Regional Centers of Excellence Overview

The Regional Centers of Excellence (RCEs), in partnership with districts, schools and charters, focuses school improvement and turnaround efforts on equity and underserved student groups so that schools can meet the needs of each student and ensure that each student benefits from a high-quality school.

Position description

The School Advocate/ Specialist provides general school improvement planning and technical assistance in schools and works with school leadership teams to coordinate improvement efforts for all students, builds the capacity of districts, schools, and charters to engage in continuous improvement, to implement the World’s Best Workforce legislation and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The ultimate goal of this position is to close achievement gaps, while increasing achievement and graduation rates for all student groups. This is a year-round, full-time position.

Core Competencies

Ideal candidates demonstrate knowledge, skills and willingness to:

Equity

●     engage educators in conversations and action planning to ensure high levels of learning for all students and staff without exception

●     identify and eliminate structural and institutional barriers to educational opportunities resulting in improved conditions for teaching and learning

Effective Instruction

●     support systems and educators in becoming standards-based and standards-aligned in curriculum design, instruction, and assessment

●     support systems and educators in establishing high-functioning Professional Learning Communities

Coaching / Facilitation /

Mentoring

●     model and develop effective team facilitation processes and protocols

●     design activities and resources to effectively deliver and evaluate professional development

●     increase the quality and effectiveness of teams in data analysis, decision making, and collaborative implementation of instructional strategies utilizing the principles of adult learning

●     engage in focused conversations with district and school leaders to build capacity for school turnaround and improvement

Evidence / Data

●     use evidence and data in system and educator improvement, including the use of MDE secure reports, multiple types of education data, and comprehensive needs assessment

Active Implementation

●     assist systems and educators in identifying and implementing evidence based practices using the Active Implementation Framework

            AIHub

Specialist Competencies

●     understanding of implementing systemic change

●     ability to build capacity of educators and school or district [1] Leadership Implementation Teams to implement systemic change

●     ability to coach educators and Leadership Implementation Teams to implement systemic change

●     ability to establish relationships and collaborate with Leadership Implementation Teams

●     implementing change of instructional practices toward fidelity and positive outcome

Position Requirements

●     foster positive, productive, and collaborative relationships with Regional Centers of Excellence colleagues, schools, districts, service cooperatives, and the Minnesota Department of Education

●     make appropriate and effective use of time, technology, and resources

●     complete all operational reports within a timely manner and

●     be flexible in a variety of working environments in schools, virtual or home office settings

●     be required to travel to perform the duties of the job; travel costs are reimbursed

Desired Education, Licensure and Experience

●     experience in working with diverse groups, addressing equity issues and supporting systems in closing achievement gaps

●     licensure and/or a minimum of five years’ experience in various schools and districts, and/or multiple age levels

●     knowledge and skills in any of the following areas: Reading, Mathematics, Special Education, English Language Development, Primary and/or Secondary school leadership

Additional Service Cooperative Information

The Northwest Service Cooperative-Northern Sky Regional Center of Excellence is accepting applications for fulltime, year-round School Advocate/Content Specialist. The School Advocate/Content Specialist provides general school improvement planning and technical assistance in schools across northern Minnesota and works with school leadership teams to coordinate improvement efforts for all students.

Position qualifications include licensure and/or a minimum of five years’ experience in various schools and districts, and/or multiple age levels, along with knowledge and skills in any of the following areas

●     Reading

●     Mathematics

●     Special Education

●     English Language Development

●     Implementation Science

●     Equity

●     Primary and/or Secondary school leadership and improvement or data driven decision making

●     Specific Job Descriptions may be found at the Northwest Service Cooperative website:

Application Link:  https://www.applitrack.com/nwscschools/onlineapp/_application.aspx

Contact Information:

Rebecca Neal, Director

Northwest Service Cooperative – Northern Sky Regional Center of Excellence

114 1st Street West Thief River Falls, MN 56701

Phone: 218-686-9719

Email: bneal@mnce.org

Timeline for filling position: Position open until filled.