Middle School Mathematics 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. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Middle School Mathematics Specialist provides district-wide support and guidance on math curriculum, instruction, assessment and intervention for all students in grades 6-8. 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 and is accountable for driving student outcomes. 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 Middle School Mathematics Specialist will be expected to collaborate with the PreK-5 and HS Mathematics Specialist(s) in addition to supporting middle school learning. This will include supporting projects and working collaboratively to ensure articulation in math teaching and learning from elementary through high school.

Th e Middle School Math Specialist w ill be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Typical Duties/Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the district-wide vision for middle school mathematics teaching and learning
• Support and inform the development of resources, including curriculum and assessments, aligned to the Common Core State Standards for math, that will result in improved student learning outcomes.
• 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 middle school teachers, instructional leaders, and administrators based on network needs and recommendations from Chief
• Create tools and resources that demonstrate instructional best practices in MS mathematics
• Research, evaluate, and prepare recommendations on instructional materials, effective pedagogy, technology use, and other relevant policy guidance for all MS mathematics students
• Develop, coordinate, and maintain relationships with external partners associated with mathematics teaching and learning and ensure completion of communication dashboard/portal
• 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 and the strategic plan of the Chief of Schools
• Communicate with clarity the agreed upon strategies and norms for supporting networks and schools

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Job Title 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 mathematics, Education, or related field preferred

Type of Experience Required:

• A minimum of 5 years of middle school mathematics teaching experience; leadership experience required. Middle grades algebra teaching experience preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years working with adult learners, including, designing, facilitating and evaluating professional learning needs of teachers

Certification:

• Valid Standards teaching certificate (Type 03, Type 09, Type 10) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education with appropriate grade level and content level endorsement.
• CPS Algebra Certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in the Common Core State Standards for math
• Expertise in research-based math 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 and knowledge of CPS assessments
• 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
• Knowledge of research-based school improvement models
• Experience with curriculum mapping, unit planning, and formative progress monitoring

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.