Position Title: Network Instructional Specialist
Reports To: School Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification: Licensed
Amount of Travel: Minimal
Job Status: Full-Time
Level: School-Based
Work Schedule: 190 Days
Date Created: March 2025
Salary Range: $50,000.00-$70,900.00
Position Summary
The North Little Rock School District (NLRSD) is seeking exceptional applications for the newly reorganized school-based support position as the Network Instructional Specialist. The role reports directly to the school principal. The ideal candidate leads, coordinates, engages, and provides instructional support and coaching to classroom teachers to improve educational outcomes for all students. The Network Instructional Specialists play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the overall curriculum and instructional practices within the school with an emphasis on the Arkansas Teaching and Learning Assessment System (ATLAS) assessed areas in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science as assigned by the school principal.
This position requires a deep understanding of curriculum content standards, instructional methodologies and the ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders. The Network Instructional Specialist will work at the school-based level, but work closely with district curriculum coordinators, providing guidance, professional development, data analysis, and resources to ensure consistent and high-quality instruction across all schools. Responsibilities include instructional coaching, staff development, and instructional expertise in the design and delivery of daily effective instruction while working closely with the grade level or content Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The Network Instructional Specialist serves as a member of a school-based leadership team charged with the responsibility for planning, implementing, and evaluating an educational program relevant to the needs of the school’s student population while meeting monthly with district curriculum coordinators for professional development and growth.
Essential Functions: The following duties are representative of performance expectations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The Network Instructional Specialists duties will include, but are not limited to the following:
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Serves as the school-based liaison and network link between the school and the district Department of School Network Support Services to enhance communication and collaboration between schools and central office district leaders to improve teaching and learning.
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Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations related to the LEARNS ACT to improve teaching and learning.
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Collaborates with curriculum developers and educators to design, review, and enhance curriculum materials aligned with state standards and district strategic plan goals.
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Stays current with educational research, trends, and best practices including in depth training and expertise in the Science of Reading.
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Plans and conducts professional development sessions for teachers and staff to improve instructional strategies, content knowledge, and assessment practices.
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Provides ongoing support through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one instructional coaching to help teachers implement effective instruction.
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Serves as school-based expert with data analysis and assessment on all aspects of required district and state assessments.
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Compile pre-program, mid-program, and post-program data for project evaluation.
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Assist teachers in selecting, administering, and evaluating results of screening, diagnostic, and progress assessments.
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Identifies specific intended learning outcomes that are challenging, meaningful, and measurable.
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Analyzes assessment data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement.
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Works collaboratively with school leadership teams to develop strategies for addressing identified needs and improving student outcomes.
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Contributes insight into the school improvement process through analyzing, synthesizing, and reflecting on school and district findings and information.
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Evaluate and recommend instructional materials, resources, and technology tools that align with curriculum standards to the appropriate curriculum content office for approval.
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Supports the schools Prek-2 instructional program as applicable if the Network Instructional Specialists is assigned to an elementary school.
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Fosters collaboration among teachers, administrators, and other Network Instructional Specialists to create a cohesive approach to curriculum planning, delivery, and assessment of student learning.
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Attends monthly Network Instructional Specialists meetings with district instructional leaders to stay current on state and district initiatives to improve teaching and learning at the school and classroom level.
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Communicates effectively with stakeholders, providing updates on curriculum developments, instructional strategies, and assessment results.
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Participates in the district implementation of Instructional Rounds to improve teaching and learning and share best practices.
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Serves as a school-based expert on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
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Facilitates and or participates in grade level or content level PLCs to support data analysis, collaboration, sharing of best practices, and problem-solving among teachers.
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Collaborates with Special Education professionals, Gifted and Talented Specialists and English Language Learner (ELL) Specialists to ensure instruction is inclusive and meets the needs of diverse learners.
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Prepares reports and documentation as required by district and state leaders.
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Contributes as a valuable team member with other Network Instructional Specialists to support vertical teaming and articulation across grade levels district wide.
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Performs other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the school principal.
Competencies: Comprehensive knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; comprehensive knowledge of school district goals and outcomes, procedures, and organization of sound assessment management. Knowledge and ability to lead and coach teachers on methods and topics and aligned formative and summative assessments to improve teaching and learning. Ability to demonstrate strong internal and external support for the NLRSD. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. Excellent knowledge and understanding of all facets of the LEARNS ACT as applicable to the role to support schools with improving student achievement. Knowledge and understanding of the change process, organizational development, conflict resolution, and facilitation skills. Highly effective organizational and consensus-building skills. Knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures of the NLRSD. Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current curricular programs.
Minimum Qualifications
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Licensed Arkansas Teacher or meets qualifications and requirements for reciprocity or is eligible to hold appropriate licensure.
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Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in educational administration, supervision, or curriculum and instruction preferred. Master’s degree preferred.
- Have a minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching or related experience as it relates to the assigned roles and responsibilities.
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Have a minimum of three (3) years of successful teacher leader or school-based leadership experience.
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Experience with educational accountability measures including federal educational reform efforts, and state and local standards and assessments, knowledge of systemic organizational thinking, organizational leadership, and change management.
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Experience working in a highly collaborative environment where teamwork, creative problem-solving, and self-motivation are necessary for success.
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Proficiency in the Science of Reading is required.
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Experience in an urban school district is preferred.
Work Environment:
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Work is primarily conducted in a school setting. Prolonged stationary work and attention to desk or computer tasks are required. This position is cognitively demanding and requires especially well-developed professional social skills and communication skills. Movement in and about schools and office buildings/grounds is a frequent requirement and the ability to carry or lift items 75 lbs. or less.
Empathy and Commitment to Cause:
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Deep commitment to improving student achievement and employee performance.
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Passionately believes that all students can achieve at high levels.
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Demonstrates cultural competence, equity, and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing minority and economically disadvantaged families and students requiring special services.
Problem Solving and Systems Thinking:
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Understand how various systems and departments interact to achieve district goals.
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Makes decisions using data and technology.
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Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in.
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Identifies and prioritizes mission-critical issues with alignment of people, time, and resources.
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Offer innovative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges.
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Exhibits strong focus on goals and results. Sets clear metrics for success.
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Removes barriers or obstacles that make it difficult for principals to achieve their goals and ensures that school leaders have the resources they need to succeed.
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Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal, and ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Leadership Skills:
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Motivates, inspires, and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goals.
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Skilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person’s skills and contribution to team effort.
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Builds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups.
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Moves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts. Exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.
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Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups.
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Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines.
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Set clear agendas and facilitate effective meetings.
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Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets.
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Exhibits transformational and servant leadership characteristics in daily work.
Additional Responsibilities:
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Performs such other tasks and assumes such other roles and responsibilities as the principal and or their designee may assign.
