Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and 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 Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning is primarily responsible for providing leadership, organization, and coordination to/for all teaching and learning services functions provided by the Northwest Educational Service District (NWESD), as well as general assistance to the Superintendent in coordinating the activities of a multitude of departments/programs in the delivery of NWESD services, cooperative development, and operation.  The position requires the ability to:

• coordinate, upon the invitation of member district superintendents, school building analysis and strategic data-driven improvement plans relative to research identified characteristics of high achieving schools;
• organize, direct and facilitate the accumulation/dissemination of information (e.g. Washington State Learning Goals and Standards, WA School Improvement Network, curriculum development, “best practices” instruction and assessment, professional development) for all educational employees for thirty-five member school districts;
• leverage resources by coordinating regional delivery of staff inservice when school/district needs assessment/improvement plans identify common priorities; and,
• participate as an integral member and leader in NWESD operations including the administration of certain cooperatives and providing technical resources to ensure all students in the region have the best opportunities for achieving the state standards.
• serve as a member of the NWESD leadership team with the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, and Assistant Superintendent for Fiscal Services.

This position has direct supervisory responsibilities over all Teaching and Learning, Migrant Education, Early Learning, and Science Materials Center activities.

Essential Functions:

• Supervises and facilitates the timely and efficient accumulation/dissemination of Teaching and Learning related information and resources.
• In that role, represents the goals of the AESD and NWESD in interpreting law and creating professional learning opportunities and other services of most use by districts.
  • Maintains current knowledge base by pursuing ongoing professional development (e.g., related reading, conducting research, workshop/conference participation).
  • Provides leadership and technical assistance to member districts by serving as a clearing house and dissemination center of school improvement documents and events, coordinating regular Curriculum Directors’ meetings and Assessment Coordinators’ meetings, encouraging/supporting parent and community networking (e.g., home schooling, assessment).
• Supervises coordination of regional staff development when school/district needs assessment/improvement plans yield common priorities;
  • Facilitates analysis of each member districts staff development needs and priorities to identify common regional needs.
  • Communicates potential resource leveraging to member districts with common needs and facilitates coordinating inservice opportunities when member districts interest warrants, ensuring training is of the highest quality and meets member district needs.
  • Facilitates collaborative Teaching and Learning Department professional development team efforts.
  • Conducts ongoing formal and informal evaluation of the Teaching and Learning Department inservice programs and makes improvements based upon these data.
• Provides leadership, management, coordination and integration of Teaching and Learning related activities of the NWESD: Supervise, in partnership with Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents for Fiscal and Operations, NWESD coordination with outside agencies, including other ESDs, AESD Statewide Network, OSPI, governmental agencies, and professional organizations, on curriculum, instruction, and assessment related issues.
• Directly supervises staff which includes scheduling, planning and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing the work, training, administering disciplinary measures, formally reviewing performance, recommending salary adjustments, resolving complaints, and recommending the hiring and termination of staff within the Teaching and Learning Department, in partnership with the Assistant Superintendent for Operations.
• Provides Teaching and Learning related input to all NWESD operations and improvement planning.
• Provides for sound fiscal management including significant detailed budget preparation and management, authorizing purchase orders and contracts, time and effort reporting, and grant administration within the Teaching and Learning Department.
• Anticipates needed services and researches revenue resources. Assists in the development and analysis of new cooperative ideas, services, and/or strategies for modifying, improving, or extending services provided to local school districts, OSPI and collaborative efforts.
• Consults with local school districts on interpretation of Washington State Learning Goals/Standards, curriculum, best practices for instruction and assessment, and works with local school officials to promote academic excellence and improved student achievement for all learners.
• Develops and implements strategies for improving and maintaining positive communication and public relations with districts, OSPI, colleges/universities, ESDs, other agencies, and professional organizations.
• Provides and/or facilitates administrative support, self-study, evaluation, and technical assistance to districts, staff and parents. Maintains a work schedule which includes visibility in local districts.
• Anticipates significant changes in district needs, service opportunities, trends, regulations, and funding to allow the NWESD to be proactive and responsive to educational issues and local needs.
• In partnership with the Assistant Superintendent for Fiscal Services, serves as support for the activities associated with the Coordinated Service Agreements, including development of budgets and work plans, implementation of the agreements, attendance at meetings, leadership and in-house coordination, and other activities as necessary.
• Uses technology to guide in-house uses and insights for school reform applications.
• Provides support and technical assistance to districts in implementing state-mandated programs.
• Keeps informed and interprets laws, regulations, rules, audit requirements and policies affecting the NWESD and its member districts.
• Serves as a resource to facilitate planning, negotiation and compliance with contract and fiscal requirements for internal and external staff which requires close collaboration with the fiscal operations.
• Attends Board meetings and coordinates reports for the Board, as requested by the Superintendent.
• Serves in absence of the Superintendent upon request, as the chief administrative officer of the NWESD.
• Proactively identifies and accesses resource opportunities through grant acquisition, cooperative agreements, and other methods to permit realization of the NWESD mission and purpose.
• Establishes and maintains the Teaching and Learning Department system and school improvement efforts which will, upon the invitation of member districts superintendent, provide school analysis and data-driven improvement planning.
• Monitors NWESD school districts and schools for academic progress by collecting, maintaining, and analyzing student performance, demographic, and other data that may be available. Anticipates trends and reports to Superintendent possible needs for general, targeted or intervention assistance.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to successfully improve student achievement using data-driven continuous improvement processes.
• Skill in group facilitation and knowledge of systems analysis.
• Working understanding of the Washington State Learning Goals and Standards, State Assessment System and State Accountability System, curriculum, instruction and assessment research validated best practices, technology integration, educational reform initiatives and change processes.
• Working understanding of specific program requirements including pertinent RCW/WAC regulations and the ability to interpret and implement and communicate such.
• Understanding and commitment to Northwest Educational Service District 189 mission, vision, values, and goals and a general understanding of the various departments/components of an ESD.
• Working knowledge of pertinent state and federal requirements and regulations related to grants management and oversight.
• Skill in administering programs, including the management and monitoring of program budgets.
• Knowledge of effective leadership and supervisory techniques, models, and research findings with skill in delegation, as well as the ability to motivate, direct, and mentor department staff.
• Excellent teaching and training techniques and demonstrated use of such.
• Knowledge of relevant employment law in an educational establishment.
• Skill in the use of technology applications specific to improving student learning through data driven decisions as well as in word processing, databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, interactive video equipment, audio-visual equipment, and web design and development.
• Knowledge and understanding of laws regarding copyright.
• Superior written and oral communication skills including skill in technical writing with effective outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in conference planning and execution at a management level.
• Demonstrated success in organizational development, task management, planning, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to apply data-driven continuous improvement processes as the guiding method of providing services and contributing to the NWESD.
• Ability to secure funding for innovative programs at an expert level.
• Ability to respond to state-wide mandates.
• Knowledge and skill in implementing school reform efforts, strategic planning, and instructional assessment.
• Ability to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a service delivery model and ability to make recommendations for restructuring or for alternative program design to promote increased success.
• Ability to anticipate program needs and services desired by member districts. Ability to develop cooperative programs and services based upon the needs of students and districts.
• Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other NWESD departments, local education association personnel, OSPI/ESD staff, professional organization members, workshop/conference presenters, vendors, and the general public.

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Education or related field. Doctorate is desirable. A minimum of (5) five years K-12 teaching experience, and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in supervision/management at the district level with increasing level of responsibility required. Superintendent/Program/Administrative credentialed experience preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed approximately 75% in an office environment and approximately 25% traveling to districts and affiliate agencies, as well as for workshops, committee representation, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of forty (40) 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. Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, and varied road conditions.

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.