Academic Specialist Secondary Social Studies

Job Description Title

Specialist:
Academic 12 Month

Acts as a strategic collaborative member of the Academic team in support of the AACPS Strategic plan throughout the entire school year. The role encompasses all aspects of curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning for all stakeholders, analysis of data, and planning and execution of county-wide events to ensure a positive impact on the achievement of all learners. Provides direct support and assistance to schools to ensure instruction is aligned to best practices for all students.

• Ability to work flexible schedules
• Evenings/Nights
• Extended hours
• Outside of normal business hours
• Summer hours
• Weekends

• Acts as a strategic and collaborative member of the Academic team to communicate AACPS philosophy, goals, and expectations of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to school staff and the community.
• Assists teachers and school-based administration with implementation and ongoing enhancement of a comprehensive academic program that engages students in rigorous coursework aligned to the Maryland State Department of Education Standards.
• Facilitates collaborative and instructional planning with school leadership and teams to enhance teacher capacity with curriculum and instruction; improves communication between school and office.
• Visits schools to observe instructional practices and curriculum implementation, provides targeted feedback and assists with data-driven decisions about planning.
• Leads professional development initiatives for individual teachers and school teams at school and district-level meetings to model best instructional practices based on the standards and create a student-centered learning environment.
• Supports the Coordinator in all aspects of curriculum writing and assessment development process, serves as a curriculum lead writer, monitors process, facilitates sub-group writing teams, provides feedback to team members, and develops professional staff development related to curriculum documents.
• Stays current and models best practices of new ideas, programs, and trends in the field.
• Collaborates with other offices and programs to ensure quality content curricula and teacher professional development.
• Serves on committees, councils, and representative bodies including professional, civic, and interagency groups that partner with AACPS and the Board of Education.
• Facilitates and participates in evening and summer meetings and workshops; plans and executes logistics related to county-wide sponsored events.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

• Master's Degree in related field of education from a regionally accredited college or university required.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient for the position.

• Four (4) years successful classroom teaching experience required.
• One (1) year experience as a school-based teacher leader preferred.
• One (1) year experience providing professional development to adult learners preferred.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient for the position.

• Knowledge of school organization, curriculum, teaching techniques, current trends, research and materials of instruction in field of specialization.
• Demonstrates leadership qualities as a member of an instructional staff.
• Ability to work effectively with grade levels, pre-K through 12, and collaborate with other disciplines to develop comprehensive program for students.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form with professional colleagues, staff, students, and parents.
• Proficiency in data analysis, assessment, curriculum, instruction, building teacher capacity, and professional development methods.
• Ability to employ technology in instruction and professional development such as document cameras, projectors, and Smart Boards.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with…