| Location | Chicago, IL |
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
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to: