Senior Content and Instructional Specialist, ELA 6-12 (Contract)

A pioneer in K–12 education since 2000, Amplify is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and assessment. Our core and supplemental programs in ELA, math, and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively, and for themselves. Our formative assessment products help teachers identify the targeted instruction students need to build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of our programs provide educators with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of every student. Today, Amplify serves more than 10 million students in all 50 states. For more information, visit amplify.com.

Senior Content and Instructional Specialists work closely with ELA 6–12 leadership to develop a deep understanding of the program pedagogy, content architecture, and instructional framework in order to develop deeply engaging and effective content and instructional supports for grades 6–8 that bring those frameworks to life. Senior Content and Instructional Specialists act as lead authors and reviewers in developing lessons that challenge students to read deeply, think critically, and develop and extend their ideas in writing, discussion, projects, and presentations. They are able to lead writers to craft consistent content drafts and to provide ongoing and clear feedback to writers to ensure that the final lessons and instructions meet the high quality customers expect from Amplify. This job involves developing content in close collaboration with a diverse team, ensuring the quality and consistency of content from the high level of an outline to the small details of a lesson, and supporting a team with clear goal setting and highly effective feedback.

We look for intellectually creative people who are ready to roll up their sleeves to develop content that makes secondary classrooms hum and that comes to life on both digital platforms and the printed page. We look for people who have experience with content development and learning design and solid familiarity with the creation of digital educational tools and materials; who are ready to think creatively about critical reading, writing, and discussion skills; who “get” both middle school students and the texts that will turn them into readers, and who are able to conceptualize content, lead projects, work collaboratively and manage work streams.

*This is a contract role.

Responsibilities of the Senior Content and Instructional Specialist, ELA, 6-12:

• Develop materials that reflect a deep understanding of all aspects of the Amplify ELA 6–8 program’s pedagogy, instructional framework, design vision, and product tools 

• Collaborate with content leadership to translate content from concept to fully outlined lessons and instruction

• Collaborate with Editorial and Content leadership to ensure content meets Editorial guidelines.

• Provide ongoing direction and feedback to content writers, producers, editors, designers, and vendors to ensure content meets quality, engagement, and consistency standards and reflects the program vision 

• Source rich and engaging texts for content development, and identify the critical standards that best support a deep understanding of that text.

• Focus on deep dives into texts to identify and curate key sections that will productively drive student engagement and understanding of critical literacy skills and themes

• Focus on the small details of how to word a question to draw a student into a text discussion or accurately assess a student’s understanding

• Craft and assess drafted teacher guidance and student supports to find the important balance between teacher autonomy, critical nudges, and highly useful embedded professional development 

• Challenge and motivate team members to maintain the highest standards for the quality of the classroom content

• Ensure content and writers maintain consistency of voice and adhere to program style, vision, and philosophy

Basic Qualifications of the Senior Content and Instructional Specialist, ELA, 6-12: 

• BA in English or Humanities field or related field with strong content background in literary genres and critical analysis

• 5+ years of education experience in secondary education (grades 6–12)

• Experience creating challenging and engaging lessons/curricula in a team environment

• Experience with educational publishing or with creating standards-aligned curricula that integrate different genres, digital technology, and media

• Broad knowledge of secondary literacy education and research

• Demonstrated writing skills

• Strong analytic reading and thinking skills

• Strong communication skills and the experience that illustrates an ability to provide clear and useful feedback to others—particularly about written content

• Team leadership experience 

• Acute attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications of the Senior Content and Instructional Specialist, ELA 6-12:

• Graduate degree in a literature or education-related field

• Experience teaching to and supporting a diverse range of learners

• Background that includes identifying, implementing and refining effective engagement and literacy instructional strategies in the classroom.

• Willingness to try out new ideas with real teachers and students and return to the drawing board if needed

• Strong familiarity with a range of technology

Compensation:
The hourly rate range for this role is $45 - $50.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To that end, we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. 

Amplify is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. 

This position may be funded, in whole or in part, through American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds.

Amplify Education, Inc. is an E-Verify participant.

If selected, a background check will be required. As required by state and local laws and district policies, you may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as proof of vaccination or submit to enhanced background screening, including fingerprints.