Instructional Network Specialist

About the Employer

Network Instructional Specialist (Interim) - Lakewood Elementary School

Position Summary

The North Little Rock School District (NLRSD) is seeking exceptional applications for the newly reorganized school-based support position as the Network Instructional Specialist. The role reports directly to the school principal.

Job Status

Full-time 190 days per year Minimal travel

Salary Range

$50,000.00 - $70,900.00

Position Description

The ideal candidate leads, coordinates, engages, and provides instructional support and coaching to classroom teachers to improve educational outcomes for all students.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Coaching and Staff Development

Provides ongoing support through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one instructional coaching to help teachers implement effective instruction. Facilitates and/or participates in grade-level or content-level PLCs to support data analysis, collaboration, sharing of best practices, and problem-solving among teachers. Collaborates with special education professionals, gifted and talented specialists, and English language learner (ELL) specialists to ensure instruction is inclusive and meets the needs of diverse learners.

Curriculum Development and Alignment

Collaborates with curriculum developers and educators to design, review, and enhance curriculum materials aligned with state standards and district strategic plan goals. Evaluates and recommends instructional materials, resources, and technology tools that align with curriculum standards to the appropriate curriculum content office for approval. Supports the school's pre-K-2 instructional program as applicable if assigned to an elementary school.

Assessment and Data Analysis

Serves as a school-based expert with data analysis and assessment on all aspects of required district and state assessments. Compiles pre-program, mid-program, and post-program data for project evaluation. Analyzes assessment data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Collaboration and Communication

Serves as a school-based liaison and network link between the school and the district department of School Network Support Services to enhance communication and collaboration between schools and central office district leaders. Communicates effectively with stakeholders, providing updates on curriculum developments, instructional strategies, and assessment results. Attends monthly Network Instructional Specialists meetings with District Instructional Leaders to stay current on state and district initiatives to improve teaching and learning at the school and classroom level.

Professional Development and Leadership

Plans and conducts professional development sessions for teachers and staff to improve instructional strategies, content knowledge, and assessment practices. Facilitates and/or participates in grade-level or content-level PLCs to support data analysis, collaboration, sharing of best practices, and problem-solving among teachers. Collaborates with school leadership teams to develop strategies for addressing identified needs and improving student outcomes.

Other Responsibilities

Prepares reports and documentation as required by district and state leaders. Contributes as a valuable team member with other Network Instructional Specialists to support vertical teaming and articulation across grade levels district-wide. Performs other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the school principal.

Competencies

Comprehensive knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; comprehensive knowledge of school district goals and outcomes, procedures, and organization of sound assessment management. Knowledge and ability to lead and coach teachers on methods and topics and aligned formative and summative assessments to improve teaching and learning.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Licensed Arkansas teacher or meets qualifications and requirements for reciprocity or is eligible to hold appropriate licensure. Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Educational Administration, Supervision, or Curriculum and Instruction preferred. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

Have a minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching or related experience as it relates to the assigned roles and responsibilities. Have a minimum of three (3) years of successful teacher leader or school-based leadership experience. Experience with educational accountability measures including federal educational reform efforts, and state and local standards and assessments, knowledge of systemic organizational thinking, organizational leadership, and change management.

Skills

Proficiency in the science of reading is required. Experience working in a highly collaborative environment where teamwork, creative problem-solving, and self-motivation are necessary for success. Experience in an urban school district is preferred.

Work Environment

The work is primarily conducted in a school setting. Prolonged stationary work and attention to desk or computer tasks are required. This position is cognitively demanding and requires especially well-developed professional social skills and communication skills.

Empathy and Commitment to Cause

Deep commitment to improving student achievement and employee performance. Passionately believes that all students can achieve at high levels.
Demonstrates cultural competence, equity, and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing minority and economically disadvantaged families and students requiring special services.

Problem Solving and Systems Thinking

Understand how various systems and departments interact to achieve district goals. Makes decisions using data and technology. Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in.
Identifies and prioritizes mission-critical issues with alignment of people, time, and resources.
Offers innovative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges.
Exhibits strong focus on goals and results. Sets clear metrics for success.
Removes barriers or obstacles that make it difficult for principals to achieve their goals and ensures that school leaders have the resources they need to succeed.
Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal, and ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Leadership Skills

Motivates, inspires, and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goals. Skilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person's skills and contribution to team effort.
Builds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups.
Moves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts. Exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.
Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups.
Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines.
Sets clear agendas and facilitates effective meetings.
Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets.
Exhibits transformational and servant leadership characteristics in daily work.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs such other tasks and assumes such other roles and responsibilities as the principal and/or their designee may assign.