Fine and Performing Arts Schools 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 - student centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership and continuous learning.

The Fine and Performing Arts School Specialist contributes to the effective implementation of multidisciplinary curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention programming for all students with a specific focus on the district's Fine and Performing Arts magnet cluster schools.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the district-wide vision for Fine and Performing Arts teaching and learning, with a focus on school-wide shifts in multidisciplinary practice
  
  
• Support the school-based Magnet Cluster Lead Teachers (MCLTs) in their work as instructional coaches and champions of high-quality arts practices in their schools
  
  
• Conduct site visits to determine areas of strength and growth for Fine and Performing Arts School at a classroom, school, and community level
  
  
• Collaborate with Fine and Performing Arts school administrators and school-based Arts Leadership teams to identify areas of growth, develop priorities, and implement strategies for school improvement
  
  
• Design, coordinate, and facilitate ongoing and responsive professional learning for Fine and Performing Arts school staff
  
  
• Work cross-departmentally on the revision and implementation of the Fine and Performing Arts School Certification Process
  
  
• Work cross-departmentally on the revision and implementation of the Fine and Performing Arts School component of the annual Academic Program Focus RFP
  
  

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Collaborate regularly with the Department of Arts Education (DAE) and Department of Magnet, Gifted, IB (MGIB) to ensure alignment of priorities and initiatives
  
  
• Support DAE & MGIB in implementing Fine and Performing Arts curriculum supports and professional learning initiatives
  
  
• Perform other related duties as required
  
  

Key Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study. Master's degree in Fine and Performing Arts field, Education, or a related field preferred.
  
  
• A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in a Fine and Performing Arts-related or interdisciplinary field; leadership experience required.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Expertise in research-based instructional practices and multi-disciplinary strategies, especially arts integration
  
  
• Experience with the Illinois Arts Learning Standards
  
  
• Strong information synthesis and decision-making skills
  
  
• Commitment to continuous improvement
  
  
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment
  
  
• Proven track record of success and a clear focus on results
  
  
• Excellent facilitation, written, and oral communication skills
  
  
• Understanding of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) preferred
  
  
• Strong technology skills (especially Google Suite, Microsoft Office applications, and Adobe Creative Suite)
  
  
• 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.