About the Office of Literacy and Humanities

At DESE's Office of Literacy and Humanities, our mission is to support the capacity of educators to provide an excellent education in Literacy and Humanities to every student in Massachusetts. We are part of a nationwide movement for equity in literacy. Here in Massachusetts, there is broad recognition that while we are #1 in the nation for literacy achievement, the educational system does not serve all students equitably. At DESE, we believe that all students in Massachusetts, particularly students from historically underserved groups and communities, should have equitable opportunities to excel in all content areas across all grades. Through our support to educators focused on curriculum, assessment, and instruction, we seek to enable equitable high achievement for all students, especially students from historically underserved groups such as students of color, multilingual learners and students with disabilities.

About the role

The ELA/literacy Content Support Specialist will lead initiatives that impact leaders and educators across the Commonwealth, supporting them to achieve their equity-driven literacy goals for students. The Content Support Specialist will work on resource development, grant offerings, programming for students, and professional development for educators, with a focus on either early literacy (grades preK-3) or secondary/adolescent literacy (grades 4-12). As an ELA/Literacy Content Support Specialist, you will partner with districts, schools, and programs in pursuit of high and equitable literacy proficiency across the Commonwealth.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale, high-impact literacy instructional support projects, which may include:
o Evaluating the quality of curricular materials in ELA/Literacy
o Supporting districts' skillful implementation of evidence-based, cultutrally and linguistically sustaining instructional practices and materials that foster deeper learning for all learners at the rigor of the standards in ELA/Literacy
o Developing professional development and instructional resources for educators statewide
• Support districts in meeting their literacy improvement goals through relationship-building, progress monitoring, and coaching
o Helping district leaders build equity-centered routines and systems for instructional leadership to support evidence-based, culturally sustaining instruction across all classrooms and drive professional learning
• Contribute to other DESE programs and offerings through collaboration with other offices and teams

Desired Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of ELA and Literacy curriculum and instruction, including familiarity with the MA Curriculum Framework, evidence-based instructional practices, and multi-tiered systems of support
• Commitment to anti-racism in education; knowledge of culturally sustaining practices in literacy
• Experience-based knowledge of instructional systems in schools and districts, including the interrelationship of effective professional development, high-quality curriculum, and the systems and structures that are needed to achieve equity
• Strong knowledge of evidence-based concepts and practices for early OR secondary literacy
• Knowledge of language and literacy acquisition for multilingual learners, the WIDA 2020 standards, and linguistically sustaining practices
• Ability to create and share high quality, clear, and supportive written and verbal communication with stakeholders
• Attention to detail and ability to organize complex streams of work involving multiple partners
• Experience completing complex projects independently, including being organized with documents, building a thorough timeline, and meeting deadlines

Desired Mindsets and Attributes

• Eagerness for feedback and commitment to continuous improvement
• 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
• Commitment to equity in education, and a desire to work with teachers and educational leaders to help all our children receive an excellent education
• Alignment with the principles articulated in DESE's Educational Vision.

Desired Experience

• Experience teaching early literacy OR secondary literacy in a public school in MA

The ELA/Literacy Content Support Specialist will work within DESE's Center for Instructional Support and will be based at the DESE office in Everett, MA with some travel throughout MA regularly required. DESE employees are currently required to report to the office two days per week and may telework up to three days per week.

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 or related content area, educational program/or service;

a Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.

Education toward 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 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.