Position Summary

In the department of Learning Support Services, and under the direction of the Director of Learning Support Services, in collaboration with the ArtSEL Project Director, the Learning Specialist for the Arts shall provide expert consultation and specialized training to school district and county office personnel related to the arts and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). The Learning Specialist will work in collaboration and partnership with ArtSEL staff, local artists and arts agencies, as well as other county offices and state arts organizations. The Learning Specialist will assume significant responsibility for assisting in overall program planning, facilitation, supervision and evaluation of various professional learning components within the department, including assisting in the collaboration with personnel contracted to provide arts support services through the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE).

Depending upon the need, the Learning Specialist may also be required to write grants on behalf of the county office, conduct needs assessments and/or plan, develop and assist in the implementation of new programs conducted by the county office or sponsored in partnership with other schools and county offices. This is a grant funded position by the US Department of Education and is anticipated to end in June of 2026.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This management position co-coordinates the ArtSEL grant and is responsible for planning, facilitation, supervision and evaluation of various professional learning components.  Public speaking skills, group problem solving and leadership ability are critical factors for success in this position.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the supervision of the Director of Learning Support Services and collaborates with the ArtSEL Project Director.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities (Examples of Essential Job Functions)

• Serves as a “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 pertaining to the arts and including technologies integration skills.
• Builds rapport and works in relationship with local district personnel and assists in assessing staff development needs.
• Participates as a member of the Learning Support Services team within the area(s) of expertise.
• Designs, plans and delivers staff development opportunities on-site, county-wide and regionally, both on an individual basis and as a member of a team, including demonstration teaching lessons. Particular need is assessed in designing professional development for classified school staff and administrators.
• Expertise in serving school communities and deepening engagement with teachers, administrators and classified staff.
• Assists in the planning, organizing and conducting of conferences, seminars and workshop series.
• Assists in the liaison efforts between HCOE and individual artists and arts organizations locally, regionally and statewide.
• Curates and contributes articles about arts, standards, best practices in teaching and learning, educational technology and other resources for HCOE’s Professional Learning Portal (my.hcoe.net).
• Works in concert with districts on parent and community engagement efforts.
• Develops grant proposals and assists in supervising various special projects conducted by 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.
• Monitors and documents the workflow processes, forms, templates, reports and data to assure full grant compliance and reporting.
• Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Performs other assigned duties.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of

• Creating, adapting and executing SEL initiatives within schools and providing best practices promoting students’ social-emotional development and well-being;
• Arts Integration with one or more subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies or SEL;
• One or more Arts discipline: Dance, Digital Media, Music, Theater or Visual Art;
• Grant monitoring and reporting;
• Institutional research, program evaluation, data collection and analysis;
• Oral and written communication skills;
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures;
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy;
• Computer operation and assigned software.

Ability to

• Communicate effectively in writing and orally;
• Maintain personal demeanor during periods of peak work flow and perform efficiently within restricted timeframes;
• Speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation distance, on the telephone and to address groups of varying sizes;
• Make small and large group presentations, including demonstration teaching skills and workshop/conference speaking;
• Design and facilitate professional development for educational staff and/or administrators;
• Operationalize the organizational vision, mission, goals, shared values and guiding principles;
• Demonstrate emotional intelligence;
• Model inclusive, effective and authentic communication;
• Apply knowledge of the intersectionality or race, equity and inclusion;
• Build and sustain positive, trusting relationships;
• Conduct HCOE operations with the highest moral, legal and ethical principles.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required:              

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• California Teaching Credential (Single or Multiple Subject), California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) and/or Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD) Certificate.
• At least 5 years of successful teaching experience, preferably at more than one grade level.
• Masters degree / Administrative Credential preferred.

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

May be required to work evenings and weekends.  Individuals who serve as the Learning Specialist for the Arts provide services in the office as well as in various sites throughout the county, sometimes serving multiple sites in a single workday, and must be willing and able to travel.  Work alternates between sitting in an office for long periods and traveling to various school sites and working in classrooms.  Individuals who serve as certificated management personnel must be willing to modify days/hours and to work additional days/hours on occasion with appropriate compensation and be willing to travel using own transportation with mileage reimbursed, or county office fleet vehicle, as the job may require.

Physical Demands

Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodation for the following physical requirements.

• Sufficient vision to read printed materials;
• Sufficient hearing to conduct in-person and telephone conversations;
• Sufficient mobility to move about the county office and other sites as may be required;
• Physical and emotional stamina to cope with sometimes stressful situations and conditions.

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.

HCOE Equity Statement

HCOE is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We believe that the circumstances children are born into should not predict their access to the resources and rigor necessary for success. We strive to create a work environment and schools that cultivate a sense of belonging; grounded in safety, dignity and respect. We are committed to building a culture of connectedness, allowing us to grow and learn better together.

We see and celebrate the range of human differences as a source of strength. We welcome the unique contributions that each person brings. We recognize that inequitable systemic barriers exist, and that our work, individually and collectively, is to eliminate these opportunity gaps that result in disparate educational outcomes for our most vulnerable students. We accept that our equity work is a journey and not a destination.

CLASS 1
Updated 1/8/2024