Communications Specialist at Education Minnesota

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Education Minnesota envisions increased visible representation of teachers who mirror Minnesota's diverse learners and communities who are highly qualified and reflective, classroom-ready educators that can prepare and deliver effective education programs and inclusionary educational opportunities for all students. Under the direction of the Policy and Program Director, the Apprenticeship Coordinator will lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Education Minnesota Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (EdMN-RTAP). Leading teams of course faculty, staff, mentors, field supervisors, and coaches to support, coach, and evaluate apprentices. They will provide expertise, direction and assistance to members and staff in support of the program coursework, related curricula, and journey worker educators. This includes research and coordination with the national affiliates, state stakeholder groups, state agencies, and others in promoting the apprenticeship program and its significance to the mission of Education Minnesota. The Apprenticeship Coordinator will demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive space for members and staff, extending this culture of equity and inclusion into the work.

Education Minnesota is a member-led labor union that has identified racial equity and social justice as primary organizational goals. All staff are expected to participate, individually and collectively, in ongoing training, discussions, and activities to advance these goals.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead diverse group of design team members to design, implement, and revise EdMN-RTAP, coursework and related curriculum, instruction, and assessment materials that results in high-quality, rigorous, and meaningful programming.
• Ensure curriculum, instruction, and assessment materials connect pedagogy and theory to practice in both general education and special education settings aligning with the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice.
• Track latest research, policy, and evidence-based practice for general and special education and inclusionary practices to inform programs.
• Develop programming that integrates a foundation of cultural competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion and aligns with the mission and values of the organization.
• Identify, train, support, and evaluate faculty, mentors, field supervisors, and coaches to ensure a consistent and quality foundation of coaching and mentoring skills.
• Work with partner school districts and local associations to assign mentors to apprentices in instructional rounds.
• Ensure creation of individual support plans for apprentices, as needed, to reach proficiency with program standards and expectations.
• Collaborate with external partners and state agencies to support the professional development of program staff.
• Advocate for apprenticeship policy and funding with the state legislature.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Experience as a teacher preparation student and P-12 teaching experience, in special education and/or general education with demonstrated experience and expertise with inclusionary practices.
• Ability to successfully work with, learn from, communicate with, and support diverse individuals and groups which includes establishing an equity and inclusionary lens; history of success working with communities of color or with other historically under-represented groups.
• Strong background knowledge in the importance of labor unions in improving public education
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Ability to effectively handle multiple and complex assignments and lead amidst changing priorities.
• Knowledge of and background in anti-racist or cultural competence curricula or tools such as Beyond Diversity, Center for Culturally Responsive Teaching, Intercultural Development Index, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A. in education or related field or a combination of two of the following: 10 years’ experience working in a school setting; demonstrated course work and expertise in adult learning
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or higher in teaching, education, special education, or another relevant field.
• Experience working with teacher residencies and/or teacher apprenticeships.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the cause of employee unions
• Background in delivering adult learning and professional development to educators
• Understanding of education issues, political and legislative landscape in Minnesota
• Knowledge of Moodle, Google and other online learning delivery platforms

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Some travel required.
• Able to successfully pass a post offer pre-employment background check.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works in a general office environment. This position will interact with employees, vendors, members, and the general public on a somewhat regular basis. These interactions require judgment and discretion that can involve confidential information, private information and some disagreeable human interactions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is in a general office environment. Employee is required to: talk and hear; frequently stand, walk and repetitively use hands dexterously (use fingers to handle, feel), reach with hands and arms, bend and physically, lift and carry up to 5 pounds; occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and infrequently travel by various conveyances, typically via personal vehicle.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

Maintain confidential information related to the organization, members and potential members, and staff.

EDUCATION MINNESOTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Education Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect where diversity is valued, supported, and celebrated to benefit applicants, employees, members, and students. Discrimination of any kind is prohibited. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, job requirements and business needs. Education Minnesota strongly encourages women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants, and veterans to apply.

POSTING DEADLINE: For best consideration, apply online and include a resume no later than 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Apply today!