Administrator for Teaching & Learning

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

SUMMARY: The Administrator for Teaching and Learning assists in providing or coordinating the provision of up-to-date professional development, technical assistance and resources to support continuous improvement for other leaders within the NWESD region who have responsibilities for carrying out school improvement efforts (e.g., literacy, leadership needs, mathematics, etc.) in schools designated as Priority or Focus.  In addition, The Administrator for Teaching and Learning will lead districts in developing student success in academics by implementing district approved curriculum and school improvement plans; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; developing lesson plans; modeling successful teaching strategies; providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding improvement plan progress, plan modification and impact of professional development activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as point of contact for, and work with, the Success Coaches, Principals of identified schools, and the Office of Student and School Success at OSPI in the NWESD region.
• Participates in monthly collaborative state-wide K-20 RIN Planning Meetings facilitated by OSPI.
• Collaborates with Lead Success Coach to plan and facilitate monthly RIN Meetings.
• Analyzes data from a variety of sources for the purpose of assisting in school improvement planning.
• Attends and facilitates meetings, workshops, etc. (e.g. leadership team, SIP, statewide meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information to develop or enhance skills.
• Coaches and mentors teachers for the purpose of developing effective teacher-leaders within the schools.
• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. principals, teachers, SIP team members, unit staff, program directors, etc.) for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes, developing solutions, and planning curriculum and school improvement.
• Collaborates with other staff (e.g. fractional employees, co-presenters, outside agencies, teachers, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of coordinating curriculum, identifying issues and/or developing leadership teams.
• Coordinates activities (e.g. training sessions, classes, workshops, meetings, equipment purchases, etc.) for the purpose of providing information/support, ensuring availability of items and/or delivering services in conformance with established guidelines.
• Participates in and leads a variety of meetings (e.g. workshops, inter and intra district committees, community and public agencies, seminars, conferences, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information on a wide variety of subjects required to carry out responsibilities.
• Demonstrates teaching techniques for the purpose of providing effective strategies to improve student success.
• Facilitates school improvement activities with school administration, staff, etc. for the purpose of implementing successful school improvement programs.
• Maintains files and/or records for the purpose of ensuring compliance with relevant regulations/guidelines.
• Prepares a variety of materials (e.g. evaluations, training materials, minutes, memos, pre/post evaluations, activity logs, correspondence, etc.) for the purpose of providing written documentation, conveying information and/or complying the ESD/State guidelines.
• Researches a variety of topics (e.g. technology, strategies, best practices, assessment practices, school restructuring, etc.) for the purpose of keeping abreast of current trends, technology and tools related to educational improvement.
• Responds to inquires (e.g. teachers, principals, administrators, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or recommendations.
• Supervises the staff training programs related to assigned academic areas for the purpose of providing a variety of teaching strategies.
• Supervises the staff training programs for the purpose of budget development and the promotion of an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Supports classroom teachers and other school personnel for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of school improvement plans.
• Trains teachers and administrators on best practices, learning strategies, school structure, etc. for the purpose of improving student success.
• Transports materials and equipment for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.
• Coordinates/provides services and supports that specifically align with the school’s Student and School Success Action Plan to qualifying schools.
• Collaborates with OSPI Student and School Success Coaches, leaders, and staff in identified schools to coordinate and ensure coherence between individual school Student and School Success Action Plans and major statewide initiatives (e.g., TPEP, CCSS, WaKIDS).
• Plans, designs, and conducts workshops and credit-bearing professional development on instructional topics relevant to the improvement plans of identified schools. (e.g., content-specific pedagogy, differentiated instruction, ELL, and/or SPED).
• Provides technical assistance to school and district administrators/staff in the analysis of their existing system and programs to determine the level and effectiveness of present support for underperforming students.
• Conducts presentations on best instructional practices for ELL and/or students receiving Special Education Services.
• Keeps abreast of education law and guidance, as well as information and educational research in the areas of math, reading, and Washington State Educational Reform.
• Completes required paperwork including NWESD time and effort reports, monthly activity logs, travel forms, and calendars.
• Manages workshops and facilitates adult learners in large and small group settings.
• Communicates regularly with district teams supporting identified schools and assist, as needed, in planning and implementation of District-level Student and School Success Plans.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field required; Master’s Degree (ideally in school or district leadership) preferred.  A minimum of three (3) years of K-12 experience, and two (2) years of successful planning and delivery of in-service workshops to adults required.  Successful background in working with a variety of contexts with a focus on meeting the needs of ELL students and/or students receiving Special Education Services required. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State Administrative Credential. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of philosophies, strategies, methodologies, research, and skills in developing and presenting workshops, training, and in-service on Differentiated Instruction and other instructional models for ELL students and those students receiving Special Education Services
• Ability to use data for school improvement and instruction.
• Knowledge of Learning Forward Professional Learning Standards.
• Knowledge of multi-tier systems of support (RTI, PBIS).
• Familiarity with equity and access for diverse populations.
• Knowledge of Professional Learning Communities.
• Knowledge of Washington State Education Reform and skills to design workshops that help teachers and school leaders align the Washington State Learning Standards to classroom lessons for ELL students and/or students receiving Special Education Services.
• Knowledge of Continuous Improvement Systems and their relationship to professional development and the improvement of student achievement.
• Effective observation, coaching, and /or mentoring techniques as related to Washington TPEP. Familiarity with Washington Three Instructional Frameworks.
• Familiarity with services and structures of OSPI and Educational Service Districts.
• Effective leadership, time management, prioritization and decision-making techniques.
• Knowledge of computer software applications and related academic and work management uses.
• Ability to design and plan workshops, in-service, and trainings.
• Ability to present engaging workshops, trainings, and in-service opportunities, one-on-one, to a group of school or district staff, or to various groups of school or district staff.
• Ability to observe classroom teachers and provide classroom demonstrations as well as effective feedback and coaching for instructional improvement.
• Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills, often without direct supervision.
• Ability to work cooperatively with local school districts and schools.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear, and concise statistical reports.
• Effective communication skills in English in both oral and written format.
• Preferred ability to speak Spanish.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers at NWESD, local school District staff, OSPI staff, staff from other ESDs, public agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to travel throughout the NWESD region (and other places within the state) to fulfill the essential functions of the position.
• Significant demonstrated success working with K-12 Districts, particularly in school reform/effective education practices pertaining to math, reading, ELL students and/or students receiving Special Education Services.
• High commitment to accomplishment; flexibility in work hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed approximately 75% in schools in the NWESD region and approximately 25% traveling within the state to fulfill the essential functions of the position. Some evenings, weekends and overnights are required.  The ability to sit for extended periods of time is required. Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount throughout the state.  Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.