English/Language Arts Curriculum Specialist

The Curriculum Specialist, under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent and Director of Instruction implements and coordinates the English Language Arts Program and related staff development activities in grades K-12, with priority focus on K-8; develops and supports instructional programs within the policies of the Virginia Department of Education and the School Board; and provides assistance and guidance to administrators/teachers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Curriculum Development and Implementation: 

● Collaborate with administrators to provide leadership and vision for a division-wide literacy program.

● Ensure that English/Language Arts Standards of Learning are implemented as designed, including pacing, the development of system-wide integrated units of instruction, and aligned end-of-unit assessments/benchmarks.

● Identify and create resources to enhance the implementation of literacy program goals.

● Promote teachers’ delivery and understanding of the school curriculum through collaborative long-range and short-range planning.

● Support and organize division-wide intervention models/programs to address the needs of students in Tier II and III intervention.

● Update literacy information on the division website in a timely manner.

● Monitor program implementation.

● Assist in the selection of textbooks and related materials for the English/Language Arts program.

Instructional Program Support:

● Facilitate professional discussions in instructional design.

● Provide leadership and support to teachers/administrators in promoting quality instruction at all levels.

● Participate in school and community functions that aid in promoting and explaining the English/Language Arts program.

● Visit classrooms and engage teachers in conversations about teaching techniques, methods, and materials.

● Stay informed on the latest technologies, research, practices, methods, and programs related to English/Language Arts.

Assessment and Data Analysis:

● Assist in the disaggregation and interpretation of testing data and provide administrators/ teachers with specific strategies to improve reading and writing achievement.

● Create and disseminate formative assessments aligned with the pacing/curriculum guides and VA SOLs and support teachers in their efforts to improve student deficiencies.

● Develop and maintain guidelines for reporting student performance at the local and division level.

Professional Development:

● Assist in the development and delivery of professional development to support the implementation of the English/Language Arts curriculum using best practices and research-based instructional strategies.

● Arrange professional development through collaborative investigations or discussion groups.

● Provide differentiated professional development for staff.

● Train teachers in literacy assessments, such as PALS, DRA2, etc.

Professionalism:

● Maintain knowledge of current trends, research, standards and effective practices related to language arts K-12, with a focus on K-8.

● Engage in research-based professional development and apply learned professional development practices.

● Collaborate with other departments to determine ways to support the needs of teachers and students.

● Prepare and present reports as directed by supervisors.

● Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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.

● Strong preparation and background in literacy, with a focus on K-8, instructional strategies and school leadership experience

● Knowledge of research-based and differentiated literacy strategies.

● Strong analytical skills, ability to interpret data with and for teachers/administrators in order to improve student achievement.

● Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a collaborative-shared leadership environment.

● Proficiency in public speaking and written communication to express and/or exchange ideas.

● Leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, parents, administrators and the community.

● Emotionally mature, objective and sensitive to people and their concerns.  Able to handle responsibility, work independently and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, coaches, families, administration and co-workers.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university, with an advanced degree in Literacy or Curriculum and Instruction preferred.

● A minimum of five years of successful experience teaching literacy at the elementary/middle levels in public education preferred.

● Experience working with diverse populations including children with disabilities, students with limited English proficiency and students who are economically disadvantaged

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

● Must have or be eligible for Virginia Teaching License in subject area

● Reading Specialist or Curriculum and Instruction Endorsement preferred

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

Administrative Scale-Grade 4, 260 days per year