Position Summary

In the department of Learning Support Services, and under the direction of the Director of Learning Support Services, the Learning Specialist shall provide expert project management, consultation, curriculum development and specialized training to school district, university, and county office personnel in related Native American Studies (NAS). In particular, the Learning Specialist for Native American Studies will lead the development, in partnership with lead NAS scholars, of the development of California’s Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC). The Learning Specialist will work in close partnership with California Tribes and native youth serving organizations, Cal Poly Humboldt, teachers, administrators, instructional coaches and staff, as well as other county offices and state organizations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This certificated management position requires a high degree of collaboration and project management with multiple audiences around the state of California. The Learning Specialist for Native American Studies must have an extensive background in curriculum development and alignment with California content standards.  The person who serves in this capacity must have demonstrated experience working and collaborating with California Tribes and other native serving organizations. An enrolled member of a California Tribe is highly desirable.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the supervision of the Director of Learning Support Services. This position may supervise one or more support staff as the NASMC expands, and may include HCOE staff and contracted staff throughout California.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as “research-based strategies expert” for instructional program planning, presenting, facilitating, collaborating, coaching, creating and curating resources within one or more areas of expertise, based upon knowledge, experience and/or specialized training.
• Builds rapport and works in relationship with California Tribes, Native Youth Serving Organizations, Cal Poly Humboldt, school district personnel, County Offices of Education and others to lead the development of the California Native American Studies Model Curriculum;
• Participates as a member of the Learning Specialists team(s) within the area(s) of expertise;
• Designs, plans and delivers staff development opportunities on-site, county-wide and statewide, both on an individual basis and as a member of a team, including demonstration teaching lessons;
• Assists in the planning, organizing and conducting of conferences, seminars and workshop series;
• Conducts needs assessment and assists in the implementation and supervision of various special projects conducted by the HCOE, districts and the department;
• Actively engages in an ongoing program of professional development to maintain and improve management skills and leadership abilities;
• Recommends new procedures and changes in existing procedures governing the implementation and management of the department;
• Maintains up to date knowledge of California Education Code and legislation pertaining to Native American students;
• Communicates effectively with professional staff and representatives of other agencies in written and oral form;
• Provides services in the office, as well as in various sites throughout the county, sometimes serving multiple sites in a single workday – must be willing to travel;
• Possesses skills in public speaking, group problem solving and leadership ability and demonstrates capacity to maintain personal demeanor during periods of peak work flow, performing efficiently within restricted timeframes;
• Willingness to modify days/hours and to work additional days/hours on occasion, with the appropriate compensation, and to travel using own transportation with mileage reimbursed, or county fleet vehicle, as the job may require;
• Performs other assigned duties.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of:

• Curriculum Design
• Native American Studies
• California Content Standards in at least one of the following: History/Social Science, Next Generation Science Standards, Mathematics and/or English Language Arts
• Project Management
• California History including, but not limited to, pre-contact indigenous cultures, colonial
• Instructional Coaching practices

Education & Experience

Minimum Required: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Native American Studies, History, Anthropology or other relevant content area; Master’s degree preferred;
• Possess a current California Teaching Credential (or equivalent experience within the context of a Tribal/Indigenous Educational Setting);
• A California Administrative Services Credential is desirable;
• Possess at least 5 years of successful teaching (or equivalent) experience, preferably at more than one grade level;
• Possess specialized skills, specific experience and advanced training and/or certification within one or more core academic areas of the school curriculum;
• Have a record of excellence in making small and large group presentations, including demonstration teaching skills and workshop/conference speaking.

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

Working remotely is possible in this position, depending upon the location of residence within California.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

CLASS: 1