Community Support Education Specialist; ESC

Overview

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Job Description - Community Support Education Specialist (ESC) (2600029X)

Community Support Education Specialist (ESC) - (2600029X)

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically.

We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

DESE seeks an equity-oriented educator with expertise in combatting antisemitism and societal bias through effective education to join the Teaching and Learning Unit as a Community Support Education Specialist.

The Specialist will support effective education practices, guidance, and resources that meaningfully support the DESE Educational Vision that all students in Massachusetts are known and valued, that students and families have a sense of belonging: they are known, respected, and valued for who they are and what they bring to the school community, including their unique identities, strengths, interests, needs, languages, exceptionalities, and backgrounds, that students attend safe and supportive schools that tend to their overall wellbeing, and that students engage in learning that values and builds on their background knowledge, lived experiences, and cultural and linguistic assets.

Pursuant to St. 2024, c. 140, § 106, DESE is responsible for creating resources and supports to help schools combat antisemitism and societal bias. The Specialist will lead this and other related work in collaboration with educators, community partners, and others at DESE.

DESE's Teaching and Learning Unit furthers the Educational Vision by supporting effective teaching and learning of the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks so that all students engage in meaningful, grade-level work that connects to their identities, and utilizes evidence-based practice. We are a deeply collaborative team driven by positive student outcomes and learning experiences. We partner with communities and support educators to be successful through developing resources, expanding opportunities for professional development and cross-district collaboration, and provide technical assistance.

• Develop guidance and resources to support teaching and learning that is aligned to the Department’s commitment to equity, diverse representation, inclusion, and culturally sustaining instruction, including combatting antisemitism and societal bias
• Support equitable, representative, culturally sustaining, high-quality teaching and learning through development of curriculum, instructional resources, grant opportunities, and other projects
• Develop relationships with community partners and stakeholders, including but not limited to:
• Curate and/or develop resources relative to teaching about antisemitism and societal bias for Massachusetts schools, including curriculum and professional development, collaborating with other Agencies as relevant (e.g., Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination)
• Collaborate with other Department of Elementary and Secondary Education specialists on related initiatives such as CURATE, genocide education, Investigating History, and bullying prevention
• Act as a liaison to district and school leaders and provide as-needed support when necessary
• Participate in shaping Department policies and programming, including initiatives around safe and supportive schools and educator development, to ensure they reflect the Department’s commitment to equity, diverse representation, inclusion, and culturally sustaining instruction, including combatting antisemitism and societal bias

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Highly qualified candidates may meet most but not all of the following preferred knowledge and skills.

• Knowledge of best practices in teaching and instruction, including creating safe and supportive learning environments that foster a sense of belonging for all
• Deep knowledge of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices, and commitment to bringing an anti-bias lens to every aspect of the work
• Deep knowledge in history and current issues related to antisemitism, nationwide and in Massachusetts
• Experience working with organizations, coalitions, and/or community groups to increase representation, further equity-related goals, and/or combat societal bias including but not limited to antisemitism
• Ability to organize and manage multiple complex, detailed projects simultaneously
• Experience engaging and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to work towards common goals
• Experience publicly representing an…