Instructional Specialist - Science

Location: Rustburg

Internal Applicants should express their interest in this position via Cover Letter submitted to Amy S. Hunley, Director of Personnel.

TWELVE MONTH POSITION (250 DAYS)

General Definition of Work:

Under the direction of the Director of Secondary Education, provides leadership and support for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the K-12 science program. The position works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and community partners to ensure high-quality science instruction that promotes inquiry, sense making, scientific and engineering practices, literacy integration, STEM experiences, and student achievement. The Science Specialist leads curriculum, assessment, professional learning, instructional coaching, and program evaluation efforts while supporting division goals and the Virginia Science Standards of Learning.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks:

(The following tasks are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

* Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of K-12 science curriculum.

* Ensure alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment with the Virginia Science Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework.

* Support the implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM).

* Develop and maintain curriculum maps, pacing guides, common experiences, and instructional resources.

* Promote vertical alignment of science concepts, skills, and scientific and engineering practices across grade levels.

* Support teachers through instructional coaching, co-planning, modeling, and classroom-based professional learning.

* Conduct classroom visits and provide non-evaluative feedback to teachers and administrators.

* Promote effective instructional practices, including inquiry, sense making, discourse, literacy integration, and STEM learning.

* Collaborate with school administrators to improve science instruction and student outcomes.

* Support the design and implementation of common assessments, performance assessments, and local assessments.

* Coordinate assessment review processes and ensure assessment quality and alignment.

* Analyze local and state assessment data to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for growth.

* Facilitate PLC conversations focused on student learning and continuous improvement.

* Design and facilitate division-wide professional learning aligned to science priorities.

* Support new teacher onboarding and ongoing professional growth.

* Stay informed about current research, instructional innovations, and trends in science education.

* Assist with science resource selection, purchasing, inventory management, and budget planning.

* Coordinate division science initiatives, events, and enrichment opportunities.

* Support state and federal reporting requirements related to science.

* Develop and maintain partnerships with businesses, higher education institutions, community organizations, and informal science education providers.

* Coordinate division-wide science fair activities and other science enrichment opportunities.

* Expand opportunities for students to engage in authentic science experiences, STEM learning, environmental literacy, and career exploration.

Minimum Qualifications
- Education and Experience:

Required:

Virginia Collegiate Professional License; minimum of five years of successful science teaching experience; demonstrated knowledge of Virginia Science Standards of Learning and instructional best practices; experience leading professional learning and supporting adult learners; strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Preferred:
Master's degree or higher in science, education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or related field; experience in curriculum development, instructional coaching, assessment design, and data analysis; experience working with K-12 science programs; experience developing partnerships and coordinating division-wide initiatives.