Massachusetts Education Jobs

This position offers some flexibility of office location within the hybrid work model currently being observed. This is a temporary grant funded position which will expire upon the occurrence of one of the following: the completion of the assigned project, the expiration of the funding source, if impacted by the bumping process, or on or before December 31, 2025, whichever situation occurs first. The employee hired into this position shall not be entitled to bumping or recall rights under the collective bargaining agreement, but may be impacted by the bumping process identified in the collective bargaining agreement. The employee hired into this temporary position shall serve a nine (9) month probationary period. Given the limited duration of such position, the parties recognize that any progressive disciplinary imposed may be on a shorter timeline than would otherwise be the case. The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas. The Early Literacy Practice Specialist will inform all aspects of professional development, credentialing, training, and quality initiatives that are undertaken at EEC, with expertise in early literacy and language development that integrates an understanding of brain development from infancy on. The Early Literacy Practice Specialist will collaborate with EEC staff in the Workforce, Program Support and Innovation Division, other divisions in the agency, and contractors and fellow state agencies engaged with EEC to facilitate the development of all projects focused on building strong early education practices and ensuring that all supports include attention to early literacy and language development. The specialist will stay current on research and trends to inform this work and provide supports to the agency, agency partners and the field in understanding current knowledge about best practices. This work includes particular attention to efforts that are proposed as part of a federal Preschool Development Grant. This specialist will assist the PDG B-5 Project Manager in ensuring that all grant activities and timelines related to PDG-funded professional learning activities are met, develop, and oversee workplans and contract performance, and participate in internal and external PDG management meetings. Job Responsibilities: • Apply expertise in early literacy and language development from infancy on to the expectations and goals of all ongoing development work of EEC standards, quality supports and professional learning opportunities. • Ensure attention to evidence-based early literacy practices in all PDG-funded development work, including new credential development. • Inform goals for EEC-funded professional learning opportunities and provide subject matter expert support for training development. • Track state and national trends/research on and about best practices for early education settings and share information with colleagues at the agency and in the field. • Compile, analyze and present data and information on the evidence base for quality early education practices to inform grants, policies, and initiatives, including developing written materials and reports for external partners, the legislature, and other stakeholders. • Collaborate with EEC and other state agency staff to ensure the coordination of activities for workforce and quality initiatives around core evidence-based practices. • When necessary, develop and manage cross project work plans to track progress, maintain coordination, alignment, and ongoing progress across projects and coordinate with external contractors • Support the development of procurements and management of outside vendors, as necessary to accomplish the goals set forth in the grant • Participate in team meetings on credentialing, quality initiatives, and program supports to ensure coordination and alignment of work streams. • Provide training and technical assistance in evidence-based practices to EEC staff, staff in other partnering agencies and external contractors as needed. • Provide updates and prepare communications about progress and outcomes to EEC staff and other stakeholders • Support efforts to ensure grant activities are executed within required timeframes and conform to federal expectations • Assist with grant reporting requirements • Attend local, state, and federal meetings and events as necessary; • Represent EEC professionally to the public; • Respond in a timely and effective manner to stakeholders’ inquiries; directs stakeholders to appropriate resources; • Engage in other duties as assigned Preferred Qualifications: • Master's degree in early education, or a related field and at least two (2) years of experience working in early childhood education, curriculum development, professional training and/or early education research, or related fields; • Strong understanding of the current research on early language and literacy development, from infancy to school age; • Master's degree in early education, or a related field and at least two (2) years of experience working in early childhood education, curriculum development, professional training and/or early education research, or related fields. • Strong understanding of the current research on early language and literacy development, from infancy to school age • Experience applying research-based principles to early education practice • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. • Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. • Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in person, in written communications and over the telephone. • Ability to work on multiple tasks and/or projects concurrently. • Broad-based understanding of the research base and best practices in early education beyond early literacy, such as mathematical and scientific understanding, social emotional development, etc. would also be valuable Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service; a Master’s degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes. Education toward a degree in a specific or related educational content area will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required. *Comprehensive Benefits* When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Education* *Organization: Department of Early Education and Care *Title: *Early Literacy Practice Specialist (ESC) Location: Massachusetts-Boston - 50 Milk St Requisition ID: 230004WT