NTT Faculty - Instructional Leader (PFA)

Description

The Instructional Leader Preschool for All (PFA) will support classroom education staff (teachers and teacher assistants) through embedded professional development practices and individualized professional development plans to refine their practices, improve instructional quality, and achieve mastery as early childhood professionals.

Examples of Duties

• Ensure that the program selects a high-quality, research-based curriculum in alignment with the Illinois Early Learning Standards. (IELDS)
• Ensure the program selects an authentic assessment tool that aligns with the curriculum.
• Manage program implementation of selected curriculum, assessment tool, and supplemental materials. Align program practices and standards to support quality implementation.
• Coordinate teacher training (teacher and teacher assistants) on the selected screening, curriculum, and assessment tool.
• Support classroom education staff with creating lesson plans that align with the curriculum and the IELDs and reflect developmentally appropriate practice. Provide teachers with timely feedback and recommendations.
• Support the analysis of program and classroom-level data, (assessment, monitoring, etc.) as a driver of program quality and instructional excellence.
• Identify professional development opportunities offered by funders, regional professional development providers, and conferences that align with teaching staff goals and needs and bring new and emerging best practices into the program.
• Develop and facilitate a professional learning community focused on instructional excellence.
• Provide a professional development plan addressing issues of English Learners, cultural diversity, and inclusion.
• Support and facilitate teaching staff on individual professional development plans.
• Conduct regular observation in all assigned classrooms and maintain record; support peer observation and learning between classrooms/sites.
• Engage education staff in individual and group reflective coaching to discuss observations and develop a plan to strengthen challenging areas and build on areas of strength.
• Identify resources and materials that support instructional quality and integrate them into program practices.
• Develop internal systems and procedures that advance instructional quality.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or other related field of study by date of hire.
• At least one year of experience working intensely with young children ages 0 - 5 years old and/or their families.
• At least one year of experience working in a prekindergarten classroom setting.
• Experience working with at-risk, culturally, and/or linguistically diverse children and families.

• Active Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education.
• Special Education Endorsements and/or experience working with children with IEPs or 504 plans.
• Experience and/or training in coaching and reflective practice.
• Experience implementing Creative Curriculum and Developmental Assessments (Early Learning Scale, TS Gold, Developmental Portfolios, etc.)

Supplemental Information

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a Carnegie Doctoral Research University offering 200 undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.

The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/.

SIU Carbondale, member of the SIU System, is an anti-racist community that opposes racism, discrimination and inequity in any form, and embraces diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice for all people.

SIU Carbondale is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans (HMOs, OAPs, QCHP and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts, MCAP and DCAP, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: Generous paid time-off, 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans, Employee Assistance Program and a Tuition Waiver Program.