ROLE AND PURPOSE:
The primary role of the Science Specialist is to work directly with teachers and campus leadership teams to improve science instruction in all areas, especially those related to district and state accountability testing. This collaborative work is further accomplished by working with the Science Coordinator, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, district departments, and other Curriculum and Instruction Staff to advance the overall District K-12 Science program. including curriculum design, assessment development, campus implementation support, professional learning. and program management.
Qualifications
Education / Certification:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university
- Texas Teacher's Certificate (preferred)
- Master's Degree (preferred)
Experience
- Five years of successful classroom experience in the specific content area, prefer multiple grade levels
Major Responsibilities And Duties
I. INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT:
- Apply knowledge of core subject standards, effective research-based science/STEM instructional practices and assessment methods to department initiatives, curriculum development and supporting classroom teachers.
- Model effective teaching strategies through demonstration teaching in classrooms.
- Design, develop and present campus-based and district-wide professional development.
- Assist in designing, developing, implementing and evaluating new programs and initiatives.
- Facilitate curriculum planning, development, and implementation.
- Create instructional resources, assessments and district-wide communications.
- Integrate technology into curriculum content and professional development.
Ii. School/Organizational Climate
- Attends and participates in Academic Services, department, and other meetings and committees as required.
- Displays high visibility and effective communication skills on campuses to support, monitor, and observe curriculum delivery, instructional practices, and professional learning implementation.
- Exemplifies effective problem-solving methods that are customer-service oriented.
- Utilizes excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Displays a strong ability to work independently as a self-starter with excellent time management skills.
- Participates as an effective team member who contributes to District, department, team, and individual goals.
Iii. School/Organization Improvement
- Demonstrates success in improving student achievement as measured by local and state assessment results, and other district performance criteria.
- Works in partnership with the K-12 Science coordinator, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, district departments, and other curriculum and instruction staff to review and analyze multiple sources and types of educator and student data to identify educator-learning needs for improved student performance, and to inform curricular and instructional decisions.
- Recommends policies, guidelines, and practices addressing challenges impeding the initiation, implementation, or institutionalization of system-wide improvements.
- Provides accommodation and modifications for diverse student needs.
IV. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
- Seeks, accepts, and responds to coaching and feedback from supervisor, staff, and peers.
- Establishes ongoing goals for professional learning to remain current innovative and effective practices.
- Identifies new research in area of curriculum, instruction, and assessments to support decisions, and apply new knowledge and skills to improve programming, campus support, and district operations.
V. Miscellaneous
- Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Science Coordinator or Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
- Travels district-wide and occasionally out of-district; prolonged and irregular hours.
Vi. Working Conditions
MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computers and peripherals; standard instructional equipment
- Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping
- Motion: Moderate Walking
- Lifting: Regular Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
- Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise
- Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.
