High School Literacy Content 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. 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 Literacy Specialist provides support and guidance on literacy curriculum, instruction, assessment and intervention for all students in grades 9-12 through a tiered model of support.

Candidates should have experience in a high school leading teacher teams, ideally as a department chair or course lead; designing and building curriculum; developing assessments and analyzing student performance data; and creating, organizing, and leading professional learning experiences. The Specialist must be able to develop and maintain relationships within CPS and with vital external partner organizations to enhance learning opportunities for instructional leaders and teachers. Experience with English learners is desired but not a requirement. The ideal candidate is responsive, self-directed, and collaborative.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Design and develop curriculum and assessments, aligned to the Common Core State Standards for ELA, that will result in student growth in PSAT/SAT

• Develop district-wide resources on key literacy practices including reading of diverse, engaging texts, extensive discussion, engagement in the writing process, rigorous and authentic learning experiences

• Design and facilitate professional learning for high school teachers, instructional leaders, and administrators based on network needs and recommendations from Chief

• Lead targeted professional development including professional learning communities

• Provide direct, weekly support to a portfolio of schools, coaching individuals and teams, including working collaboratively with school-based leadership teams to drive data-informed instructional planning and be accountable for targeted outcomes and school, network, and district goals

• Implementing strategies from their Continuous Improvement Work Plans (CIWPs) to drive student growth and achievement
  
  

• Modeling and supporting the use of effective, research-based instructional practices that are guided by data/evidence
  
  

• Research, evaluate, and prepare recommendations on instructional materials, effective pedagogy, technology use, and other relevant policy guidance for all high school English students
  
  

• 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 Literacy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Expertise in research-based language arts instructional practices and pedagogy

• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse student populations; familiarity with strategies for supporting English learners, diverse learners, and students at a wide range of reading and writing levels

• Expertise in the Common Core State Standards for Language Arts; Knowledge of PSAT/SAT

• Experience with curriculum mapping, unit planning, and formative progress monitoring

• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and develop action plans as part of a continuous improvement cycle

• Experience designing and leading adult professional learning experiences

• Excellent communication skills and strong leadership skills

• Proven track record of success and a clear focus on results

• Strong Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point, Excel, etc.) and G Suite skills for creating and communicating through reports and presentations

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and drive multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of a team

• Demonstrates a sense of urgency in accomplishing goals and objectives to ensure success

• Takes initiative to identify challenges and recommend solutions; identifies, documents, and share best practices

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study required. Master's degree in English, Education, Reading, or a related field preferred

• Valid teaching certificate (Type 03, Type 09) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education with appropriate grade level and content level endorsement. LBSI, ESL, or Bilingual Endorsement a plus
  
  

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

• A minimum of 3 years working with adult learners, including designing, facilitating, and evaluating professional learning needs of teachers

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.