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Chicago Public Schools

Manager Of Professional Learning, OECE

Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 40,000 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. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

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. The Early Childhood Professional Learning team plays a critical role in supporting schools to provide high-quality experiences.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Program Director, the

Manager of Professional Learning

leads the design, implementation, and monitoring of the professional development strategy that supports the development of educators' knowledge and skills related to early childhood curriculum, assessment, standards, content knowledge, pedagogy, and instructional strategies. This individual leads and supports short and long-term early childhood curriculum and instruction projects that require inter-departmental collaboration. The Manager of Professional Learning also works closely with the OECE Manager of Curriculum and Instruction, the Manager of Family Engagement, and the P-2 Program Manager to create an aligned and consistent approach to developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of school leaders and educators. The Manager of Professional Learning also oversees a team of professional development specialists

The Manager of Professional Learning will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Design, implement, monitor, and evaluate, and enhance the Office of Early Childhood's professional learning strategy to support the development of educators' and leaders' knowledge and skills related to early childhood curriculum, assessment, standards, content knowledge, pedagogy, and instructional strategies. Develop a comprehensive annual plan in collaboration with OECE, district partners, and external stakeholders that aligns OECE professional learning with broader strategic initiatives.Design, implement, monitor and evaluate, and grow OECE initiatives designed to support the implementation of High-Quality Curriculum resources, inclusive of Pre-K Foundational Skills, Pre-K Artes del lenguaje del español (ALE), and other curriculum initiatives as assigned.Plan, lead, monitor, evaluate, and enhance annual projects to support the implementation of early childhood program quality initiatives, inclusive but not limited to Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, CLASS Observations, Beginning of Year Developmental Screeners, MTSS, and Social-Emotional Learning.Manage a high-functioning and collaborative Professional Development Team that executes effectively, meets deadlines, and delivers high-quality professional learning. Provide ongoing coaching and development to the professional development team, inclusive of performance management and performance reviews.Collaborate with OECE Managers and Leaders to create and lead aligned strategies to support high-quality programs, family engagement, access and enrollment, and P-2 policies and systems.Collaborate with OECE Data Manager to evaluate the impact of professional development and other assigned workstreams.Collaborate across CPS departments through formal and informal structures to support OECE and district initiatives; ensure cohesive and coherent messaging to schools regarding collaborative effortsProvide subject matter expertise on district-wide initiatives, including cross-departmental programs, RFPs, and resource development.Maintain content area expertise by staying abreast of current research, practices, and innovation in the field.Other duties and workstreams as required.In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Manager of Professional Learning must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or universityValid Professional Educator's License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is required. Candidates with a valid out-of-state, reciprocal license will be considered but must obtain ISBE licensure within 6 months of hire. Certification in Early Childhood Birth-Grade 2 and/or Elementary Education Grades 1-6 and/or Early Childhood Special Education Birth-Grade 3 preferred. LBSI, ESL, or Bilingual Endorsement preferredMaster's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, School Leadership, or other related field preferredExperience Required:

Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience in education, including the following is required:Minimum of five (5) years of classroom teaching experience preferably in early childhood or elementary grade levels. (Three years of teaching experience will be considered in combination with two years of experience in an elevated leadership role requiring teaching experience)Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with adult learners, including creating, organizing, and facilitating professional learning experiences that meet participants' needs.Experience managing others, which includes leading a high-functioning team and providing professional coachingExperience with program management, strategic planning, and adult learning to shape strategy and goals for a school, district office, or other large-scale projectExperience as a teacher leader or school leader preferredExperience within Chicago Public Schools preferredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to articulate a vision set high standards, and effectively guide early childhood staff in the realization of high-quality early childhood programsExpertise in planning, designing, facilitating, and evaluating professional learningAbility to manage large-scale and complex projects that require collaboration across multiple teams, problem solve, delegate, and multi-task to support project management as neededStrong leadership and team building skills; Ability to develop, lead, and manage high-performing teams united around a clear vision and common goals.Excellent ability to communicate effectively (writing, speaking, presentation, listening) with a diverse group of stakeholders that includes educators, school leaders, central office teams, district leadership, and external partners.Ability to collect, analyze, and use data to monitor, assess, and improve program quality, complete reports, and inform strategy.Ability to work independently as well as to function effectively and collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to develop effective partnerships to support and promote the ECE work throughout the district.Deep knowledge of best practices and current research in adult learning theory, professional learning design, and facilitation of presentations or seminars. Knowledge of coaching and learning cycles for improvement of practice at the classroom, school, or district level is preferred.Deep knowledge of best practices and current research within the field of early childhood, inclusive of Pre-K through 2nd Grade. Experience using or leading resources such as The Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and Teachstone CLASS preferred.Possess a valid driver's license and a car to travel to various locations throughout the district, including professional development locations, CPS offices, and school sites.Ability to support professional development sessions hosted by the Office of Early Childhood that require before or after work hours (average 3-4 times per month).Excellent technology skills (Google Suite)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.Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 -

Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. "Up-to-date" on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.