Educational Program Specialist
Office of Early Childhood
In our District, we put students first. Our vision: all Camden students will attend a high quality school where they are valued, challenged, and prepared for college and careers that positively impact their community and the world. High quality schools have a great teacher in every classroom, are housed in safe, clean buildings equipped to meet the needs of 21st century learners, with the support of an efficient and effective Central Office. All this is possible only with the right team members in place, working together with partners and the community to provide all students the academic, social, and emotional support needed to succeed in school and beyond. Read more here.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Educational Program Specialist, Office of Early Childhood will support the vision for Camden City School District by ensuring that all Pre-K students in the district have access to high quality preschool classroom environments and instruction. Reporting to the Director of Early Childhood Education, and working closely with Early Childhood Supervisors, Preschool Intervention & Referral Team, CPIS and Social Workers, the Educational Program Specialist is responsible for providing in-classroom support to help preschool teachers continuously improve their classroom practice. This will include the design and delivery of formal and informal professional learning experiences to in-district and private provider preschool teachers based on reflective coaching outcomes and data from structured assessments.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university
- New Jersey Teacher certification in Pre-K-3 required
- Three to five years’ experience in teaching preschool programs
- Experience in implementing developmentally appropriate preschool curricula;
- Experience providing professional development to classroom teachers
- Demonstrated experience with a range of appropriate early childhood assessments, including performance-based and classroom-quality assessment instruments
- A valid driver’s license as well as current insurance and vehicle with valid registration
- Required criminal history background check, physical and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate degree in early childhood education with an emphasis on early literacy and/or early mathematics or a graduate degree in educational supervision and/or leadership
- An endorsement for bilingual education/English as a second language or an endorsement for teacher of students with disabilities/teacher of the handicapped
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Major roles and responsibilities include:
- Regularly visits District and Private Provider classrooms to model, coach, informally observe using structured observation instruments.
- Provide regular, ongoing and differentiated feedback to teaching staff in preschool programs based on the reflective cycle to assist with the implementation of the comprehensive, developmentally-appropriate curriculum and the Preschool Standards.
- Provide staff development based on systematic classroom observations consistent with a classroom-quality assessment instrument.
- Ensure systematic early childhood program assessment occurs in the preschool program.
- Collaborating with the preschool intervention and referral specialists (PIRSs) to ensure systematic curriculum supports in social-emotional development.
- Ensuring implementation of the comprehensive performance-based assessment system that is connected to the comprehensive preschool curriculum.
- Provides resources and support to District and Private Provider early childhood programs.
- Participate in parent involvement programs with District and Private Provider staff.
- Supporting transition activities, programs, and services between and among preschool through grade three programs.
- Provides Pre-K and Kindergarten transition activities, programs and services between Private Provider and District programs.
- Researches, interprets and disseminates current developments in learning, instructional strategies and classroom management through reading of professional education journals, active participation in professional development and involvement in professional organizations.
- Provides guidance to District teachers on ordering materials that will enhance the classroom environment and delivery of instruction.
- Actively participates in committees, working groups, and other meetings that drive the mission of the Office of Early Childhood to provide high-quality education to Pre-K students.
- Takes on special projects as needed to support the Director of Early Childhood Education and the broader department.
- Supporting projects and initiatives in other divisions and departments throughout CCSD on an as-needed basis.
- Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Supervisor’s designee.
The Educational Program Specialist, Office of Early Childhood will also likely take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned. An ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate the following and/or have experiences with:
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Flexible, optimistic approach; committed to overcoming challenges; comfortable with change and ambiguity
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously
- Desire to grow professionally and seek out new opportunities to learn
- Integrity and clarity in all communications and interactions
- Commitment to the success of all Camden students; specifically to raising the academic achievement of children in high-poverty communities
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and achievement-oriented environment
- Strong problem-solving and project management skills - strong organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal and the ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines
- Fluency in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and basic Web browsers and searches
- Willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of a dynamic team committed to a new future for urban education
- Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and take initiative
CORE VALUES
We are seeking individuals who will exemplify the District’s core values:
Respect and Humility
We serve our community by recognizing the strengths, experiences, and perspectives of others. We humbly recognize our own limitations and incorporate lessons we gain from our reflective practice.
Evidence-based
We use evidence to inform decisions and to ensure that we are accountable to our students and families.
Communication & Collaboration
We communicate openly and work collaboratively, recognizing that getting to the best possible decisions requires input from others. Honest communications build trust and establish a community that assumes best intentions.
Solutions-oriented
With respect for the complexity of this work and the history that precedes us, we focus on persistence, resourcefulness, and inclusiveness to drive toward solutions.
REPORTS TO
- Director of Early Childhood Education
EVALUATED BY
- Director of Early Childhood Education
- Supervisor of Early Childhood Education
SALARY, EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, AND UNION AFFILIATION
Salary Range:
- Camden Education Association Salary Guide
Employment Period
- Ten-month, tenurable position
Union Affiliation
- Camden Education Association
(Pending availability of funds and Superintendent’s approval)
THE CAMDEN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER