At DESE's Center for Instructional Support, our mission is to advance equity in access related to the effective teaching and learning of the MA curriculum frameworks while improving learning outcomes for all. The Instructional Policy team within CIS supports this mission through the Curriculum Matters: High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and Professional Development initiative, by providing guidance and resources to support Curriculum Matters at scale across the Commonwealth.

About Curriculum Matters

At DESE, we are guided by an Educational Vision that expresses our belief 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. Aligned with the Vision, Curriculum Matters works to advance the goals of Strategic Objective 2 (SO2): Promote deeper learning so that all students engage in grade-level work that is real-world, relevant, and interactive through grade-appropriate instruction. We believe that a key strategy for educational equity is ensuring that our students have access to high-quality instructional materials and their teachers have access to aligned professional learning to support them to skillfully implement, ensuring the enacted curriculum supports and engages all students to reach their full potential.

About the Role

The Instructional Policy Specialist is responsible for supporting leadership, coordination, and development on various cross-team projects within CIS and across the Department towards the goals of Curriculum Matters, in alignment with SO2 of the Educational Vision. The selected candidate will develop and disseminate guidance and resources for educators, schools, and districts on initiatives that support equity-centered instruction, with focus on supporting the identification, adoption, and implementation of high-quality instructional materials and aligned professional development and learning.

Job Responsibilities

• Support large-scale, high-impact instructional support projects, which may include processes related to:

o Identifying and communicating about the quality of curricular materials
o Supporting and championing skillful implementation of high-quality instructional materials through evidence-based practices that are inclusive and culturally and linguistically sustaining

• Develop and provide high-quality, equity-centered, standards-aligned support, resources, tools, and presentations to and for use by educators statewide, including but not limited to the initiatives supporting the selection, adoption, and implementation of high-quality instructional materials

• Manage grants to ensure compliance with program requirements, including monitoring district expenditures and coordinating with grant partners, vendors, and other stakeholders to meet goals

• Manage partnerships with vendors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality goods and services, including maintaining accurate financial records and documentation in accordance with procurement processes and procedures

• Contribute to other projects aligned to the goals and needs of the Center for Instructional Support through collaboration with other offices and teams in CIS and across the Department

• Maintain and expand communication efforts both externally with the field and internally within the Department around CIS initiatives

Desired Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of anti-racist practices in education, especially focused on anti-racist and culturally and linguistically sustaining instructional strategies
• 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 organization and time management skills, including the ability to effectively manage various projects simultaneously by establishing clear timelines to meet deadlines
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and other stakeholders
• Ability to create and share high-quality products and supportive written and verbal communication with stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Desired Mindsets and Attributes

• Self-reflective, eagerness for feedback, and commitment to continuous improvement
• Asset-based and growth-oriented mindset for yourself, students, families, and educators
• Commitment to equity in education through demonstrated history of bringing an anti-racist lens to your work, unwavering belief in the ability of all children to learn at high levels, 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 in a K-12 public school in MA

The Instructional Policy Specialist will be based at the DESE office in Everett, MA with some travel throughout MA occasionally required. DESE employees are currently required to report to the office two days per week and may telework up to three days per week.

Please include a cover letter with your submission.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.

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 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.

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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.