Mathematics Specialist, MN Regional Center of Excellence

This newly created Regional Center of Excellence will serve identified schools in the 11 southeast counties and 7 Twin Cities/Metro counties of Minnesota.

JOB SUMMARY: The purpose of the Mathematics Specialist position is to provide technical assistance support in the Minnesota Department of Education's (MDE) regional Centers of Educational Excellence in the coordinated improvement efforts for all students, including students who are not native speakers of English. These regional support centers will serve as the Statewide System of Support (SSOS) and provide leadership teams in Focus and Priority schools with the basic components of continuous school improvement, including needs assessment, data analysis, standards alignment, instructional strategies, formative assessment, and instructional leadership specific to the needs of the schools. In addition, this specialist will assist leadership teams in setting goals, developing professional learning teams, effectively managing change, building intentional cultures and improving communication; to enhance instructional leaders' capacity to support, promote, lead, and sustain professional learning that improves both teaching practices and learning outcomes for all students. The regional specialist will collaborate with other Center staff, Department of Education personnel, and school leadership teams to determine the most appropriate and impactful course of action, and build statewide capacity in the Common Principles of Effective Practice (CPEP) and State Implementation and Scaling-up of Evidence-based Practices (SISEP).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in learning communities and professional organizations to network with other professionals and continue to expand knowledge and skills necessary to support system-wide change.
• Model and support best practices in mathematics instruction and assessment in core content areas, supplemental programs, and out of school programs to increase student achievement in mathematics.
• Identify and change instructional practices and characteristics of school culture that do not fully support the engagement of all students, and high expectations for all learners.
• Effectively interpret data, communicate results, and contribute to problem solving decision making that significantly impact student achievement.
• Essential: Understand what type of data is available at the district, school, classroom and student levels, what it means, what is missing, and it's limitations; in order to increase understanding of current practices and next steps for districts and schools.
• Essential: Provide expertise to interpret diagnostic mathematics assessments and make instructional recommendations based on current best practices and appropriate tools for specific situations.
• Coordinate and provide professional development opportunities for staff (including administrators) that supports effective implementation and learner outcomes for School Improvement Grants, Alternative Delivery Systems of Instructional Support, Adequate Yearly Progress, Title I.
• Coach, co-teach, model, demonstrate, observe, and provide feedback to teachers on the implementation of:
• Core, supplemental, and intensive intervention approaches for K-12 mathematics instruction
• Data use as the basis for instructional decision making
• Standards-based instruction
• Support school improvement goals related to mathematics by participating in Professional Learning Communities, providing resources to leadership teams and staff development committees, and conferring regularly with administrators and teachers to attain stated goals.
• Work collaboratively with district special education staff, English Language Development staff, Title I staff, and other educators within and beyond the district to support for all learners by utilizing multi-tiered systems of support, standards-based Individual Education Programs (IEPs), and Minnesota English Language Development Standards.
• Represent MDE's strategic initiatives, programs, services and resources to education organizations and other stakeholder groups.

Qualifications and Skills required for this position:

• Licensed as a secondary of mathematics teacher or as an elementary teacher with an emphasis in mathematics; experience as a classroom teacher, preferably in more than one grade level or course.
• Knowledge of current mathematics legislation and the ability to lead the application of all statutes and guidelines related to mathematics practices and programs.
• Ability to effectively interact with people of diverse backgrounds within the community and educational settings; and motivate others to share responsibility for improving mathematics outcomes for all students.
• Ability to gather, organize, synthesize, and present information to diverse audiences and provide technical assistance and coaching experiences to educators.
• Experience working collaboratively with a variety of specialists and general educators to lead school improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of progressions of learning included in Minnesota's Academic Standards for Mathematics.
• Knowledge of current mathematics research and evidence-based practices; and proven methods for implementing theory into practice.
• Ability to use data to improve mathematics instruction and achievement for all students.
• Experience in a multi-tiered system of support framework, such as Response to Intervention or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
• Knowledge of implementation practices such as CPEP and use of the SISEP approach.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with all levels of LEA staff, Regional staff, MDE staff and the general public.

Other needed skills:   Technology literacy and computer experience with word processing and other software. 

Physical requirements :   Able to lift and carry light loads (up to approximately 20 lbs); able to sit for extended period of time and work at a computer and/or desk.  Good driving record and ability to travel to meetings, mostly across southeast Minnesota and the Twin Cities/Metro area.

REPORTS TO:    Regional Center of Excellence Director.

COMPENSATION :   Commensurate with industry standards and local market, based primarily on experience and training and within Southeast Service Cooperative wage and benefit guidelines.  Anticipated range $60,000 - $75,000.  Benefit details provided if interviewed.

Southeast Service Cooperative is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.