Instructional Innovation Specialist or Senior Specialist - UVA Innovation Hub

Overview

The UVA Innovation Hub within the School of Education and Human Development is seeking an Instructional Specialist or Senior Specialist to support the ongoing partnership between Charlottesville City Schools, UVA School of Education and Human Development, and UVA Center for Community Partnerships.

Embedded at Charlottesville Middle School, the Innovation Hub supports a cohort of CMS teachers in the co‑design and delivery of innovative instruction that is:

• Multidisciplinary:
  Instruction engages multiple core content areas (math, science, social studies, English language arts)
• Student‑centered:
  Maximizes instructional time dedicated to student‑led exploration and inquiry
• Authentically relevant:
  Presents meaningful, authentic challenges that are relevant to students and their communities
• Computationally rich:
  Explicitly integrates computational thinking skills and VA computer science standards
• Project‑based:
  Instruction is delivered via hands‑on project‑based learning methods that develop durable skills

• Work with the Innovation Hub team and Innovation Fellows to develop and improve curriculum that integrates VA computer science standards with core content standards including math, English language arts, science, and social studies.
• Lead hands‑on, project‑based learning (PBL) experiences for students that leverage community‑based resources and physical computing tools, including but not limited to the micro:bit.
• Support and facilitate students’ work, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and computational skills.
• Co‑teach with teachers who are new to project‑based, computationally‑rich learning experiences onsite in Charlottesville Middle School classrooms.
• Provide instructional coaching to Innovation Fellows regarding project‑based learning, student‑centered learning, classroom management, and general pedagogical best practices.
• Deliver regular professional development sessions, introducing new tools, methodologies, or teaching strategies, to Innovation Fellows.
• Implement safety protocols and behavior expectations associated with Charlottesville City Schools and Charlottesville Middle School.
• Engage in professional growth opportunities, conferences, and networks to stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in technology and computer science education.

• A computer science background at the undergraduate and/or graduate level and/or experience integrating computer science in K‑12 school settings.
• Experience designing and delivering professional learning or coaching experiences for K‑12 teachers.
• Experience leading, coaching, and/or mentoring K‑12 teachers in the design of standards‑based curricula, lesson plans, and project‑based‑learning experiences.
• Experience designing and delivering project‑based‑learning experiences for English language learners.

Education:

Master’s degree required; a bachelor’s degree plus a combination of education/certification/experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree as specified by the position.

Experience:

2+ years of relevant experience required.

Physical Demands:
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

Experience:

A minimum of 3 years of experience with designing and implementing project‑based learning in classroom settings.

Licensure: A valid teaching license issued by the Board of Education in Virginia (or another state) is required, as well as an additional endorsement in middle or high school education.

Physical Demands:
The Innovation Specialist will be embedded at Charlottesville Middle School and can expect to be physically active, teaching within and moving between classrooms, and preparing and facilitating PBL experiences.

Anticipated salary is $80k‑$85k for the specialist role and $90k‑$95k for the senior specialist role. This is an exempt‑level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This is a restricted position which is contingent upon funding. There will be an initial…