BASIC FUNCTION
Under direction of assigned supervisor, provide instruction and lessons to classes of students in an assigned specialized subject-matter area; observe, monitor and record student behavior and performance; assist teachers in maintaining student academic and attendance records, and perform related duties as assigned.
Each specialized subject area is considered to be a separate classification for Merit System purposes.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Instructional Specialists are responsible for delivering classroom instruction and preparing lesson plans and materials for classes in an assigned specialized subject-matter area, including art, music, percussion, athletics, dance, drama, African dance, nutrition and cooking and gardening. Work assigned to an Instructional Specialist requires detailed knowledge in subject areas applicable to their instructional assignment and the ability to provide instruction to elementary or secondary students in an effective and engaging manner.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
- Instruct students in a specialized area of instruction; develop and prepare lesson plans, curriculum and content according to state and District standards; plan, develop and deliver classroom lessons and presentations; develop a variety of instructional materials and exercises; develop methods to explain or demonstrate information to students; prepare samples and demonstrates techniques, processes and methods for students; monitor and assists students through drill, practice and other instructional methods; work with and tutors' individual and small groups of students in assigned subject matter areas to reinforce class lessons, improve skill levels and assist students in completing class and homework assignments; assist instructors in evaluating student understanding and progress; establish class rules and monitors and controls student behavior according to established procedures.
- Set up and arrange materials, supplies and equipment for instructional activities; provide technical assistance in the operation, adjustment and maintenance of specialized equipment as assigned.
- Order and maintain supplies, materials and equipment, ensuring adequate supply for instructional use; prepare, issue and collect materials and equipment for student use.
- Communicate with parents regarding student progress and attendance and class activities; conduct parent and student meetings with staff; confer with school site staff regarding class and outside events; work with staff and administrators to build support for program and instructional activities
- Maintain a variety of reports and records; track student attendance and participation; maintain records of student progress and attendance as assigned
- Coordinate, plan, organize and oversee student performances and exhibitions; work with community organizations and agencies to make arrangements for student exhibitions and performances
- Maintain a safe and orderly learning environment; set up and break down materials for classroom lessons; launder and clean items as necessary
- Perform general clerical duties in support of classroom activities, including filing, typing or duplicating materials.
Art:
Provide instruction on a variety of art methods and techniques, including painting, drawing, clay and pottery making, math-art classes, costume design, poetry-art, graphic art, clay animation and ceramics; set up student art exhibits at local museums.
KNOWLEDGE OF
Assigned specialized subject matter areas, including applicable state and District standards and regulationsMethods, practices, and techniques of improving student knowledge through specialized structured lesson plans, teaching techniques, and instructional materialsMethods and practices of child instruction and tutoringCorrect English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuationAdministrative practices and procedures, including record¬ keeping and filing practices and procedures
ABILITY TO
Perform specialized tasks applicable to specialized subject areasOperate a computer, other standard office equipment and specialized equipment and materialsOrganize, set priorities and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibilityMonitor and control student behaviorOrganize and maintain confidential student records and filesCommunicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writingUnderstand and follow written and oral instructionsPrepare and maintain a variety of records, reports, and filesUse tact, discretion, courtesy, and patience in dealing with sensitive and difficult students and situationsEstablish and maintain effective working relationships with District management, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, students, and others encountered in the course of workA typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in the assigned instructional area; and at least one year of experience working with school-age children in an organized educational environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
ENVIRONMENT
Instructional classroom and other indoor and outdoor learning environmentsSeasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Hearing and speaking to exchange informationSeeing to observe the condition of lab and behavior of studentsDexterity of hands and fingers to set up and operate lab equipmentLifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects typically weighing up to 50 poundsPulling and pushing cartsReaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally
HAZARDS:
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases
EXAMINATION WEIGHT
Assessments may consist of a written, oral and/or performance examinations.
FIRST EXAMINATION
50%
SECOND EXAMINATION
50% Qualified candidates will be notified of the minimum passing points for each examination part. Qualified Applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the Examinations.
OTHER:
Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.
SALARIES
All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.
NONDISCRIMINATION
STATEMENTIn accordance with the provisions of Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, Education Code Section 220, and Berkeley Unified School District Policy, no qualified person shall, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, national origin, religion, actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, handicap, age or sexual orientation, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity in the Berkeley Unified School District. The Board prohibits unlawful discrimination against and/or harassment of district employees and job applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, at any district site and/or activity. The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy." If there are questions concerning Section 504 or disability accommodations for job applicants/employees under the ADA, please contact the Office of Human Resources, Berkeley Unified School District. If there are questions concerning discrimination on the basis of sex or any of the other classifications noted above, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at (510) 486-9338.
