High School Computer Science Curriculum Specialist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 360,000

students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious

goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class

learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life. In order to fulfill this

mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress,

financial stability and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments â€" student centered,

whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership and continuous learning.

Position summary:

The Office of Computer Science (OCS) under the umbrella of the Office of College and Career Success

(OCCS), has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student in every neighborhood is engaged in a rigorous,

well-rounded instructional program and graduates prepared for success in college, career, and life. OCS

supports over 200 high school educators tasked to implement Computer Science (CS) content and meet the

ambitious goals set by the department and Chicago Public Schools (CPS). In order to ensure all learners,

including diverse learners and non-traditional students, are benefiting from an enriched and purposeful

curriculum, the High School Curriculum Integration Specialist will serve as a curricula expert and be a critical

part of the Curriculum Team as they address curriculum alignment, course progression, student assessment,

and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

Content

â- Conduct school site visits to monitor the integration and implementation of CS curriculum

â- Collaborate with school faculty and community partners to unpack and align CS course materials to

department-approved standards.

â- Assess the effectiveness of courses for all students, especially underrepresented populations, with

subject matter experts and other CS community stakeholders.

â- Assist in analysis of course descriptions and alignment with standards.

â- Evaluate CS curricular implementation plans at traditional and non-traditional schools, providing and

eliciting support as needed.

â- Identify potential gaps in individual implementation plans based on department baselines and perform

intervention(s) as needed.

â- Research and recommend implementation practices providing multiple opportunities for CS immersion,

such as recommended professional development (PD), out-of-school options, and student-based groups and

activities.

â- Assist with mapping of CS content to department approved standards.

Assessment

â- Work with subject matter experts to develop and implement pre-, post-, and placement exams to

measure student learning outcomes in CS.

â- Collaborate with school faculty to develop and/or update common district-wide assessments.

â- Design formative and summative assessments for standards-based curriculum in collaboration with

school faculty and community partners.

â- Organize, interpret, and present assessment results to support school- and district-level

decision-making.

Instructional Support

â- In collaboration with various partners and subject matter experts, provide PD for teachers to ensure the

adoption of standards-based curricula.

â- Manage various CS Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) aimed at building community among

CS educators, community members, and other stakeholders.

â- Work with CS Coaches to access resources and provide targeted support to educators and schools.

Other Duties:

â- Develop and manage curriculum vendor relationships.

â- Assist with processing of CS graduation requirement waiver applications.

â- Assist with the decision process for CS course applications.

â- Contribute to OCS outreach events and activities.

â- Attend CS teacher recruitment events

â- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

â- Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred.

â- Three or more years elementary or high school teaching experience required. District- or school-level

administrative experience preferred.

â- Curriculum planning and development experience required.

â- Experience facilitating workshops and other learning opportunities preferred.

â- Experience with inquiry, design, and challenge-based learning preferred.

â- Experience working with diverse learners and non-traditional students preferred.

â- Working knowledge of computer science content in the following areas preferred: Web, Programming,

Cyber Security, Robotics, Data Science

Skills and Traits:

â- Displays a deep understanding of the urban school system environment and commitment to improving

student achievement.

â- Challenges bias and believes all students can achieve at high levels.

â- Builds consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.

â- Fosters collaboration, inquiry, and elicits innovative ideas.

â- Exhibits a can-do attitude that promotes kindness, respect, and courtesy.

â- Strives to remain data-informed, mission-driven.

â- Possesses strong content knowledge.

This position requires occasional weekend availability and weekly travel to various schools in the CPS district.

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the

geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain

residency throughout their employment with the district.