MTSS Support Specialist

About the Job ABOUT THE POSITION Position Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) invites applications for a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) position. This individual will provide support to State, Regional, and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in the implementation of the MTSS framework. The MTSS Specialist position requires competency in culturally responsive education and pedagogy and will interact with a variety of educators and community members to acquire and interpret system-level data.

This position actively supports and advances the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The MTSS Specialist will assist in developing and sustaining opportunities to support state and local educational agencies in scaling up evidence-based practices with fidelity including (1) evaluating and improving their implementation of an MTSS framework, (2) providing technical assistance to school districts and other educational agencies in developing and implementing action plans for improving student outcomes, (3) providing customized coaching to state, regional, and local educational agencies, (4) designing and delivering professional learning targeted toward key needs, (5) building and/or identifying tools and resources to assist schools in improving data-based decision-making practices and (6) leading work around culturally responsive practices.

The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise and experience in the field of education as well as experience working in state educational agencies to support MTSS implementation (including a focus on literacy, math, and SEL). In addition, the candidate will be up to date with research around effective educational MTSS, literacy, math, and SEL practices including implementation/improvement science. The candidate must be highly organized and skilled in oral and written communication.

This position will report directly to the Associate Director of CAREI’s MTSS Core; however, it is expected that the candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively across Core teams, as well as independently, making daily operational decisions within their projects.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work-life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $94,000-$105,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate’s experience, skills and internal equity within the department.

• Support state, regional, and local educational agencies in evaluating and improving their implementation of the MTSS framework including literacy, math, and SEL focal areas.
• Develop guidance for districts about best practices in literacy and math instruction, and practices that are not evidence-based.
• Support the development and implementation of MTSS implementation fidelity checks.
• Provide coaching on MTSS implementation to state, regional, and local educational agencies.
• Design and deliver professional learning targeted toward key partner needs.
• Support the development of MTSS deliverables for statewide implementation in the areas of assessment, data-based decision-making, multilevel instruction, infrastructure, and family and community engagement.
• Provide technical assistance around strategic planning and the development of MTSS implementation plans.
• Identify and respond to requests for proposals from educational agencies and professional organizations for CAREI services.
• Communicate and disseminate CAREI project information at state and national conferences.