Instructional Specialist – Science K-12

Job Description

The K-12 Science Instructional Specialist will coordinate the processes for developing the school division's K-12 Science curriculum modified in alignment with the most recent version of the Virginia Standards of Learning in Science. This individual will develop and monitor the implementation of the K-12 science budget, including ensuring that all required science materials, kits, and equipment are available in every science classroom. An important aspect of this position involves coaching and feedback to K-12 science instructors, including designing and implementing appropriate professional development in elementary, middle, and high school science. Additionally, this position will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of science-related benchmark assessments. A key responsibility involves helping administrators and science teachers address the instructional implications of formative and summative science assessment data.

This job is a direct report to the STEM Coordinator in the Office of Instructional Support.

This is a 12 month-240 day position.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree; Master's degree preferred.

Certificates & Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education postgraduate professional teaching license required, or the ability to obtain one with an endorsement in both elementary education and an area of secondary science.

Experience: Five years of public school teaching experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based curriculum design, assessment, and instructional practices.
• Documented experience in leading elementary and secondary science program development and implementation, including professional development in evidence-based best practices for diverse student populations.

Essential Functions

Curriculum Design and Development:

• Facilitates and coordinates the development of science curriculum updates, including the design and implementation of updated curriculum guides on the Canvas learning management system for each K-12 science course.
• Coordinates the design and development of K-12 science enhancements for diverse populations (e.g., Special Education, English Learners, Talented and Gifted).
• Supports the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) components in appropriate sections of the K-12 science curriculum.
• Leads the planning, developing, and implementation of K-12 science competitions including the ACPS Science and Engineering Fair.
• Provides ongoing professional development related to all aspects of the K-12 science curriculum implementation involving updated curriculum guides and sample lessons as well as ongoing updates about changes in Virginia Science Standards of Learning.

Instructional Services:

• Coordinates support and field experiences designed to extend and refine students' understanding of the written curriculum in science.
• Provides ongoing professional development to ensure fidelity of implementation of the written curriculum in all science classes, courses, and grade levels.
• Provides ongoing modeling and demonstration lessons, coaching, and mentoring to all K-12 Science instructors, including supporting teachers new to the division to ensure their use of research-based best practices.
• Develops and implements ongoing professional development in K-12 Science to ensure fidelity of curriculum implementation and instructional and assessment practices aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring:

• Leads the development of benchmark assessment tools and summative assessments for K-12 science.
• Analyzes data related to student performance in K-12 Science to ensure effective progress monitoring of student achievement in all SOL Science Strands.
• Models and reinforces the use of performance-based assessment tasks in science, including project-based learning and experiential learning related to science curriculum content.

Budget and Materials Management:

• Develops and monitors the implementation of the K-12 science budget.
• Ensures that all required resources (print and non-print; science equipment, etc.) are available in every school to support effective implementation of the written curriculum in science.

Communication and Interpersonal Competencies:

• Demonstrates a high degree of competency in all communication skills areas, including writing, speaking, and presenting.
• Displays a high ability for collaborative interaction and team-centered problem solving and decision-making related to all aspects of the elementary and secondary science curriculum implementation process.
• Assumes other responsibilities as may be assigned.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Proof of COVID vaccination. Exemptions for religious/medical will be reviewed.
• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP

Primary Location:
Central Office
Salary Range:
Teachers and Other Licensed Staff Salary Scale (http://www.acps.k12.va.us/hr/compensation/)
Shift Type:
Full-Time