughs, and to review assessment data
• Works with ICEF Academic Team Members, school site admin team, and teachers to refine and develop common, standards-based instructional guides, and beginning, mid-year, and end of year common assessments for various grade levels/content areas
• Supports teachers/teacher teams in developing student Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) intervention plans.
• Works with CMO and school administrators to develop policies and school structures that facilitate the improvement of instruction and the implementation of appropriate interventions and supports for students.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT ANALYSIS  25%

• Regularly leads data meetings with teachers/teacher teams to facilitate analysis of data provided by ICEF Common Assessments, unit assessments, and formative assessments.
• Continuously monitors, tracks and analyzes student achievement data in order to identify needed supports and strategies.

 PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 25%

• Maintains collaborative/positive relationships with colleagues
• Stays current on educational trends through professional reading, seminars, and workshops.
• Maintains work hours extending beyond school hours for other professional duties or functions such as staff meetings, school events, Saturday School, Parent Information Meetings, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

●  Bachelor’s Degree (required), Master’s Degree (preferred) 

●  Hold a valid, Clear California Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching Credential (or an equivalent out-of-state credential which is transferrable to California) 

●  Experience working with adult learners, coaching teachers, and delivering professional development 

●  A deep understanding of instruction, including theories of literacy and effective math instruction 

●  A deep understanding of the CA Common Core Standards, current trends and best practices in curriculum design and instruction 

●  At least 4 years of teaching experience in an urban school setting, serving low income and minority students, at multiple grade levels. 

●  Experience coaching, leading and supporting teachers 

●  Strong record of helping students achieve academic success, primarily with minority and low- income students 

●  Significant experience with curriculum development, daily lesson planning, and unit planning. 

●  At least 2 years of experience leading other teachers to achieve strong academic results with historically underachieving students 

●  Excellence in time management, taking initiative, and follow-through 

●  Experience in analyzing data and using results to modify instructional practices 

●  Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, resourceful, and willing to do whatever it takes to help our students reach a level of academic excellence 

●  Model positive and healthy character traits and habits, including the ICEF Core Values 

●  Unquestioned integrity and commitment to the ICEF mission and willingness to serve the ICEF community 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may supervise Instructional Aides, Intervention Specialists, and possibly other positions.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

●  Must believe in and live out ICEF's Core Values 

●  Must ensure achievement of ICEF’s mission 

●  Must have an unwavering belief that all students can learn and achieve success in school 

●  Must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to foster positive working relationships. 

●  Must be able to interact with stakeholders at all levels (including all staff, parents, students, and community members) in a respectful manner and provide excellent customer service. 

●  Must be able to work collaboratively in a team environment 

●  Must have strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills 

●  Must attend and participate in ICEF staff meetings as required 

●  Must attend and participate in ICEF training programs as required 

●  Must have reliable and insured transportation

●  Must be able to travel between schools and the home office as required as a condition of employment 

●  Must have a valid California Driver’s License. 

●  Must show proof and maintain a clear TB, DOJ and FBI Clearance 

●  Must provide documentation of eligibility to work in US 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

●  Hold a valid, Clear California Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching Credential (or an equivalent out-of-state credential which is transferrable to California)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; frequently required to talk or hear; and occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and/or use hands to finger, handle, or feel. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to move and/or lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds. 

Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Continuing Educ./ Training

As needed

Certificate & Licenses

Valid Driver’s License

Clearances

Criminal Justice/ 

Fingerprint Clearance

TB Clearance

Benefits

As a full time employee of ICEF Public Schools, employees are entitled to Medical, Life Insurance, Dental and Vision plans, and 403b retirement programs as offered by ICEF Public Schools. Eligible employees will also be entitled to sick leave and vacation time in accordance with ICEF Public School policies.