Instructional Support Leader Network

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Chief and Deputy Chief of Schools (Network 14), the Instructional Support Leader (ISL) supports instructional development and school‑level improvement to drive academic achievement for High Schools. All ISLs are expected to be instructional experts with proven content expertise in at least one core subject (i.e., Literacy, Mathematics, Science) and/or with priority student groups (i.e., Diverse Learners and English Language Learners);

specific expertise for the ISL will vary based on the needs of the schools in the network.

The preferred area for this position will be either Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, Social Science, or Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

• Build day‑to‑day instructional capacity of classroom teachers and school administrators in a portfolio of schools to deliver core district and network priorities, including Common Core State Standards, a multi‑tiered system of support, and a framework for teaching.
• Provide differentiated instructional support by working directly with administrators, teacher leaders, and teachers to model effective, research‑based instructional practices, collaborate with teacher teams to drive data‑informed instructional planning, and work with school‑based leadership teams to actualize CCSS implementation at the classroom level.
• Consult and collaborate with Principals, Assistant Principals, school‑based Instructional Leadership Teams, and fellow Network staff to develop data‑informed strategies supporting the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Instructional Work Plan (CIWP). These strategies include curriculum development, professional development plans, direct support to classroom teachers, student outcome progress monitoring, and student intervention plans.
• Design and lead professional development around Common Core implementation for network teacher leaders and network administrators.
• Organize and communicate Network initiatives and/or other District initiatives to support the improvement of instruction and academic achievement.
• Other duties and work streams as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or Educational Leadership is highly preferred.

• Valid standard teaching certificate issued by the Illinois State Board of Education with appropriate grade level and content level endorsements is required.
• General Administrative (Type 75) Certificate issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (or equivalent certificate from outside Illinois) is preferred.

• Minimum of five (5) years of classroom teaching experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with adult learners, including coaching, and designing and facilitating professional development for classroom teachers and school leaders.

• Strong communication skills, including speaking, presenting, listening, and writing.
• High levels of instructional expertise, integrity, honesty, credibility, and the courage to make difficult yet necessary decisions.
• Strong leadership and team‑building skills—ability to develop high‑performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of constituent groups, including external partners, to ensure the entire system operates effectively to support schools and principals.
• Ability to use multiple data sources to set measurable goals and strategically plan to complete the goals.
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and develop action plans as part of a continuous improvement cycle.
• Experience with curriculum mapping, unit planning, and formative progress monitoring.
• Knowledge of research‑based school improvement models and strategies.

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

• Competitive paid time off policies.
• Employees are required to establish and maintain Chicago residency within six months of hire date and throughout employment. This requirement does not apply to part‑time/temporary positions.
• Employees must be fully vaccinated within 30 days of hire date or submit to weekly COVID‑19 testing if unvaccinated.