Professional Learning Specialist, Early Childhood (Teacher - Citywide) na Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) supports students and families by providing early learning programs for children from birth to second grade in a variety of settings.  OECE’s mission is to provide all children and their families with access to high-quality, equitable early learning experiences leading to success in elementary school and beyond. The Early Childhood Professional Learning team plays a critical role in supporting schools to provide high-quality experiences.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Manager of Professional Learning, the Professional Learning Specialist, Early Childhood supports the implementation of instructional support for early childhood classrooms, as well as collaborates with OECE leadership to develop and implement Early Childhood staff development opportunities throughout the District. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.  

The Professional Learning Specialist, Early Childhood will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Professional Learning team to implement the OECE vision for instructional quality.

• Plan, design, and facilitate professional learning experiences for a range of stakeholders and Central Office staff that aligns with department, district, and community goals.

• Design, coordinate, and lead curriculum and assessment projects that support teachers, school administrators, and network leaders with the implementation of high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and individualized instruction for children.

• Research, prepare, and support the implementation of guidance on social-emotional learning and social-emotional support within early childhood classrooms. 

• Collaborate with OECE Early Childhood Specialists, Instructional Support Specialists, Head Teachers, and Family Engagement Coordinators to ensure the quality of early childhood programs and to implement district-wide initiatives.

• Provide support to teachers, principals, and network staff on OECE strategy, guidance and approaches.

• Support alignment of practice and structure from preschool through second grade.

• Keep current with research in the field of early childhood education and professional learning.

• Other duties as assigned 

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Professional Learning Specialist, Early Childhood must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required
• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with a focus on curriculum and instruction preferred
• Valid Professional Educator License issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (or out-of-state equivalent) required 
• Early Childhood certification preferred

 Experience Required: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of related work experience within early childhood settings
• Experience designing and facilitating adult Professional Learning preferred

Other Requirements:

• Access to reliable transportation to travel to various locations throughout the City of Chicago

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills (Verbal and Written)
• Ability to collaborate with staff to develop effective partnerships promoting early learning experiences for students and development of all children.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team settings in a fast-paced environment. 
• Excellent organization skills and the ability to effectively multi-task 
• Effective project management skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of developmentally appropriate early childhood practice in school settings
• Ability to analyze and use data to monitor, assess, and improve program quality, complete reports, projects, and other tasks
• Ability to use a range of technology and tools, including but not limited to Microsoft and Google. 
• Knowledge of The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and TeachStone CLASS preferred

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.