Instructional Leadership Specialist: Elementary Reading​/English Language Arts

New Instructional Leadership Specialist:
Elementary Reading/English Language Arts

Springfield Public Schools – ACADEMICS OFFICE – Springfield, Massachusetts

Job

Final date to receive applications:
Aug 07, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Re-Posted:
Aug 11, 2025 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date:
Immediately

The Instructional Leadership Specialist collaborates with district and school leaders to facilitate and execute the district’s Strategic Plan with fidelity and integrity. The role involves 50% classroom modeling, coaching, co‑teaching and/or demonstrating standards-based best practices; 30% data review, team meetings, professional development, and facilitation of professional learning communities; and 20% student instruction.

• Plan, implement, and support rigorous standards-based instruction for all students; design model classrooms for demonstration purposes.
• Support and facilitate the planning and implementation of rigorous, standards-based lessons in response to student data; provide guidance on technology tools that enhance student-centered instruction.
• Access, analyze, and act on school, classroom, and individual student data to support tiered, standards-based instruction.
• Facilitate professional learning communities and foster a culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and continuous learning.
• Collaborate in designing and executing targeted school-based professional development aligned with the district’s Strategic Plan.
• Attend and participate in all school-based Instructional Leadership Team meetings and district professional development sessions.
• Engage the school community to understand each person’s role in executing the Strategic Plan and raising student achievement.
• Develop partnerships with district and school administration, families, and community to support improvement efforts.
• Coach and manage teams to set, monitor, and achieve district and school-based goals.
• Deliver constructive feedback to educators, acknowledging effective practice and outlining next steps.

• Minimum 5 years of direct student experience, with majority teaching in the relevant content area.
• 95% attendance rate for academic years 2024‑2025 and 2025‑2026.
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution, or complete one within 12 months (minimum 9–12 credits of progress toward the degree).
• Professional teaching license from the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the desired content and grade level (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science).
• Preferred: exemplary evaluation rating from a direct supervisor; a minimum of proficient rating required for the last two current years of employment.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Phase One – Initial Application

• Letter of Interest describing your expertise in impacting teacher practice, analysis and use of student data, leadership skills, implementation of student learning goals, and instructional planning.
• Copy of valid professional teaching license.
• Resume with full professional work history.
• Name and contact information for three professional references.

Phase Two – Site-Based Observation

• Observational visit by the Academic Department to assess candidate’s leadership or instructional abilities; observation is non‑evaluative.

Phase Three – Interview & Performance Tasks

• Part 1:
  Data Analysis – Analyze provided student data set, present findings, action steps, and instructional moves.
• Part 2:
  Interview – Present analysis, explain student growth, and discuss expertise related to posting duties.

Phase Four – Principal Interview

• Invite highly qualified candidates to interview with the Principal and Chief School Officer to determine selection.
• Unselected candidates may be placed in an applicant pool.

• Deanna Suomala, Senior Administrator for Performance & Evaluation – Office of Academics
• Phone: 413‑787‑7100 Ext. 55655
• Email: suomalad

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, age, handicap, or military service as defined by state and federal law. Retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination or participate in an investigation is prohibited.

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.