Manager, STEM Implementation & Supports

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 Department of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) supports inclusive and innovative learning experiences in math, science, computer science, and whole-school integrated STEM & STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programming across the district. It is our commitment that every day, in every STEM classroom in CPS, all students will: actively make sense of and construct solutions to complex questions; productively contribute to the learning community to support a culture of collaboration, risk-taking, and innovation; and regularly reflect on and communicate their understanding of disciplinary ideas. Through these experiences and purposeful opportunities to face transdisciplinary challenges, students will graduate from CPS with advanced STEM literacies prepared to make the world a better place.

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Department of STEM, the Manager of STEM Implementation and Supports will contribute to the effective implementation of STEM programming as it relates to school site conditions, cross-disciplinary curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention for all students with a specific focus on the district’s STEM schools. Additionally, this position will provide direct leadership and oversight to direct reports within the department. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Manager of STEM Implementation & Supports will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Lead the STE(A)M Schools Support Specialists in providing guidance, professional learning, and leadership to the school-based STEM Coordinators in their work as instructional coaches and champions of STEM practices in their schools

Develop and model effective coaching relationships

Provide guidance and resources to support Specialists in implementing meaningful learning cycles

Monitor and provide feedback to Specialists to support continuous improvement

Provide vision and direction for district-wide PreK-12 STEM programming, teaching, and learning, with a focus on school-wide shifts in practice

Manage a high-functioning and collaborative team STEAM Specialists that is able to execute effectively, meet deadlines, and improve the student experience in STEM and STEAM schools

Lead the annual STEM/STEAM program continuous improvement cycle by collaborating with STEM and STEAM School Administrators to identify areas of growth, develop priorities, and implement strategies for program improvement

Design, coordinate, and facilitate ongoing, responsive professional learning for:

School-based STEM Specialists

STEM School Administrators

STEM School Teachers

Collaborate on the revision and implementation of the Academic Programs Application and Certification Processes

Collaborate regularly with the Citywide STEM Initiatives Manager and other departments such as the Department of Arts Education, Advanced Learning and Specialty Programs, and Early College and Career Education to ensure alignment of priorities and initiatives

Provide subject matter expertise on district-wide initiatives including cross-departmental programs, RFPs, professional learning, and resource development

Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Manager of STEM Implementation & Supports must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required :

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university

Master’s degree in STEM field, Education, or related field preferred

Valid teaching certificate issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with appropriate grade level and content level endorsement, is required.

Experience Required :

Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in PreK-12 education, including the following, is required:

Minimum of five (5) years of classroom teaching experience in a STEM-related field. (Three (3) years of teaching experience will be considered in combination with 2 years in an elevated, content specialist-type position.)

Minimum of three (3) years of teacher leadership experience, such as leading school teams in the development of curriculum and assessments, analyzing student performance data, etc.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with adult learners, including creating, organizing, and facilitating professional learning experiences to meet the needs of participants

Minimum of two (2) years of district-level experience supporting STEM programs (E.g., content or program specialist), providing professional coaching and/or managing others

Experience leading a high-functioning team within the content area focus

Experience with program management, providing professional coaching or managing others

Experience with strategic planning and adult learning to shape the cross-content district-wide professional learning strategy

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Strong knowledge of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards

Expertise in research-based instructional practices and strategies

Understanding of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Strong leadership and team building skills, e.g. ability to develop high-performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success

High standards for performance; ability to articulate a vision, set high standards, and effectively guide team members in the realization of expectations set

Commitment to continuous improvement

Proven track record of success and a clear focus on results

Excellent facilitation, written, and oral communication skills

Knowledge of critical issues in education

Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options
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