Professional Learning Specialist (Limited Term ending June 2027)

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SPECIALIST

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Professional Learning Specialist supports district personnel in improving professional practices and enhancing student achievement through high-quality, evidence-based professional learning. In alignment with the Washoe County School District (WCSD) Strategic Plan, this role supports the design and oversight of professional learning opportunities that are data-driven, meaningful, and impactful for various employee groups. Additionally, the role involves developing processes that support employees working with students with unique needs and guiding the selection and implementation of formative and classroom-based assessments. Acting as a liaison between the central office and school sites, the Specialist leads efforts to implement innovative, job-embedded learning experiences and may contribute to grant writing to support professional learning initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Partnership & Program Support

• Supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive professional learning framework aligned with district goals and school improvement priorities.
• Develops collaborative, working relationships by participating in meetings and serving on committees with District personnel, school administrators, and educators to ensure alignment of professional learning initiatives.
• Co-facilitates, in partnership with departments across the district, research-based professional learning experiences and delivers specific, actionable feedback to enhance effectiveness and advance student outcomes.

Data-Informed Decision Making

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify the skills and knowledge gaps within the organization to develop district-wide professional learning plan.
• Uses educator effectiveness data, student achievement data, and needs assessments to inform the design and evaluation of professional learning.
• Ability to conducting needs assessments and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and initiatives

Professional Learning & Instructional Support

• Supports and implements initiatives to assist in the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of effective teachers.
• Assist in the design and implementation of multi-year comprehensive professional learning pathways, courses, and programs to foster growth, alignment, and organizational excellence.
• Assists in researching and writing grants to support professional learning efforts.
• Develops collaborative, working relationships by participating in meetings and serving on committees with District personnel, school administrators, and educators to ensure alignment of professional learning initiatives.
• Collaborate with other departments to lead innovative, research-based, and job-embedded professional learning.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Director of Talent Development or designated administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited institution.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years related experience within agencies or organizations.

OR

A minimum of three (3) years experience working in a PreK-12 school system.

OR

A minimum of two (2) years experience developing and facilitating professional learning for adults.

Licenses/Certificates: Learning Forwards Professional Learning Certificate, Association for Talent Development - Certified in Professional Learning and Performance or related certificate(s) preferred.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of/Skill in/Ability to:

• Knowledge of the design, implementation and delivery of professional learning content, including adult learning practices and theory
• Knowledge of National Standards for Professional Learning
• Knowledge of the latest research trends and development in effective professional learning
• Skill in effective leadership and interpersonal communication that foster positive working relationships
• Skill in communicating positively and effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to organize and plan large projects, facilitate groups, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lifting objects up to 25 lbs.:occasionally
• Lifting objects over 25 lbs.: rarely
• Sitting for extended periods: frequently
• Standing for extended periods: occasionally
• Walking for extended periods: rarely
• Bending or stooping: occasionally
• Reaching above shoulder height: rarely
• Pushing/pulling objects: rarely
• Climbing stairs or ladders: rarely
• Operating heavy machinery: never
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions: never
• Exposure to loud noises: rarely
• Working in confined spaces: frequently
• Working at heights: never
• Working with hazardous materials: never
• Repetitive hand or arm movements: rarely

Definitions:

• Never: The activity or condition does not occur.
• Rarely: The activity or condition occurs less than 10% of the time.
• Occasionally: The activity or condition occurs 10-30% of the time.
• Frequently: The activity or condition occurs 30-60% of the time.
• Continuously: The activity or condition occurs more than 60% of the time

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.

The Washoe County School District is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning and working environment for all students, staff, and visitors.? The District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination based on an individuals actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veterans or military status, marital status, disability or the presence of any sensory, physical or mental handicap in any of its educational programs/activities and employment, or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The District prohibits discrimination against any youth group listed in Title 36, as a patriotic society, (i.e. Boy Scouts of America) from access to public school facilities use.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Washoe County School District is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Washoe County School District is committed to providing all applicants and employees equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, military status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Here at Washoe County School District, we are a diverse group of people who honor the differences that drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our students and employees. We believe that through a culture of inclusivity, we have the power to reflect on the community we serve.