Practitioner Specialist

Company Description

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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

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Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Job Description

The Reimagining Early Childhood Education (RECEPZ) project has been established to promote and investigate the practices of inquiry, innovation, and learning design amongst a cohort of educators representing a diverse array of early childhood learning settings in Abu Dhabi. Funded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), this five-and-a-half-year project endeavors to change the education landscape throughout Abu Dhabi by leveraging Project Zero’s long history of professional development, pedagogical innovation, and collaborative inquiry. To do this work, the Reimagining Early Childhood Education initiative aims to connect schools to innovations in education, inspire new approaches to practice, and ignite local and system-wide change.

AGPN Practitioner Specialist

The AGPN Practitioner Specialist is an experienced educator and teacher leader who participates in all aspects of the intellectual work of the project, with special responsibility for overseeing study groups associated with the Al Ghad Public Nurseries (AGPN)—a growing community of Arabic-speaking early learning centers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The AGPN Practitioner Specialist will work flexible hours as necessary given the time difference for the UAE participants. The AGPN Practitioner Specialist will visit the UAE 3-4 times per year with other members of the project team to facilitate workshops, conduct school visits, and support study group members.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Collaborates on project strategy and design - Works collaboratively with the Principal Investigator and other team members to determine project goals and priorities. (10%)

• Designs and facilitates professional development - Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with Senior Research Managers, designs and develops learning community sessions, study group meeting agendas, and other tools central to the collaborative inquiry of over 100 educators from participating schools—with a special focus on the Al Ghad Public Nurseries. Introduces educators (teachers and administrators) to selected Project Zero frameworks and ideas, drawing from in-depth knowledge of Project Zero research and approaches to learning. (20%)

• Supports classroom inquiry and school-based learning communities - Supports educators in conducting inquiry and innovation projects in their classrooms and provides expertise in facilitating school-based learning communities through small group and one-on-one virtual and in-person meetings and conversations to clarify and deepen understanding of key concepts and ideas.  (25%)

• Builds and maintains educator relationships, collects documentation, and provides insights - Builds and maintains strong working relationships with participating educators. Helps teachers adapt Project Zero ideas to their grade levels, subject matter, and settings, providing ongoing support as needed. Helps administrators identify ways to support participating teachers and maintains ongoing contact with all participating educators. Collaborates with local colleagues, maintains close contact with teacher-facilitators, maintains a record of insights that emerge in study groups, and identifies follow-up actions and proceeds accordingly. Engages in qualitative research to better understand the participant experience and practice.  (25%)

• Contributes to project materials and dissemination - Contributes to the creation, testing, and dissemination of project materials. Writes articles, reports, and project materials and represents the project to varied audiences through conferences, institutes, and/or convenings. (20%)

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in education or a related field
• Three or more years of related work experience, ideally in an early childhood educational setting
• Ability to communicate effectively in Arabic, along with strong understanding of cultural practices and social norms prevalent in Arabic‑speaking and Muslim communities. Experience working with these communities is preferred.
• Candidates wishing to be considered must submit a cover letter along with their resume.

Additional Education, Experience and Skills:

• Experience working with young children and teachers
• Experience designing and leading professional development (both online and in person) for teachers and administrators
• Strong presentation skills
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Solid understanding of the complexities of various school settings, including independent, international, public, and online schools
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong attention to detail
• Master’s degree in Education or a related field preferred
• Familiarity with using Project Zero ideas and frameworks in classroom practice preferred
• Comfortable communicating and collaborating with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders, including funders, local partners, teachers, families, and students
• Ability to tolerate ambiguity and thrive in uncertain or evolving situations
• Comfortable with iterative, exploratory work processes
• Brings a sense of humor to collaborative and dynamic environments

Additional Information:

This is a term position with an end date of 11/30/26 with likelihood of continuation.

Please note that there is a candidate already under consideration for this role.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: 11/30/26
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 26.25 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $41.21 hourly rate
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.