Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Instructional Specialist is responsible for promoting the understanding and engagement of early childhood education through direct interaction with Pre-K – Grade 3 educators and administrators. This includes managing partnerships, designing and delivering professional learning experiences, coaching educators, and developing instructional materials aligned with research-based practices and grade-level standards.

Job Description

• Partnership Development and Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in partner districts to ensure alignment of interventions with district priorities and promote collaboration.
• Professional Learning Design and Facilitation: Create and lead professional development workshops, presentations, and embedded coaching sessions for early childhood educators and leaders, with a focus on equity-centered instructional practices.
• Instructional Material Development: Develop instructional resources, including lesson plans, activities, and assessments, tailored to early numeracy, literacy, and play-based learning strategies. Revise materials based on feedback and instructional observations.
• Research and Evaluation: Contribute to research efforts by observing classrooms, collecting and analyzing data, and collaborating with the Research and Evaluation team to assess the impact of instructional strategies.
• Other Duties: Participate in general activities of the Institute for School Partnerships, including team meetings and special projects as needed.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Flexibility to travel to partner districts and attend occasional evening or weekend events.
• Participation in professional conferences and out-of-state travel as needed.
• This will be a hybrid position.

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or a table.

• Ability to travel to on- and off-campus locations.

Equipment

• Office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Curriculum And Instructional Development (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field or a master’s degree in Education.
• Certification in Birth–Grade 3 is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience, with Pre-K classroom experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of mathematics content and pedagogy.
• Experience designing instruction to meet state and national standards.
• Familiarity with education research including best practices in mathematics instruction.
• Deep understanding of early childhood pedagogy and research-based instructional practices.
• Experience coaching early childhood educators.
• Familiarity with state and national standards for early childhood education.
• Knowledge of educational technology and its application in early childhood settings.
• Flexible and comfortable working in an environment where processes and timelines are fast paced, evolving and changeable.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Adaptability, Fast-Paced Environments, Flexible Mindset, Interpersonal Relationships, Oral Communications, Organizing, Team Collaboration, Time Management, Written Communication

Grade

G12

Salary Range

$58,400.00 - $99,700.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.