The Academic Specialist develops high-quality, evidence-based professional development materials and serves as a trainer and coach for Division of Early Childhood and Development and Department of Education Collaborative programs throughout the state. As such, he or she will lead all face-to-face and virtual training and provide coaching to participating programs on project initiatives related to academics and development. This position will be located in the Jackson, MS area.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborates with the Director, Associate Director, and other Specialists to select professional development participants and providers in the academic and developmental initiatives using clearly defined expectations.
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Develops the capacity of professional development participants in the academic and developmental initiative through evidence-based training strategies.
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Develops the capacity of professional development participants in the academic and developmental initiative through evidence-based coaching strategies.
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Develops the capacity of professional development participants in the academic and developmental initiative to increase the use of implementation, intervention, and outcome data to support decision-making.
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Develops high-quality, evidence-based materials designed to increase the knowledge of educators regarding evidence-based academic and development strategies aligned with Professional Growth System standards through training as evidenced by end of training assessments and annual surveys.
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Assists with project management, reporting, and dissemination.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, behavioral sciences, or related field and two years’ experience providing educational services to children and youth in early intervention and PK-12 settings.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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Advanced knowledge in evidence-based practices related to the academic needs of young students with disabilities, including curricula, Universal Design for Learning, and high-leverage practices.
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Skill in developing high quality training materials to be delivered to a variety of stakeholders related to the academic and developmental needs of students with disabilities.
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Skill in developing training materials for use in face-to-face and online training platforms.
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Ability to coordinate activities across administrative and teaching personnel as well as other stakeholders and negotiate a shared vision and scope of work.
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Ability to organize and motivate site-level teams to implement systems change activities related to academic and developmental interventions for students with disabilities.
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Skill in completing tasks and developing materials accurately, on time, and with attention to detail.
- Ability to analyze and prepare plans, documents, reports, and correspondence accurately and using Standard professional English.
- Adept in, or the ability to learn, a variety of technologies and software including (but not limited to) Microsoft Tools (Office, Teams, etc.), Google Apps, Canvas, social media, and networking (including Facebook, and Constant Contact), email, and Webinar platforms.
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Must maintain currency on relevant research, professional certifications, and continuing education in the area of academic and developmental success for Early Intervention and PK12 students.
- Exhibit individual initiative and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as a member of a team.
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Resourceful and determined to provide a positive experience for professional development participants.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to be supportive and motivational while working with a diverse population.
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Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion, including operating within FERPA guidelines.
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Ability to work evenings, nights and weekends, and engage in overnight travel as necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
Minimum qualifications met with reliability certification in current research tools: ICP, TPOT, and TPITOS.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.
