Early Childhood Professional Learning Specialist (Teacher-Citywide)

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 Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) supports students and families by providing early learning programs for children from birth to second grade in a variety of settings.  OECE’s mission is to provide all children and their families with access to high-quality, equitable early learning experiences leading to success in elementary school and beyond.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of Professional Learning, the Early Childhood Professional Learning Specialist (Teacher-Citywide) supports the implementation of instructional support for early childhood classrooms, as well as collaborates with OECE leadership to develop and implement Early Childhood staff development opportunities throughout the District. 

The Early Childhood Professional Learning Specialist (Teacher-Citywide) will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Professional Learning team, implement the OECE vision for instructional quality

• Plan, design, and facilitate professional learning experiences that align with department, district, and community goals for a range of stakeholders, including school staff, school leaders, network leaders, and central office staff

• Design, coordinate, and lead curriculum and assessment projects that support teachers, school administrators, and network leaders, with the implementation of high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and individualized instruction for children

• Research, prepare, and support the implementation of guidance on social/emotional learning and social/emotional support within early childhood classrooms

• Collaborate with OECE staff, classroom coaches, Head Teachers, and Family Engagement Coordinators to ensure the quality of early childhood programs and to implement district-wide initiatives

• Provide support to teachers, principals, and network staff on OECE strategy, guidance and approaches

• Support alignment of practice and structure from preschool through second grade

• Keep current with research in the field of early childhood education and professional learning

• Other related duties as required

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Early Childhood Professional Learning Specialist (Teacher-Citywide) must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required

• Valid Professional Educator License issued by the Illinois State Board of Education required 

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with a focus on curriculum and instruction preferred

• Early Childhood certification preferred

• Bilingual/Multilingual preferred

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of work experience with early childhood settings

• Experience designing and facilitating adult Professional Learning 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with stakeholders.

• Ability to collaborate with staff to develop effective partnerships promoting early learning experiences for students and development of all children.

• Able to work independently as well as to function effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Excellent organization skills and ability to effectively multi-task. 

• Effective project management skills

• Understand developmentally appropriate early childhood practice in school settings

• Able to analyze and use data to monitor, assess, and improve program quality, complete reports, projects, and other tasks in a professional and timely manner

• Knowledge of The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and TeachStone CLASS preferred

• Ability to use a range of technology and tools, including but not limited to Microsoft and Google

Other Requirements: 

• Access to reliable transportation to travel to various locations throughout the 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.