District Support Specialist Teaching and Learning

Role Responsibilities

• Designing, coordinating, and implementing professional learning opportunities, as well as, facilitating.
• Collaboration, coaching, and co‑teaching initiatives with district leaders and university researchers.
• Working closely with SPS instructional leaders, coaches, and educators to align science instruction with broader district priorities.
• Playing a key role in project implementation and cross‑institutional coordination (no direct supervisory responsibilities).

• This is a part‑time, 50% FTE position (approximately 20 hours per week).
• The role will follow a hybrid work model, including time on‑site at Somerville Public Schools and Boston University, as well as remote work.
• Travel between partner sites is required. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to support professional learning sessions or partnership activities.

• Coordination (30%): Coordinate and engage in collaboration with BU researchers, SPS district leaders, and other stakeholders to support project goals and alignment across initiatives.
• System Design (20%): Collaboratively design systems and structures to sustain professional learning in science for K‑5 teachers, language specialists, instructional coaches, and administrators.
• Professional Learning Development (20%): Collaboratively develop, pilot, and implement professional learning opportunities to expand the capacity of instructional coaches and instructional leaders in elementary science, with an emphasis on language in and for science learning.
• Instructional Support (20%): Support instructional coaches and instructional leaders in implementing SPS's vision for high‑quality science instruction through collaboration, consultation, and resource development.
• Project Contribution (10%): Contribute to project documentation, communication, and continuous improvement efforts across the BU‑SPS partnership. Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required (master's degree in education or related field preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in elementary or middle school, including science instruction.
• Experience designing and delivering professional learning.
• Strong collaboration, communication, facilitation, and project coordination skills.
• Knowledge of high‑quality science instruction practices and instructional strategies for multilingual learners.
• Familiarity with the processes of K‑5 curriculum development and alignment.

• Experience as an instructional coach, department head, or mentor teacher.
• Experience working in urban school districts or similar contexts.
• Experience collaborating with research‑practice partnerships.

• Start Date: Flexible, with a desired start between August
  15 and September
  1.
• Compensation: The salary for this position is based on a 50% FTE of a base salary of $80,000 in Year1 (prorated to $40,000). Final compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and scope of responsibilities.
• Confidential Data: All information encountered while working at Boston University is considered confidential.
• Additional Requirements: This role requires regular travel between Boston University and Somerville Public Schools sites. The position may involve extended periods of computer‑based work and occasional standing for extended periods during in‑person sessions.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.