GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

 

Under the guidance of the Chief Academic Officer, the K-12 English Curriculum Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting administrators with literacy initiatives across the division, including the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI). This position is tasked with ensuring the achievement of the district’s mission and goals. Collaboration with various departments is crucial to maintain consistency in practices and resource utilization, as the specialist works diligently to enhance the skills and knowledge of school administrators. The role typically involves independent work, with performance assessed based on core performance standards.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The list of essential functions provided here is meant to represent the tasks performed within this classification. It does not specifically describe any one position within the class. The absence of any essential function does not prevent management from assigning related duties that are logical for the position. 

• Coaches and supports school administrators and teachers in goal setting, planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of school support plans that will guide school leaders in meeting their instructional leadership objectives.
• Coordinates cross-content integrated opportunities for an instructional program that includes reading and writing across the curriculum.
• Serves as the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) coordinator to ensure the PreK program meets state and federal guidelines.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional methods and programs and recommend revisions and improvements as needed.
• Coordinates curriculum and assessment development, implementation, and revision.
• Provides guidance in the selection of textbooks, teaching materials, and equipment for the program.
• Assists teachers in the improvement of instructional delivery and performance through observations,  active coaching, feedback, and job-embedded professional development.  
• Assists in developing and conducting division-wide staff development for the instructional staff.
• Attends school-based meetings and events to foster a culture of engagement with staff, families, and the community.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Must possess extensive experience in literacy and have taught English/reading as a classroom teacher.
• Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and current issues involving the Virginia Literacy Act and Virginia’s new accountability system.
• Must possess excellent leadership, supervisory, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, paraprofessionals, school administrative staff, parents, guardians, the community, and central office administrative staff.
• Must possess excellent leadership, management, and communication skills.
• Must possess experience supervising and providing performance feedback to professional staff.
• Demonstrated strong computer skills are required.
• Must possess the ability to speak effectively before large groups and high-level executives. 
• Must possess the skill to work with considerable independence to carry out tasks to completion.
• Must possess skill in performing duties with a professional and cooperative work ethic; ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must possess the ability to access, operate, and maintain various software applications; the ability to read, update, and maintain various records and files.
• Must possess the ability to work flexible hours necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Must possess expert knowledge of basic school division work policies and guidelines and expert knowledge of departmental practices and procedures.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

 

Must hold a Master’s degree or higher, with a licensure endorsement in elementary or secondary education; a minimum of (5) years of teaching experience in English/reading. An endorsement as a reading specialist is preferred but not required.