Specialist, English Language Arts Middle School

Provide expertise, service, and support in secondary English Language Arts (ELA) core instruction and intervention with a focus on instructional planning, instructional delivery, and measuring and analyzing student outcomes. Work closely with classroom teachers and school-based teacher leaders to effectively implement instruction aligned with curricular materials and the Maryland College and Career Standards. Collaborate with instructional leadership teams to identify scheduling opportunities for additional instructional support, monitor and evaluate formative and summative data, and make instructional recommendations. Facilitate ongoing, job-embedded professional learning and in-classroom coaching on the use of evidence-based instructional practices and responsive instruction. Support literacy teaching and learning, with a particular focus on Community Schools at the middle school level. Perform other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Utilizes data to inform instructional planning and monitoring the effectiveness of literacy instruction at the core, supplemental, and intensive instruction/intervention levels.

Collaborates with the Department of Special Education and the Office of Multilingual Achievement to provide a comprehensive system of support for literacy interventions including reading pathways, placement and exit criteria, and coordinated professional development.

Collaborates with school leaders and school-based teams to develop schedules that support Tier I instruction with opportunities for additional instructional support.

Models, co-teaches, and facilitates professional learning to demonstrate the effective implementation of instructional pedagogy for teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators. 

Provides support to individual teachers and/or grade level teams through the provision of daily, consistent, ongoing support to schools to guide the implementation of the curriculum.

Plans and provides professional learning and coaching on the implementation of effective Tier I instruction and research-based literacy interventions. Identifies and recommends prevention, intervention, and enrichment opportunities for students in secondary English Language Arts.

Plans and provides professional learning and coaching on monitoring and analyzing student data and using identified student learning needs to make responsive instructional decisions. 

Maintains a collaborative relationship with MSDE, community agencies, institutions of higher learning and other leaders in secondary English Language Arts and Literacy education that benefits schools and supports system priorities. 

Provides parents, guardians, and community stakeholder groups with information and strategies that can be implemented with students to enhance student learning. 

Performs additional duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training, and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree or master’s equivalent.  Five years’ teaching experience with progressively responsible leadership experience.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a Maryland Educator Advanced Professional Certificate appropriate to the area of assignment.

OR

Possession of, or eligibility for, a Maryland Educator Advanced Professional License appropriate to the area of assignment.

Possession of a Maryland Educator Administrator I endorsement or Administrator I Licensure.

Reading Specialist Endorsement preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Demonstration of skill, experience, content knowledge, and pedagogy in secondary English Language Arts.

Demonstration of skill and experience in data analysis and identification of instructional implications.

Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

Demonstration of experience in curriculum development and professional development.

Demonstration of strong leadership, organization, and human relations skills.

Demonstration of technology competencies (e.g., database creation, spreadsheets, word processing, and applications related to the content).

Knowledge of current research-based instructional practices.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

The work of this class is interactive and performed primarily in a school environment. Work hours will include after school and evenings. Work includes the operation of office equipment, including personal computers, and occasional limited physical activities.

FLSA: Exempt

RETIREMENT: Eligible for the Maryland State Retirement System

GRADE: CASE Grade 08

SALARY: $94,734 - $143,545

Visit the BCPS Office of Payroll website for additional information on pay scales, other compensation and leave accruals at: 

Office of Payroll - Baltimore County Public Schools - www.bcps.org/operations/fiscalservices/payroll 
 

OTHER COMPENSATION: Position may be eligible for relocation bonus, extra duty activities pay, or other student activities pay as defined in the applicable Bargaining Unit Agreement. 

BENEFITS: BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans.  Other benefits include paid holidays, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves. All new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire. 

Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at https://www.bcps.org/hr/compliance/benefits_and_retirement 

This posting describes the duties and responsibilities of a position or group of positions.  It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees. 

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activates and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the Board’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443-809-8937).

Application Instructions: 

Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below. 

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS).  Information on your resume and application must match. This information is necessary for salary determination should you receive an offer of employment. 
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted.   
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment.  Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application may result in your application not being considered.  A resume will not be the only document considered in determining your qualifications for a position.  
• You MUST attach your unofficial transcript(s) or license(s) to your application if you are applying for a position as a teacher or position which requires Licensure/Certification. 

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education: 

• Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable only at the application stage. Official transcripts must be provided only after you have accepted a contingent offer. 
• Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education may result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with your application.  

Proof of Degree Equivalency: 

• Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from a MSDE approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agency. This information is located on the MSDE website at https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Foreign-Transcript-Evaluation-Agencies.aspx 

Pre-Employment Requirements: 

• All people employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (per COMAR) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $109.  
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US. 
• If you have military experience, you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214. 
• Official transcripts will be required upon hire and must be sent via e-script/clearinghouse from your university. 
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing. 
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Benefits and Retirement Orientation meeting. 
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit. 

Contact Information
Ann Geisinger
Manager, HR Staffing, Educator and Instructional Operations
[email protected]
443-809-4151