Instructional Specialist

Job Description

Instructional Specialist (226 Days)  School Year )

• Support the core beliefs of the District and Bilingual/ESL Department
• Develop, implement, and present professional development training for Dual Language teachers, administrators, and other community stakeholders
• Provide technical assistance to school leadership and campuses, as needed, to ensure that program and curriculum implementation is aligned to the district’s education plan, and meets federal, state and local guidelines for ELs
• Co‑de‑velop and lead campus and district‑wide Professional Learning Communities to increase academic achievement for ELs
• Support the Executive Director on various assignments related to promoting the Dual Language program and program goals
• Organize events to increase dual language program awareness and knowledge of services provided by the dual language instructional team; research and implement strategies for positive perceptions of dual language across various media; participate actively in marketing dual language through various forms of communication; and design and maintain the dual language website, Facebook, Twitter, and other social forums
• Provide demonstrations for teachers and coaches in the use of applicable instructional strategies and implementation of the district dual language program to support with instructional improvement; interface with principals and campus leadership to develop strategies for instructional improvement and promote and maintain cooperative and supportive relationships
• Keep abreast of technical, legislative and professional development trends, including local, state and national assessment policies and instructional practices affecting ELs. Disseminate the information to appropriate district personnel and make recommendations for program adjustments
• Present at district‑wide cross training sessions to ensure knowledge of district programs and department initiatives
• Work with the Power School, Unified Classroom, and MyData Portal to connect data to the professional development needs of the district and Divisions
• Provide ongoing professional development support regarding adopted instructional materials, resources, supplies and equipment; and recommended purchases for campus implementation of programs for ELs
• Maintain effective collaboration with other district departments and non‑district partnerships
• Maintain active involvement in related professional organizations
• Work required evenings and Saturdays as required for Bilingual ESL Department and district events

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) and a valid Texas Bilingual or ESL teacher certification
• Five years of directly related experience in classroom teaching, leadership, and bilingual preferred
• Extensive knowledge of second language acquisition, Bilingual/ESL laws and Dual Language programs
• Experience in coaching teachers to improve content knowledge and pedagogical skills preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing, organizing, and conducting effective professional development training
• Demonstrated knowledge on how to scaffold teaching the standards and the curriculum for second language learners
• Proficiency in technology, including the use of Microsoft Office tools and applications, web‑based applications, and digital instructional tools for the classroom
• Demonstrated excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills required to achieve the goals of the position
• Ability to provide leadership for assigned personnel and support all district and departmental goals and objectives
• Academic Language Proficiency in English and Spanish (in all four language domains: Speaking, Listening, Writing and Reading)