Instructional Specialist (2026-2027 School Year)

Description:
The Instructional Specialist is dedicated to elevating student achievement and building instructional capacity across the school. The primary role of this position is to provide targeted, data-driven support-including direct instruction, assessment, and intervention/enrichment in math, reading, or social-emotional-behavioral (SEB) areas-to ensure all students develop the necessary proficiencies for success. This position also serves as a key resource and mentor, collaborating with staff to integrate research-based practices and monitor progress, thereby increasing building-wide expertise and instructional integrity within an Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Support (iMTSS) framework.

JOB SUMMARY:

1. Plan and instruct students in math, reading or SEB within a classroom, small group, or one-on-one setting based on building needs.
2. Enrich or modify lessons and curriculum as needed to meet individual student needs and varying levels of progress.
3. Establish a safe atmosphere conducive to positive learning and act as a role model to ensure normal social and emotional development.
4. Facilitate the implementation of student intervention plans and ensure they are matched with specific student needs.
5. Regularly access through the district data system student's performance data, learning plan, and progress to date.
6. Construct and conduct assessments to evaluate progress and maintain detailed records of student work.
7. Monitor the use of interventions through data collection to ensure research-based integrity.
8. Collaborate with colleagues including classroom teachers, special education staff, teacher assistants, and paraprofessionals.
9. Provide counsel and advice to staff on issues relating to reading, math and SEB curriculum and model effective instructional practices.
10. Assist in the coordination of personnel, time, and materials for data-based delivery of instruction.
11. Communicate both verbally and in writing with parents and students regarding progress and growth.
12. Participate in staff development and school improvement activities to maintain professional growth and incorporate best practices.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES:

1. Ability to serve as a resource and mentor to staff, increasing building-wide expertise in research-based practices.
2. Ability to collect, analyze, and use student-level data to monitor the integrity and effectiveness of interventions.
3. Demonstrates strong knowledge of elementary school pedagogy and content area expertise in math, reading, or SEB.
4. Ability to work cooperatively with diverse teams of educators and support staff.
5. Demonstrates expertise in oral and written communication with staff, students, and parents.
6. Ability to coordinate personnel and materials effectively for building-wide instructional delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Illinois Professional Educator License
• Minimum of 4-5 years of teaching experience (preferred)
• Advanced degree with a relevant endorsement (preferred)
• Demonstrated knowledge of elementary school students and iMTSS principles

Rate of Pay and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with education and experience and will be determined by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is currently under negotiation (effective July 1, 2026). To establish a baseline, the current IPEA Salary and Stipend Schedule 2025-2026.pdf and benefits as outlined in current contract IPEA Agreement 2022-2026.pdf are available for review.
Working Conditions : School Setting.
Selection Procedure: Qualified candidates will be contacted by the appropriate building administrator.