Manager, STEM Implementation & Supports

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Department of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) supports inclusive and innovative learning experiences in math, science, computer science, and whole-school integrated STEM & STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programming across the district. It is our commitment that every day, in every STEM classroom in CPS, all students will\: actively make sense of and construct solutions to complex questions; productively contribute to the learning community to support a culture of collaboration, risk-taking, and innovation; and regularly reflect on and communicate their understanding of disciplinary ideas. Through these experiences and purposeful opportunities to face transdisciplinary challenges, students will graduate from CPS with advanced STEM literacies prepared to make the world a better place.

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Department of STEM, the Manager of STEM Implementation and Supports will contribute to the effective implementation of STEM programming as it relates to school site conditions, cross-disciplinary curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention for all students with a specific focus on the district’s STEM schools. Additionally, this position will provide direct leadership and oversight to direct reports within the department. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Manager of STEM Implementation & Supports will be held accountable for the following responsibilities\:

• Lead the STE(A)M Schools Support Specialists in providing guidance, professional learning, and leadership to the school-based STEM Coordinators in their work as instructional coaches and champions of STEM practices in their schools

  • Develop and model effective coaching relationships

  • Provide guidance and resources to support Specialists in implementing meaningful learning cycles

  • Monitor and provide feedback to Specialists to support continuous improvement

• Provide vision and direction for district-wide PreK-12 STEM programming, teaching, and learning, with a focus on school-wide shifts in practice
• Manage a high-functioning and collaborative team STEAM Specialists that is able to execute effectively, meet deadlines, and improve the student experience in STEM and STEAM schools
• Lead the annual STEM/STEAM program continuous improvement cycle by collaborating with STEM and STEAM School Administrators to identify areas of growth, develop priorities, and implement strategies for program improvement

• Design, coordinate, and facilitate ongoing, responsive professional learning for\:

  • School-based STEM Specialists

  • STEM School Administrators

  • STEM School Teachers

• Collaborate on the revision and implementation of the Academic Programs Application and Certification Processes

• Collaborate regularly with the Citywide STEM Initiatives Manager and other departments such as the Department of Arts Education, Advanced Learning and Specialty Programs, and Early College and Career Education to ensure alignment of priorities and initiatives

• Provide subject matter expertise on district-wide initiatives including cross-departmental programs, RFPs, professional learning, and resource development

• Other duties as assigned