School Quality Specialist (Academics/Curriculum and Instruction)

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 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.

In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans : academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.

Six core values are embedded within these commitments student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office of Innovation and Incubation (I&I) provides incubation, management, and oversight of charter, contract, and alternative schools as options for CPS students and families.

I&I also leads the district’s Academic RFP process, which provides school communities across the city with access to highly demanded programs.

I&I oversees approximately 90 Charter and Contract Schools which together educate nearly 55,000 students.

Job Summary :

Reporting to the Manager of School Quality Support, the School Quality Specialist will be responsible for subject matter expertise in Academics / Curriculum & Instruction.

This role will conduct assessments, provide support, and implement related improvement strategies for charter and contract schools.

This role will hold several in-person touchpoints with schools, including during school visits for mid-cycle performance reviews, during the charter renewal process, and to monitor possible contractual conditions from prior evaluations.

The School Quality Specialist will collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and staff to implement best practices and drive continuous improvement.

The School Quality Specialist will provide valuable feedback and recommendations to improve educational outcomes and ensure compliance with established standards.

The School Quality Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :

• Analyze school and student performance data to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with school administrators and teachers to develop improvement plans based on assessment findings.
• Provide guidance, support and coaching to school staff in implementing evidence-based strategies and interventions.
• Connect school leaders and teachers with professional development opportunities to enhance capacity.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of improvement plans, providing ongoing feedback and support.
• Stay updated on current educational research, trends, and best practices to inform improvement strategies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, such as educational consultants or community organizations, to leverage additional resources and expertise; and
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing assessment findings, improvement plans, and progress toward goals.
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the School Quality Specialist must possess the following qualifications :

Education Required :

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; Preferred fields of study include Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience Required :

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience supporting Academics / Curriculum and Instruction
• Minimum of four (4) of professional work experience supporting systems improvement or project management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Knowledge of educational standards, policies, and regulations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to make independent judgments about dynamic issues
• Effective communication skills (Written, Verbal & Presentation)
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and various audiences
• Familiarity with data analysis tools
• Proficiency with technology used to collect, analyze, and present data
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and needs within the school or district

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.

Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire.

Up-to-date on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.