Instructional Specialist

Organization Overview:

The New Jersey Department of Education is building seven regional offices (RACs) that will lead the state's efforts to accelerate student learning and close the achievement gap. New Jersey's Regional Achievement Centers (RACs), struggling schools, and their districts will partner to set clear goals for student growth, put proven turnaround principles into action, and use data to drive decision-making and accountability. Working together, we will meet our shared goal of closing the achievement gap and preparing all of our students for success in college and career. Of particular importance to the Department is providing high-impact support to the state's lowest-performing schools, to ensure that all students will graduate college and career ready.

Position Overview:

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a strong educator to share the expertise and knowledge they have gained in an effort to improve education in our state's lowest performing schools. The State Instructional Specialist will play an essential role in assisting school instructional staff to improve student achievement through the continuous improvement of instruction. In order to build a foundation of instructional improvement, he/she will work with school leaders and teachers to develop a common definition of effective teaching using the district adopted effective teacher rubric. The State Instructional Specialist will also ensure the accurate and reliable use of the district rubric for giving feedback to improve instruction. The position requires an experienced educator, who is capable of identifying instructional need areas and delivering effective supports to guide and monitor continuous improvement. The State Instructional Specialist's primary responsibilities will include the effective implementation of the district's teacher effectiveness rubric; implementation of a quality standards-based curriculum and assessment system; implementation of school walkthrough process for improving instruction; and delivery of professional development for staff and administration.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the effective implementation the district adopted teacher effectiveness rubric for improving instruction.

• With regional staff and NJDOE leadership, work closely with administrators, coaches and teachers to implement high-quality instructional practices.

• Work collaboratively with school leaders and staff to integrate curriculum and assessment data with district adopted teacher effectiveness rubric for improving instruction.

• Fully implement the school walkthrough process to improve instruction.

• Provide professional development to increase the number of effective or highly effective teachers in the lowest performing schools.

Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university. Master's degree in education preferred. Teacher's certification required.

Experience: Minimum three years of principal, leadership coach, or instructional experience with a clear record of student performance gains; history of effectively coaching both new and experienced teachers preferred; experience with teacher effectiveness rubrics and processes; evidence of driving improvements in student learning; excellent communication skills; ability to analyze data; experience in consensus building; ability to motivate and work in teams to achieve a common goal.