Job Description
The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
The Office for STEM in the Center for Instructional Support at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is committed to the vision that all Massachusetts students will have an equitable comprehensive STEM education that fosters a positive STEM identity and enables them to apply their learning to thrive in their everyday lives and participate in informed civic engagement. The Office provides leadership for the development and support of the implementation of the Curriculum Frameworks in Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering, Digital Literacy and Computer Science, and Comprehensive Health and Physical Education (CHPE). The Office supports districts' development of STEM programs that center equity and embody rigorous and culturally relevant curriculum and instruction aligned to these Frameworks. The Office is also responsible for designing STEM resources and providing professional development in these topics. In addition, it links STEM initiatives to other initiatives at DESE.
The Educational Specialist D in the STEM-CHPE office participates in supervising CHPE projects, planning associated activities, and collaborating on policy development in CHPE. Responsibilities also include interagency collaborations and special projects. They meet regularly with assigned staff to review work plans and product development, and to provide direct supervision/support in their work. They develop and lead training and professional development activities statewide and participate in the process of public information dissemination. The Educational Specialist conducts data analyses in various areas related to CHPE and plans and develops technical assistance as needed. They will have knowledge of trends and issues in CHPE and participate in relevant advisory and interagency groups.
STEM is seeking a motivated and passionate individual to join our highly skilled and productive team. The selected individual will be a confident team member with skills that allow them to perform the duties listed below in partnership with STEM team members and independently. Successful candidates will have strong project management skills and a deep understanding of PK-12 health and physical education in Massachusetts including high-quality instructional materials.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide high-quality, equity-centered, standards-aligned resources, tools, and presentations for use by educators, schools, and districts, including but not limited to the initiatives supporting the selection, adoption, and implementation of high-quality instructional materials.
Coordinate the dissemination of the new MA CHPE Framework;
Develop, coordinate, and disseminate CHPE implementation resources, tools, professional learning opportunities to a broad audience, and curriculum evaluation;
Coordinate communications with CHPE stakeholder groups/leaders' networks;
Develop and coordinate CHPE proposals;
Coordinate CHPE district grants, vendors, and reporting. Including: developing and implementing procedures for monitoring of initiatives;
Coordinate and provide program support for partner projects, such as:
• Collaborate and communicate across other DESE offices around projects as needed (e.g., Student and Family Support Office, Data Office, Research Office, research team, etc.)
• Coordinate the development, revisions, and web posting of project resources and materials
• Support partner communication plan for the projects;
Maintain excellent working relationships with participating LEA and vendor staff, while assisting with general administrative duties and communications with participating LEAs such as entering and tracking data, monitoring grant budgets, maintaining filesystems, drafting correspondence, and responding to e-mail and voice mail inquiries;
Additional projects may be added depending on the needs of the agency. Perform related duties as required.
Based on the assignment, travel may be required.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated experience leading positive change at a system level (e.g., district, state, non-profit organization).
• Experience managing complex projects from inception to completion with evidence of impact.
• Knowledge of PreK-12 curriculum and common approaches to curriculum selection/adoption processes, especially in Massachusetts.
• Knowledge of anti-racist practices in education, especially focused on anti-racist and culturally responsive instructional strategies.
• Proven experience as a primary spokesperson / communicator advancing ideas.
Core Attributes:
• Commitment to equity in education, and a desire to work with teachers and educational leaders to help all our students receive an excellent education.
• Unwavering belief in the ability of all children to learn at high levels, and a demonstrated history of bringing an anti-racist lens to your work.
• Belief in the importance of providing teachers and students with access to grade-level standards, high-quality curriculum materials, and job-embedded, aligned professional development.
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to [email protected];
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have a Master's degree and at least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service; Based on assignment, candidates must possess at least one year of supervisory, program coordination or managerial experience;
a Doctorate degree in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience; one year of education equals 30 semester hours; education towards a degree in a specific or related educational content area will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.