Learning & Innovation Specialist: 3rd-8th Math

Learning & Innovation Specialist: 3rd-8th Math

210 work days, Exempt

Reports to: Director of Learning & Innovation

Organizational Overview

Grow Public Schools (GPS) mission is to be a network of high-performing schools in Kern County, dedicated to academic excellence that empowers all students to thrive through a foundation of health and wellness, college and career readiness, and lifelong success. We believe education and wellness are fundamental pillars for success, and their harmonious integration paves the way for brilliant and vibrant futures.
Founded in August of 2011 by the Grimm Family Education Foundation,  GPS is committed to serving the Kern County community through high-quality public education. GPS currently operates two TK-8 schools, Grow Academy Arvin and Grow Academy Shafter,  serving more than 1,600 students. 

Job Summary:  The Learning & Innovation Specialist builds teacher expertise and drives student achievement through high-impact, data-informed coaching aligned to the GPS Teaching and Learning Framework. As a key member of the network's instructional leadership team, this role advances Grow Public Schools’ mission to expand access and opportunity for all students.

Through focused coaching cycles, the L&I Specialist strengthens instructional practice, ensuring consistent implementation of high-quality curriculum and strategies. They align instruction to the academic model, integrating blended learning and health and wellness to drive student success, with a clear focus on closing opportunity gaps for priority groups of students.

The L&I Specialist builds strong, trust-based relationships while maintaining high expectations, creating a safe and supportive environment for growth and accountability. They also contribute to network-wide coherence by calibrating instructional practices and informing continuous improvement across campuses.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Model and uphold GPS’s core values.

Internalize, model and promote professional best practices captured in the GPS Teaching & Learning Framework.

Provide guidance and support for curriculum implementation consistent with GPS’s initiatives and recognized best instructional practices.

Support teachers in designing effective and rigorous lesson plans with specific, measurable, and standards-based aims in alignment with the organization’s units of study.

Support teachers with the design, administration, and analysis of a variety of assessments to inform instruction.

Facilitate data analysis meetings with teacher teams to identify re-teaching opportunities and make other instructional decisions.

Assist teachers with resources, materials and tools to support classroom instruction.

Assist teachers in the differentiation of instruction to address the needs of all scholars

Develop and maintain knowledge of effective evidence-based pedagogical strategies.

Coach a caseload of teachers by routinely observing lessons and providing feedback to support professional growth and accelerate student outcomes.

Design and facilitate professional development aligned to the organization’s priorities and initiatives.

Contribute to the development of standardized systems and structures to improve the teacher practice within schools.

Collaborate with school and system leaders to ensure coherence and alignment in teacher and student experience.

Participate regularly in meetings and development sessions as directed by the Director of L&I and/or the CAO.

Assume responsibility for mentoring requirements for teachers enrolled in the county’s induction program as applicable.

Other relevant duties as assigned. 

Other functions of the job include but are not limited to the following:

Demonstrate preparation, skill, and a growth mindset for working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds  

Encourage parent and community involvement, obtain information for parents when requested; promptly return phone calls and answer emails 

Active participation in relevant professional learning opportunities provided on site, through the GPS CMO, or an outside provider

Mentor peers to help them develop the skills needed to progress as teachers, as applicable

Contribute to campus culture through extracurricular activities such as celebrations, sporting activities, clubs and student organizations

An enthusiasm for ESY education and experiential problem based approach to learning

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

A passion for serving historically resilient communities and increasing the instructional rigor and practice of teaching faculty.

Recognition as an exemplary classroom teacher and excellent professional role model.

Effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Experience working with a diverse student body.

Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and learning.

Willingness to participate in professional growth experiences and training to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be effective.

Willingness to work collaboratively and cross-functionally.

Knowledge of, or experience with, teacher growth and development.

Strong subject matter competence and expertise in English Language Development strategies.

Required Education & Experience:

Valid clear CA credential preferred

Experience leading teachers

Master’s degree in Education or related field preferred

A minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience

Experience coaching and/or mentoring teachers preferred

Physical requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The employee is occasionally required to push, move, lift or otherwise bear up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.  Specific hearing abilities are required by this job.

Work Environment: This position is in-person, in instructional facilities located in Kern County. Some travel is required to other work sites.