Chicago, IL, USA
20 hours ago
School Development Specialist

Department
 

PSD UChicago Stem: Staff


About the Department
 

UChicago STEM Education is a center devoted to research and development that resides within the Physical Sciences Division (PSD) of the University of Chicago. Formerly the Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education, UChicago STEM Ed continues the University of Chicago’s long-standing commitment to improving precollege education and aims to support high quality mathematics and science instruction and learning for all students. Through the sharing of knowledge and the creation of useful products and programs, UChicago STEM Education seeks to make a positive difference for mathematics and science instruction throughout the nation.
UChicago STEM Education’s work comprises of a Tool Development and School Support Services component. Separately, each of these components is a necessary part of improving mathematics and science education. Within UChicago STEM Education, they inform one another and constitute a rigorous, comprehensive approach to supporting high quality education.


Job Summary
 

The job uses best practices and provides knowledge to the development of programs for primary and secondary schools. Designs and implements programs and materials that contribute to school development and/or professional development of principals, teachers, and other school leaders. Travel required to various sites multiple days per week.

Responsibilities

Work with Kindergarten through Grade 4 teachers to understand and implement the Active Playful Learning approach in their classrooms, through regular goal-setting and coaching cycles.

Facilitate reflection and provide feedback to teachers, assisting them with classroom practices and resources.

Document coaching activities and classroom observation using project logs, surveys, and other data collection, with strong attention to detail.

Communicate clearly with teachers to establish and maintain coaching schedules and other project expectations.

Conduct professional learning sessions focused on the Active Playful Learning approach for participating teachers and other school personnel.

Participate in resource creation to support Active Playful Learning teachers locally and in other regional APL sites.

Assist with data collection for the Active Playful Learning project.

Engage in professional development and committee work related to the Active Playful Learning project, including a 2-day summer PD session in Chicago.

Help to support district coaches and school leaders in learning about the Active Playful Learning approach and the details of the project and act as a liaison between schools and the APL research team.

Build and maintain strong positive relationships with teachers, administrators, and other coaches.

Develops programs for primary and secondary school education. Requires a deep understanding of the field of primary and secondary school education.

Conducts research and development of curriculum, models, and best practices in the field of education. Works with school leadership teams to support school planning processes including needs assessments, goal setting, strategic planning, and determining strategies for curriculum selection and professional development. May lead the implementation of professional development workshops and individualized coaching efforts for principals, teachers, and other school staff.

Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

Experience with using a variety of techniques for teacher education, including professional development workshops, case studies, professional readings, mentoring, coaching, lesson study, teaching model lessons, and facilitating teacher study groups.

Education:

Master's degree in teaching, education, or a related field.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

Advanced knowledge of instructional methodologies.

Advanced knowledge of professional development strategies, including coaching.

Ability to develop resources, including lesson plans and other teacher supports.

Presentation skills.

Preferred Competencies

Understand the principles of adult learning.

Writing ability, including the ability to design and draft materials that can support implementation of the Active Playful Learning approach.

Working Conditions

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

Must be able to travel to various sites multiple days per week.

Ability to manage stressful situations.

Interpersonal skills.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)


When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family
 

Academic Affairs


Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor


FLSA Status
 

Exempt


Pay Frequency
 

Monthly


Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

22.5


Benefits Eligible
 

Yes


Drug Test Required
 

No


Health Screen Required
 

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No


Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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