Professional Learning Specialist

Job Description:

The Professional Learning Specialists work to set the vision necessary to meet the 21st Century professional development needs of teachers and schools. This position requires a thorough understanding of the skills educators must possess in todays classrooms. Further an understanding of the current research on high-quality professional development in public education is expected as well as various formats of delivery and/or models of professional learning opportunities supported by research-based practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Knowledge Responsibilities

• Understand the professional development trends and best practices for educators and schools.
• Thorough understanding of Missouri teacher certification performance evaluation requirements and mentoring standards.
• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading professional contacts participating in seminars workshops and/or conventions as approved by Senior Leadership.
• Knowledge and understanding of current research-based instructional and assessment practices and methodologies in all core academic areas.
• Knowledge of integrating technology to enhance or transform instruction for relevant and authentic learning
• Experience in learning management systems software and multimedia tools.
• Have an understanding of laws that affect professional development needs of teachers and public schools.

Program Responsibilities

• Collaborate within the Professional Learning department to secure the Convention keynote speaker; as well as plan organize and manage all aspects of the MSTA Convention workshops.
• Plan organize and facilitate BTAs mentor trainings and other professional development offerings.
• Continue development expansion and facilitation of content on the MSTA online learning portal.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with internal and external presenters and subject matter experts.
• Assist with planning for other conferences or events as requested.

Advocacy Responsibilities

• Serve as the staff liaison for education stakeholder groups and committees including: MACCE MO Learning Forward and others as assigned.
• Serve as a resource to the education policy staff in areas such as teacher preparation certification and professional practice.

Communication Responsibilities

• Present workshops to various groups of educators members and staff on related topics as needed.
• Prepare written articles for print and digital distribution on related topics as needed.
• Serve as a resource for MSTA staff and members in areas related to professional learning.

Other Responsibilities

• Co-manages department/program budgets according to MSTA guidelines.
• Uses their time and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Cooperates with all MSTA staff and encourages them to effectively serve association members.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Experience and Skills:

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge is qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

Education/Experience:

• Masters degree in an education-related program such as education curriculum & instruction educational leadership or administration preferred

• At least five years experience with some combination of teaching; adult learning; learning management systems; planning facilitating and presenting professional development.
• Instructional coaching experience is desired

Skills and Abilities:

• Communication: Excellent communicator in both written and oral form. This includes proficiency in spelling grammar and punctuation.
• Organization: Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Discretion: Exercises discretion and sensitivity regarding confidential information.
• Teamwork: Our staff works together cooperatively to provide the highest quality support to our members. The unity camaraderie and culture of the team is something thats very important to us. Therefore all employees are expected to actively work to maintain good working relationships with other team members and be comfortable sharing projects and responsibilities with others.
• Anticipate Needs: As a part of our commitment to excellence our team always strives to anticipate and serve needs in advance whenever possible.
• Technologically Proficient: Ability to embrace and learn new technology quickly including Salesforce Office 365 Concur Zoom Ai learning management systems and other virtual learning tools among other programs.
• Works with little or no supervision
• Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary element of this job.

Soft Skills

• Self-starter and self-manager: Takes initiative anticipates needs and gets things done consistently on time.
• Responsive: Committed to a high level of responsiveness both internally with other staff and externally with our members and other stakeholders.
• Mission-oriented: Gets excited about our mission to advocate for and empower public school teachers so they can teach.
• Committed to excellence: Exceed expectations and reflect positively on the organization.
• Positive attitude: Can-do spirit is fun to be around does not complain make excuses or gossip.
• Performs well under pressure: Things are always changing and there are times when things get intense. Must function at a high level even when things get busy by working together as a team and communicating effectively.
• Committed to growth: Looks for opportunities to improve skills and knowledge of association and education. Willing to try new things learns from failure and asks for help.
• Humility: Not driven by ego or status quick to point out the contributions of others and slow to seek attention.
• People Smart: Strong interpersonal skills and can handle issues with respect dignity and short exercise good judgment and intuition when dealing with other people.

Physical Demands:

• Generally sedentary position with occasional need to move about facility including external facilities.
• Must be able to manipulate objects tools or controls and reach.
• Must be able to communicate on phone and in person
• Occasionally required to travel several hours to events and occasionally stay overnight
• Must occasionally move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of the job the noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.

Special Requirements:

• Must have transportation for regular travel
• If driving own or company vehicle must have valid Missouri drivers license and insurance if insurance not provided by employer

Benefits

MSTA offers paid health and dental insurance along with a generous paid leave policy. Employees participate in a 401(k) with employer contribution and match or if certified PSRS. Position is eligible for remote work within Missouri. Regular travel to Columbia MO and throughout the state.