Summary/Objective:
The COMPASS Regional Mathematics Lead, will serve as a part of the statewide system of regional support to educators and school leaders to implement evidence-based instructional strategies in standards-based mathematics. This position will work with state math leaders and regional centers to lead regional professional learning to promote a deep understanding of math standards, content, learning progressions, and pedagogy necessary for the implementation of standards and effective teaching in PK-12 math environments.
The regional mathematics specialist continuously utilizes data to inform instructional practices related to standards-based education and facilitates communications and planning with sites and districts to advance student success and accelerate student learning. This position will work with regional sites to build sustainable systems of processes and coaching support for educators and educational leaders to improve their capacity to fully implement evidence-based mathematics, engage families, and build educator competency and efficacy – thereby increasing the mathematics skills of historically underserved children in Minnesota.
The regional math specialist will work in partnership with state and regional teams to build educator and administrative competency around mathematics, assessment, and data including understanding standards and benchmarks and the developmental processes of learning mathematics. This position will work with sites to identify resources and alignment to math standards.
Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Statewide Mathematics Team Responsibilities:
- Serve as a member of this team under the leadership of the COMPASS Math Lead:
- Participate in communities of practice to deepen understanding and skill in math standards, math progressions, math instructional pedagogy, and standards-based implementation.
- Stay apprised of current research and evidence-based practices for mathematics instruction.
- Collaboratively develop tools, resources, professional development modules, and programming.
- Determine evidence-based programs and practices that should be scaled up for improved instruction, curriculum, assessment, and professional development.
- Work collaboratively to build and maintain a regional system of professional development and support that educators and leaders can easily access and that makes extensive use of e-learning modules, webinars, interactive websites, open education resources (OER), and/or other multimedia and digital resources.
- Provide tools and processes for on-site coaching for district and school math educators, leaders and school teams in the region.
- Develop strong relationships with other organizations supporting mathematics leadership including NCTM, NCSM, The Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM), The MN Math Leaders, The STEM Center (SciMathMN), and state and regional higher ed institutions.
- As requested by the state leadership team, actively participate in a state tier one instruction cross functional team.
- Work collectively with peers and the MN Department of Education in reflecting on personal learning and how that learning supports student achievement and growth of students.
- Participate in early learning training and support initiatives that help pre-K teachers provide high-quality, developmentally based instruction.
- Assess statewide practices in instruction, curriculum, assessment, and professional development to determine gaps in understanding core features of evidence-based practices in those areas.
- Select and use tools and materials specific to active implementation frameworks.
- Assess practices in instruction, curriculum, assessment, and professional development to determine gaps in understanding core features of evidence-based practices in those areas.
- Ensure alignment of the work to the Minnesota PreK-12 Academic Mathematics Standards and Early Childhood Indicators of Progress.
Minnesota Service Cooperative Responsibilities:
- Serve as a math lead on the regional COMPASS team. Collaborate with colleagues to ensure math support provided across all content areas is aligned to MnMTSS.
- Collect and analyze regional knowledge and capacity data to identify messaging, training, support, and coaching needs to build capacity for implementing effective mathematical practices within the MnMTSS framework.
District and School Responsibilities:
- Assist schools in identifying, operationalizing, and reaching a shared understanding of core features of evidence-based practices in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development.
- Support districts in the implementation and alignment of a MnMTSS system utilizing evidence-based practices and standards-based mathematics curriculum.
- Support district and school leaders to plan for continuous improvement of Tier 1/universal instruction through engagement with COMPASS supports and services, such as regional leads in content areas of literacy or math and professional development in Learning Acceleration (Atlas).
- Support implementation of evidence-based mathematics practices in PK-12 settings.
- Support district and school teams in data collection and analysis to ensure data is being used effectively to inform instruction to support student growth and achievement across all Tiers.
- Familiarize teachers and administration with the research on effective mathematics practices and evidence-based practices.
- Regularly communicate with school administrators, colleagues, and experts to keep well-informed of current and developing research.
- Other duties as assigned
Competencies:
- Proficient in working with diverse groups, and leadership teams, addressing inequities, and supporting change and transformation in systems.
- Thorough understanding of pedagogy and best practices within mathematics education
- Understanding of adult learning principles
- Ability to function cooperatively as a member of a team
- Ability to reflect on and continuously improve professional practices in response to coaching
- Proficiency in group facilitation
- Proficiency in addressing educational inequity in previous positions
- Ability to adapt to and work with a variety of school contexts
- Ability to create a collaborative partnership with educators
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Creative analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently across agencies and partnerships; individually and as a team member
- Ability to show initiative in resolving problems
- Ability to assume responsibility, be well organized, execute initiatives from directives and approved self-initiatives
- Ability to build open, honest, and trustworthy relationships with people of various personality styles and behaviors – internally and externally
- Ability to conduct oneself in a professional and customer service-based manner at all times
- Proficient in the use of office applications and online learning platforms
- Proficiency in adapting to new software and digital tools
Education and Experience:
- Bachelors in mathematics, education, or related field
- Minimum of five (5) years prior mathematics K-12 teaching experience
- Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating district-wide initiatives and professional learning connected to mathematics
- Current teaching or administrative license
- Valid MN Driver’s License
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Masters in education or related field
- 3+ years of instructional coaching experience with a focus on mathematics
Environment & Physical Demands: This job operates in a hybrid office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some office organization and event set-up/tear-down are required. This would require the ability to move and lift 30 lbs., stand for extended periods, and carry items a short distance as necessary.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, 260-day, grant-funded position. Hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but occasional events outside the typical work day, travel to the Minnesota Department of Education, and within the region are expected.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary and Benefits: Competitive salary and benefits, including TRA and a flexible work environment.