Curriculum Specialist (English Language Arts)
: Job Details :

Title: Curriculum Specialist (English Language Arts)Department: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Reports To: Deputy, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city's more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us? Job Summary The curriculum specialist role requires particular expertise in a specific content area (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, and Physical Education). The curriculum specialist will develop and/or acquire Common Core aligned curricular resources and be responsible for maintaining an in depth understanding of National and Pennsylvania Common Core State Standards. It is expected that the specialist will work collaboratively with department leadership and other curriculum specialists in understanding the curriculum, identifying curricular resources and supports. He/she will have further responsibility of understanding and assisting in implementing current methodologies, effective instructional strategies and facilitating curriculum-related professional development. Essential Functions •Works with other specialists and academic offices to design professional development opportunities for Principals and Teachers in the use of the curriculum engines and other curricular related resources. •Assists District level school based instructional specialists, teachers, administrators and other staff as necessary to understand content area needs, innovations, instructional practices, strategies, etc. •Coordinates the writing and revision of district curricula in the content area.•Works in conjunction with Educational Technology staff to develop the curriculum engine.•Serves as a key communicator regarding the content area to appropriate audiences. •Provides leadership and works effectively as part of the Curriculum and Instruction department to enhance cross-discipline integration. •Design benchmark assessment blueprint and review content to ensure alignment to district scope and sequence. •Debriefs with leadership staff to analyze and support the instructional practices in schools. •Plans and administers the implementation of instructional strategies to support academic achievement.Minimum Requirements•Master's degree from an accredited college or university.•Five years of full-time, experience as a regularly appointed teacher in a specific content area. •Experience supporting teachers in improving instructional practices, participating in curriculum development and providing professional development. Certificates/Licenses Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certificate to supervise the area for which application is made.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesDemonstrated knowledge of:•all aspects of the content and Common Core Standards.•current academic research and theory•key components of curriculum and aligned assessments. Demonstrated ability to:•develop and align curriculum and related resources.•plan and administer effective district-wide and school- specific professional development. •review benchmark test content and design.•build relationships and support teachers in understanding content-area instruction and the use of the curriculum engine.•communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.•establish and maintain effective working relationships. Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nondiscrimination The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.