Full job description Job Details (SUBJECT TO FUNDING AVAILABILITY)
POSITION: Teacher Assigned – Health Education Instructional Specialist, Elementary School
(FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY) (POSITION FOR ONE YEAR)
POSITION SUMMARY: Teaching students to take care of their minds and their bodies builds a foundation for lifelong learning and ensures they have the skills needed to be physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally healthy. The New York City Department of Education's Office of School Wellness Programs (OSWP) supports school communities in building structures and environments where Health Education and Physical Education (PE) thrive, and guides schools in teaching nearly one million students what they need to know to make healthy, informed choices now and throughout their lives.
Recognizing that every student has a right to quality PE and Health Education instruction, as well as opportunities to engage in wellness-related activities inside and outside of the classroom, we believe:
Equity is essential to our work to address systemic social and racial barriers connected to these essential subjects. In protecting and promoting the health and well-being of all our students, regardless of their social position or background, including their actual or perceived race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship/immigration status, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, weight, and/or political beliefs. Our Office staff must engage in intentional and sustained learning over time to be change agents around equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Elementary School Health Education Instructional Specialist supports elementary school level Health Education teachers, principals, and district support staff Citywide through the design and delivery of professional learning experiences, including the delivery of comprehensive Health Education, HIV Education, Mental Health Education, and LGBTQ-affirming classroom trainings. Additional responsibilities include providing training follow-up support, drafting and sharing instructional resources, and staying abreast of current Health Education rules and regulations, instructional best practices, and resources in the content areas of social, emotional, and mental health; injury and violence prevention; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use prevention; nutrition and physical activity; and growth and development. The Health Education Instructional Specialist will serve as a Citywide resource for elementary school health education, including designing citywide plans for dissemination of new/updated City, State, and National Health Education information (e.g., CDC health and safety guidelines; National Health Education Standards; NYC Food Education Standards) and delivering Citywide conference opportunities based on current student, teacher, and administrator needs.
LOCATION: TBD
Visiting various sites throughout New York City
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Certified and licensed, appointed and tenured New York City Department of Education teachers with background and experience in Health Education.
SELECTION CRITERIA: Minimum of three (3) years of Satisfactory (or Advance-equivalent) experience at the NYC Department of Education (DOE). Minimum of three (3) years teaching comprehensive Health Education at the elementary school level, including Growth and Development. Experience designing and delivering professional development for a variety of adult learners (school staff, teachers, administrators, district teams, etc.). Deep understanding of New York State and National Health Education Standards and National Sex Education Standards. Knowledge of best practices and current trends in Health Education, school wellness policy, and/or public health. Familiarity with NYC DOE-recommended Health Education curricula. Commitment to reducing health disparities for young people in New York City. Experience using technology and web-based platforms in teaching Health Education. Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal). Strong teamwork ethic and desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative office. Ability to prioritize, work independently, handle many responsibilities simultaneously, and provide ongoing follow-up. Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel) and other related applications, including various video conferencing applications and survey management software.
DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Professional Learning and Instructional Resource Development
Provide instructional support to school- or district-based instructional leadership teams to improve learning outcomes for students in Health Education. Design and deliver professional development and guidance to support quality Health Education through in-person and live virtual training. Facilitate online professional learning communities on the Microsoft Teams platform for Health Education teachers to share resources and best practices Citywide. Design asynchronous professional learning courses to reach teachers and administrators Citywide. Update the NYC K-12 Health Education Scope and Sequence regularly to align with City, State, and National standards and policies, for dissemination Citywide. Design and deliver professional learning for Health Education teachers on Citywide conference days. Provide follow-up support to training participants via phone calls, emails, and Microsoft Teams communities to build understanding of post-training program implementation and provide instructional support. Review and recommend Health Education materials to share with districts and schools in the content areas of social, emotional, and mental health; injury and violence prevention; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use prevention; nutrition and physical activity; and growth and development. Document and share successful implementation strategies. Work closely with the OSWP Events and Professional Learning Team to coordinate training preparation and delivery, scheduling, registration, and communication with participants. Assist in collection, entry, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to support project deliverables and program planning.
Capacity Building Work closely with the OSWP Implementation Team to provide guidance and resources to district support staff, school administrators, and teachers to increase the capacity of districts and schools to develop or enhance a sustainable Health Education program that meets City and State requirements. Coordinate improvements in Health Education instruction through the customization of OSWP services and programs to meet the unique needs of principals, teachers, and their respective schools, including strategies to engage families. Collaborate with other NYC DOE offices to provide comprehensive and aligned support to districts and schools related to LGBTQ inclusion, menstrual equity, mental health, and substance use prevention. Help districts and schools strengthen health services linkages for students through a wide range of NYC community resources, including the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, medical centers, local organizations, and other partners. Other Assist with the preparation of reports (e.g., local law reports, CDC grant reports). Related tasks as needed. SALARY: As per UFT Collective Bargaining Agreement
HOURS: 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday
WORK YEAR: School year plus five additional days during winter, spring, or summer vacation period
APPLICATION PROCESS: Send cover letter, resume, and copy of license(s) by JUNE 4 TH , 2024, to Subject line: "Health Education Instructional Specialist, Elementary School" AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D It is the policy of the Department of Education of the City of New York to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, unemployment status, caregiver status, consumer credit history, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as permitted by law), predisposing genetic characteristics, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses and stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above-noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation.
