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 of Educator Effectiveness is seeking an individual to support a robust portfolio of work aimed at ensuring all students have excellent educators who nurture and cultivate academic excellence, cultural competence, sociopolitical consciousness, and emotional intelligence. As a member of the Educator Effectiveness Office, the Educator Effectiveness Specialist will be part of a team of people responsible for overseeing the effective, equitable, efficient, and consistent review of educator preparation providers (EPPs) in Massachusetts and will have core responsibility for a caseload of organizations undergoing this evaluation process.

　　DESE is committed to cultivating the skills to foster a climate of safety and trust built on diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the agency and across schools, districts, and EPPs, as described in its Educational Vision. The Office of Educator Effectiveness sits within DESE's Center for Instructional Support at the Department.

　　Working to improve the quality of educator preparation in Massachusetts is a key strategy in our commitment to support a diverse and effective workforce. We have significantly transformed the work of the state in this area over the last seven years and are seeing results within providers themselves and in the impact their candidates have on PK-12 students. In recent months, we have released updated Guidelines for Educator Preparation Program Approval to center evidence-based practices, including anti-racist and culturally and linguistically sustaining practices, as the foundation of effective educator preparation. The Educator Effectiveness Specialist will help continue and deepen our influence in this work, and engage in an EPP program approval process that is designed to ensure aspiring educators are prepared to serve all students in Massachusetts, particularly those from systemically underserved groups and communities.

　　Key Responsibilities:

　　• Facilitating a complex and multi-faceted review process for a caseload of multiple EPPs, which results in high-stakes accountability recommendations. This involves:

　　o Managing diverse teams of volunteer reviewers (including teachers, district personnel, and ed prep faculty and leadership);

　　o Providing assistance to EPPs readying for an evaluation;

　　o Gathering, analyzing, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative data related to review criteria to assess program quality (including but not limited to focus group, survey, and other output data);

　　o Producing evidence-based evaluation reports that have been calibrated externally, vetted internally, and that uphold DESE's rigorous expectations for providers.

　　• Providing ongoing support and assistance to the Educator Preparation field in alignment with DESE policy and regulations;

　　• Informing the development of guidance that articulates elevated expectations for EPPs;

　　• Identifying, communicating, and promoting the link between high quality educator preparation and educator effectiveness in K-12 employment through engagement in broader educator effectiveness project work.

　　• Serving as a member of DESE's Center for Instructional Support and performing other functions as assigned.

　　Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Below are characteristics we will look for in the selection process. We recognize that the balance of all of them collectively may vary from candidate to candidate and as such, encourage applications from individuals with a range of background experiences and skills.

　　• Superior project management skills. A successful candidate will be able to manage multiple, shifting priorities in a high-demand, fast-paced environment.

　　• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to tailor communication to a variety of audiences.

　　• Strong ability to comprehend, analyze, and communicate complex information.

　　• Track record of consistently delivering on commitments.

　　Desired Mindsets and Attributes: People who are successful working on our team demonstrate a mindset aligned with the following:

　　• Commitment to equity in education, and a desire to work with educator preparation faculty and leadership, and PK12 teachers and educational leaders to help all our children receive an excellent education.

　　• Unwavering belief in the ability of all children to learn at high levels.

　　• A demonstrated history of bringing anti-racist practices to your work.

　　• Collaborative approach to problem-solving.

　　• Proactive, initiative taker who identifies and takes action to improve one's individual and the team's collective work.

　　Travel may be required for this position.

　　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 Bachelor's Degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific, relevant, or related content area, educational program/or service.

　　Substitutions:

　　A Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

　　*Education toward such a degree 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 Class D 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.