Professional Learning Specialist - Science (Part Time)

Position Summary

The Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) Department works to ensure outstanding instruction in every classroom. Sustainable implementation of high-quality curriculum is the most important driver of that aim and supports the growth of teachers, administrators, counselors, and librarians at various stages throughout their careers. We aspire to ground our C&I work in a set of shared elements. We start with an understanding of how students learn; we organize around adult learning principles to support teachers and school leaders; we embed opportunities to modify curriculum materials for specific classroom contexts or student needs; and we organize everything around continuous improvement, to get better over time. 

The Professional Learning Specialist role involves the following major bodies of work:

• In collaboration with New Visions staff, teacher leaders, and external experts, refine an understanding of New Visions Biology and Earth & Space Science and OpenSciEd Chemistry and Physics 
• Develop and implement professional learning opportunities -- including side-by-side coaching, professional learning sessions, and data dives that support teachers in using New Visions Science and OpenSciEd curricula
• Coach teachers and instructional leaders as a way to build school-based instructional capacity
• Work with district leaders to support the successful roll-out of New Visions Science and OpenSciEd curricula
• Stay informed of shifts in the field (including NY State Standards, Regents, and national standards) and develop supplemental materials to inform instructional leaders and teachers about these shifts

This role requires deep and consistent collaboration with Curriculum team members, as well as New Visions’ school-facing staff. It also requires ongoing thoughtful exchange with stakeholders at many levels of the system.

Essential Job Functions

• Collaborate with New Visions staff and teacher advisors to gain an understanding of how the New Visions and OpenSciEd science curricula:
• support student mastery through the incorporation of routines
• embed scaffolds and differentiations to support all learners
• promote student success on the Regents exam (when applicable) and in future classes
• foster the development of multiple literacies for application to college and career
• Collaborate with New Visions staff to develop and implement teacher professional learning — including coaching, workshops, and other formats — across NYC, NYS, and outside of NYS, grounded in curricular resources and shared instructional routines and strategies
• Study and facilitate curriculum implementation in school sites
• Collaborate with New Visions staff to develop and implement coaching plans that support both teachers and instructional leaders in developing school-based capacity in service of the implementation of High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) in science.

Required Education and Experience

• Masters-level degree 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public education, preferably urban schools and secondary level science
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supervising, coaching, or leading teachers, ideally in at least 2 different school sites

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated an understanding of principles of both student learning and adult learning
• Demonstrated ability to support teachers in implementing HQIM in science for students with a variety of learning needs
• Experience leading a team and collaborating with others, using data to drive organizational change 
• Demonstrated commitment to data-driven decision-making, systems thinking and continuous learning as drivers of improved student outcomes 
• Skills related to the design, implementation, and assessment of effective secondary science curricula 
• Strong service and support orientation towards schools and school communities
• Strong interpersonal skills to navigate the diverse cultural environments of a wide range of public high schools, and ability to work effectively with a wide range of school and district leaders and staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with the NGSS or NYSSLS, and HQIM for secondary science, preferably New Visions and OpenSciEd science curricula

Physical Requirements

• ability to travel onsite to NYC public schools across the 5 boroughs, multiple days per week, typically in 6 hour daily increments
• walking up stairs
• conversing with internal staff and external stakeholders
• ability to operate a computer and other relevant technology, such as phones, screens, printers, and tablets
• ability to carry up to 10 pounds (such as for a laptop and carrying case)

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Job Status and Hours

• This is a part-time, hourly position, not eligible for benefits, holiday pay, or Paid Time Off (PTO) beyond what is required under NYC law
• The selected candidate will be expected to work 2–3 days, or 15–20 hours per week, conducted in person across New Visions offices and school sites throughout the NYC area
• Offers are contingent on receiving fingerprint background check clearance by the NYCPS and completion of New Visions HR onboarding

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position.  These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Pay Range

$40/hour minimum to $64/hour maximum

While the majority of new hires’ starting salaries shall be expected to be placed in the first half of the range(s) to allow space to grow in the job, for those who already have significant relevant experience at that level of the job, placement at the higher end of the range(s) is possible.

Who We Are

For over three decades, New Visions for Public Schools has played a central role in improving the quality of New York City public schools and removing barriers to the success of low-income students and students of color. We provide educators with the tools, resources, and supports to build and continuously improve strong and responsive systems—through investments in curriculum, technology, student planning tools, and innovative college and career preparatory programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

New Visions believes that our teams are most effective when they include representation from the diverse communities we serve, as their perspectives are critical to the work we do. Diversity, equity, and inclusion do not determine who gets hired—that is based on qualifications. They ensure that people who have traditionally had less access to opportunities are considered and, once chosen, feel supported and valued as part of our team.

New Visions provides a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package in addition to the opportunity to make a significant impact on education reform and in the lives of urban youth.