Program Specialist - Elementary BASE bei Newport News Public Schools

Contract Length: 220 Days

Job Summary

The Program Specialist for the BASE Program supports the daily operations and activities of this short-term, intensive behavior redirection program for elementary students (K–3) who require differentiated social-emotional and academic supports to achieve success and transition back to their home schools. The specialist works collaboratively with teachers, school leaders, families, and community partners to ensure high-quality instruction, positive behavior supports, and consistent implementation of intervention strategies. This role monitors student progress, coordinates support services, and promotes alignment with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL), accreditation requirements, and the NNPS Strategic Plan. The Program Specialist also provides coaching and guidance to staff, facilitates communication across schools and families, and assists with planning and transitions to ensure students receive safe, structured, and effective learning experiences that foster both academic and behavioral growth.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities Required)

The Program Specialist must possess a Master’s Degree and a Virginia Postgraduate Professional License or be eligible for Virginia licensure. A minimum of three years of successful full-time teaching experience at the elementary level is required, with experience in alternative education, behavior intervention, or a related leadership or support role preferred. An endorsement in Administration and Supervision PK–12 is preferred but not required. The specialist must successfully complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training, including restraint certification, and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with students from diverse behavioral, academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Strong skills in collaboration, coaching, and building positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners are essential.

Essential Duties

1. Collaborates with staff, families, and administrators to support student placement, monitor progress, and ensure smooth transitions back to traditional school settings.
2. Helps plan and implement instructional and behavioral supports that align with Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), program guidelines, and NNPS policies.
3. Supports teachers, counselors, and paraprofessionals with effective classroom management strategies, crisis prevention, and positive behavior supports.
4. Provides coaching, feedback, and professional learning to staff to ensure fidelity to evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices.
5. Assists with data collection and analysis of academics, attendance, and behavior to guide instruction, interventions, and program evaluation.
6. Monitors student learning and behavior plans to ensure needs are met through differentiated instruction and supports.
7. Works with principals and central office staff to coordinate services, address concerns, and support program improvement.
8. Facilitates communication with families and community partners to reinforce positive student behavior and engagement in learning.
9. Supports budget and resource management for program operations under the direction of program leadership.
10. Represents the program as a subject-matter resource on K–3 alternative and behavioral supports.