High School Science Specialist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 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. Five core principles are embedded within these commitments - high quality, rigorous instruction, talented and empowered educators, safety and support, financial stability, and collective impact.

The HS Science Specialist provides district-wide supports and guidance on science curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention for all students in grades 9-12. Candidates should have experience in teaching; designing and building curriculum; developing assessments and analyzing student performance data; creating, organizing, and leading professional learning experiences for instructional leaders and teachers. The Specialist must be able to develop and maintain relationships with vital external partner organizations to enhance learning opportunities for instructional leaders and teachers.

The HS Science Specialist will be expected to collaborate with the PreK-8 Science Specialist(s) in addition to supporting high school learning. This will include supporting projects and working collaboratively to ensure articulation in science teaching and learning from elementary through high school.

The High School Science Specialist will be held to the following responsibilities:

• Contribute to the district-wide vision for high school STEM teaching and learning, with a focus on science
• Support and inform the development of resources, including curriculum and assessments, aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards
• Support teacher practice via professional learning, curriculum supports, programmatic supports, and partnerships with the goal of improving student outcomes
• Design and facilitate professional learning for high school teachers, instructional leaders, and administrators
• Create tools and resources that demonstrate instructional best practices in HS science
• Research, evaluate, and prepare recommendations on instructional materials, effective pedagogy, technology use, and other relevant policy guidance for all HS science students
• Support school teams in implementing strategies from their Continuous Improvement Work Plans (CIWPs) to drive student growth and achievement
• Provide differentiated instructional support in a portfolio of schools through working:
• directly with teachers to model and support the use of effective, research-based instructional practices
• collaboratively with teams (Departments, ILTs, etc.) to drive data-informed instructional planning with school-based leadership teams to meet school, network, and district goals
• Develop, coordinate, and maintain relationships with external partners associated with science teaching and learning
• Collaborate within the Office of Teaching and Learning and across Central and Network Offices and schools to ensure alignment and coherence of district priorities
• Perform related duties as required to support the priorities of the Department of STEM

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the High School Science Specialist must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
• Master's degree in Science, Education, or a related field preferred.

Type of Experience and Number of Years:

• A minimum of 5 years of high school science teaching experience; leadership experience required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in the Next Generation Science Standards
• Expertise in research-based science instructional practices and pedagogy
• Experience designing and leading adult professional learning experiences
• Ability to define problems, analyze data and develop action plans as part of a continuous improvement cycle
• Strong leadership skills
• High standards for performance
• Understanding of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Proven track record of success and a clear focus on results
• Excellent facilitation, written, and oral communication skills
• Excellent technology skills (PowerPoint, Excel, Google Docs, etc.)
• Experience managing a portfolio of projects simultaneously while meeting associated deadlines
• Knowledge of critical issues in education
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders

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 his or her CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.