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OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, FOUNDATIONS OFFICE PROGRAMS, IT FOUNDATION

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Instructional Specialist, Foundations Office Programs, IT Foundation

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Instructional Spec CODE: 0833 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Instructional Specialist, Foundations Office Programs, IT Foundation GRADE: BD MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the Foundation Coordinator, the Specialist is responsible for working with the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, Foundation Office, and identified schools to support the development and implementation of computer science and information technology programs that are aligned with local, state, and national industry standards for certification programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Understands the mission and curricula of Montgomery County Student Trades Foundation programs in addition to MCPS policies. Possesses knowledge of the concepts, strategies, and best practices in the development and implementation of Foundation programs. Comprehends school and classroom organization in order to meet the needs of a wide range of learners to provide 21st century skills. Has the ability to work and communicate with business partners, MCPS administration, and school-based staff. Exhibits an understanding of Tech Prep programs and the development of articulation agreements with post-secondary institutions and business partnerships. Demonstrates excellent planning, organizational, management, and oral and written communication skills. Prioritizes and manages several tasks simultaneously. Possesses thorough knowledge of the computer science and information technology industry and of computer architecture, hardware, operating systems, and networking, to the level of Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ and Network+ certification objectives.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Masters degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university preferred or trade/industry certification. At least five years of successful secondary teaching experience in Information technology, computer science, software/hardware maintenance, or related IT areas that support the IT Foundation Program. Successful completion of Observing and Analyzing Teaching I (OAT) preferred. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland state certification requirements for an Advanced Professional Certificate in Secondary Education and has the ability to gain industry certifications.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Must be able to move materials/equipment weighing up to 60 - 100 pounds utilizing safe lifting/moving techniques as required by the Foundation program.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Some weekend and evening meetings may be required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

LIAISON FUNCTION

1. Serves as a liaison between computer science and information technology teachers and the Foundation Coordinator at each program site and the appropriate school based staff.

2.Meets regularly with school staff at program sites to support program implementation.

3 Meets regularly with Foundation Coordinator to update matters pertaining to the Foundations programs.

4 Assists the Foundation Coordinator with the establishment of industry, community, and educational partnerships.

5. Works with the national certification organizations to ensure efficient deployment of standards.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

1. Supports Foundation teachers in the following areas: classroom organization and management, selecting, locating, and securing materials and equipment needed for the Foundations program, and self-evaluation, self-improvement, and evaluation of program.

2. Fosters a cooperative relationship between Foundation teachers at all program sites.

3. Confers with Principals, Resource Teachers/Department Chairpersons, and the Foundation Coordinator regarding requirements for program implementation.

PROGRAM AND TEACHER GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT

1. Participates in interviewing and selecting prospective teachers for Foundations Office programs.

2. Assists Foundation Coordinator with Foundation teacher evaluations when requested.

3. Observes classes to appraise program quality and confers with teachers about observations when requested.

4. Plans and implements staff development activities with the program teachers.

5. Arranges for career development activities with manufacturer¿s representatives and suppliers as well as workplace opportunities.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

1. Stays informed of new trends and programs in the respective fields of responsibility.

2. Participates in in-service activities related to duties.

3. Assists Foundation Coordinator in the selection and development of appropriate curriculum for Foundations programs.

4. Creates and updates MSDE-mandated Program Proposals for the Career Pathway Program curriculum in coordination with the Foundations Coordinator.

5. Facilitates articulation agreements with local colleges and professional organizations.

6. Assists students with placement in educational/career pathway in their respective fields of study.

IT FOUNDATION RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Coordinates the schedule and attends the student-refurbished computer sales events that occur on weekends during the school year.

2. Utilizes the resources of MCPS and other government agencies to support the student computer refurbishment program.

3. Works with corporations, non-profits, and individuals to secure donations of computers and other IT hardware for instructional use and student refurbishment for sales events.

4. Maintains material/equipment inventory.

5. Manages distribution and record-keeping of student certification test vouchers.

6. Maintains Foundations Office Web sites.

7. Serves as program administrator and maintains software distribution/download Web sites for the Microsoft DreamSpark and other partner programs.

8. Collaborates with the program supervisor, develops career development activities including work-based student experiences and industry visits/seminars.

9. Coordinates summer curriculum workshops, professional development, and summer conferences and for instructors.

10. Markets the IT program to high school students and administrative and counseling staff.

11. Prepares and organizes events, including but not limited to, gifting of computers/computer labs, IT career day, recognition ceremonies, industry visits, and Foundation dinner.

12. Serves as administrator for Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Education To Careers (E2C) member program.

13. Develops, submits, and monitors guidelines related to Perkins funding.

14. Arranges for acquisition and provisioning of equipment and materials purchases derived from Perkins grants.

15. Assists the Foundation Coordinator with the agenda preparation and materials for the monthly Foundation board meetings.

16. Works with vendor representatives and suppliers.

Performs related activities as identified by the Foundation Coordinator.
Class Established: 7/2001
Date(s) Revised: 7/14
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.