• External Candidates Only
  
• Previous applicants need not apply
  
• This a grant funded position for 2 school years
  
• PFT position
  
• PDE Level II Certification in the content areas of English (10 positions available), Biology (2 positions available) and/or Mathematics (3 positions available)
  
• Salary is based on the SDP Teachers Salary Guide minus 1 year of experience for External Candidates

Assist schools and teachers in creating a consistent implementation of content area instruction in the School District of Philadelphia’s core curriculum. As a member of the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, the Content Specialist will coordinate area projects and programs to support content area. Content Specialists will be expected to model best practices, analyze teaching practices, support schools, teachers, and other stakeholders to attain high quality instructional practices, and provide professional development support, based on area(s) of need. Uses research, data, current trends and technology to support administrators and teachers in the implementation of the District’s standards based curriculum as a means to ensure that students receive a high quality education  Although all members of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment are expected to be aware of best instructional practices, the Content Specialist will have a specialty in using on-going, daily informal and formal classroom assessments to meet the needs of individual students in attaining educational excellence in content areas. 

Essential Functions

• Supports in the training of teachers in core curriculum content areas and conducts regular Walk Through of schools.
• Debriefs with leadership staff to analyze and support the instructional practices in schools.
• Plans and administers the implementation of instructional strategies to support academic achievement.
• Develops designs and delivers professional development for principals, leadership teams and teachers based on the needs of schools and teachers.
• Visits schools and classrooms and provides support to improve instructional and assessment strategies, outside of the Walk Throughs.
• Encourages a continuous exchange of ideas and maintains a relationship with the Assistant Superintendents, Principals, other central offices, content-based organizations, and university partnerships.
• Monitors and supports planning, instruction and assessment in the Keystone assessed courses.
• Facilitates and/or attends Keystone content area meetings.
• Co-develops and monitors Keystone Supplemental Education and Project Based Assessment Plans.
• Analyzes PSSA, Keystone and PVAAS data to inform rosters, Supplemental Education and RtII/MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support).
• Analyzes and monitors RtII/MTSS intervention programs in Keystone content areas.
• Delivers monthly building-based professional development.
• Supports principal and staff to deepen and extend knowledge relative to the District-wide areas of focus (Common Core, Instructional Practices, and Literacy).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of:

• all aspects of the content and Common Core Standards.
• components of the Keystone Assessments.
• key components of curriculum and aligned assessment.

Demonstrated ability to:

• plan and administer effective district-wide and school- specific professional development.
• build relationships and support teachers in understanding content-area instruction.
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Scope of the Examination        
Written Examination                                                                   Weight: 25%
The written examination consists of a sample correspondence related to the area of expertise.
 
Practical Examination                                                               Weight: 25%
The practical examination is designed to measure the candidate’s knowledge of the components of effective professional development strategies, as demonstrated by their ability to plan and deliver a demonstration session.

Oral Examination                                                                           Weight: 50%
The oral examination consists of a series of questions designed to measure the candidate knowledge of such areas as curriculum, instruction and assessment. In addition, the oral exam will measure those personal characteristics needed for success at this point.

Minimum Required Score: 80.00
If you fail the Oral examination, you will not move onto the Practical and Written Examination.

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WHO REQUIRE ASSISTANCE IN TAKING THE EXAMINATION MUST ATTACH A LETTER TO THE APPLICATION FORM STATING THE NATURE OF THE DISABILITY AND THE TYPE OF EXAMINATION ASSISTANCE REQUIRED. MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION WITH RESPECT TO THE DISABILITY CLAIMED AND THE ACCOMMODATION REQUESTED MAY BE REQUIRED.

Selection Process
Selected candidates will participate in an interview process.  Please note that not all qualified candidates may be selected for an interview. The selected candidate must have no anecdotal record on file and have not been subject to any disciplinary action within the past eighteen (18) months, and have an excellent record of attendance and punctuality during the last three (3) years (defined as no more than eighteen (18) occasions of lateness or absence for personal illness in the last three years (3) years with the exception of one extended long-term absence).

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.