DAVID DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT #40

                                                           JOB DESCRIPTION

                                          Licensed-Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)

JOB TITLE:  TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) – Social Science Specialist 

Reports To:  Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Job Purpose Statement/s:  The position of the TOSA Social Science Specialist provides district leadership and teacher support in meeting Oregon’s social science aim of helping students develop as rational, humane and productive citizens in a democratic society.  

Under the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, provides leadership, coordination and support in the ongoing development, implementation, and administration of all phases of the district’s K-12 social science program.  Supports the knowledge and implementation of content standards, culturally responsive instruction, and state legislation that impacts social science instruction.  

Essential Job Functions: 

• Organize professional learning for K-12 on social science content to deepen understanding of the 2021 Social Science Standards including the history, perspectives, and contributions of historically underrepresented individuals and groups.
• Conduct audit of instructional materials currently in classroom use to determine needs for alignment with the 2018 or 2021 standards. 
• Facilitate Social Science curriculum adoptions with publishers, open-source materials, and curriculum providers to identify instructional materials.
• Plan and facilitate the creation of grade-level instructional scope and sequences. 
• Provide training and support the implementation of grade-level Social Science scope and sequence documents. 
• Facilitate district implementation of ODE resource and guidance on:

                    Holocaust and Genocide Learning Concepts

                    2021 Social Science Standards integrated with Ethnic Studies

                    Tribal History Shared History Social Science Lessons

• Plan and facilitate professional learning on culturally responsive pedagogy. 
• Lead conversations on horizontal (across grade levels) and vertical (K-12) alignment of social science content and skills to prepare students for high school and post-high school success.
• Collaborate with Equity TOSA on the above job functions. 
• Effectively collaborate with district administrators, building administrators, and teachers on the implementation of culturally responsive instructional practices, social science curricula, and grade level scope and sequence.  
• Collaborate with teachers and TOSAs across disciplines to strengthen and deepen consistent racial equity practices 
• Collaborate with Curriculum Team TOSAs to support district goals, develop awareness of happenings in other content areas and align/collaborate where appropriate.  
• Serve as a resource to, communicate with, and build collegial and learning relationships with: Administrative Leadership, Instructional Coaches, Teachers, Instructional Assistants, Parents/Community, Other Educational Agencies. 
• Attend professional workshops, meetings, and networking opportunities to develop and maintain understanding of current happenings in social science and state initiatives/legislation. Incorporate learning into work with district staff.  
• Implement instructional, coaching and/or mentoring strategies designed to engage adult learners in critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.  
• Effectively manage projects and time with clear outcomes and results.
• Keep current on instructional technologies and software and use them as a tool to further social science outcomes.  
• Serve on a variety of committees as assigned. 
• Demonstrate a professional and positive attitude when carrying out the responsibilities as a district leader and staff member. 
• Meet the state standards for competent and ethical performance. 

Other Job Functions: 

• Participate in various meetings (e.g. school level, departments,, Administrator, School Board and Community Partner meetings, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information.
• Travel throughout the district and flexibility in scheduling training and meetings which may include evenings and summers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements-Qualifications  

• Oregon teaching license 
• Hold or be willing to get a Social Science endorsement added to your license within one year of employment
• Five plus years of Social Science teaching experience.  
• Strong knowledge of K-12 Oregon State Social Science State Standards, Common Core 6-12 Literacy Standards for History/Social Studies, and Ethnic Studies Standards. 
• Knowledge of current SS Oregon legislation: Tribal History/Shared History/Holocaust and other Genocides, Ethnic Studies, and Inclusive Education.  
• Committed to anti-bias/anti-racist work.  
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies and models for improving instructional practice. 
• A passion for student achievement, the conviction that all students will learn, and a drive to close achievement gaps between student groups.
• A cooperative and supportive attitude in working with teachers, students, principals, and other staff.
• Committed to ongoing learning. 
• Ability to articulate ideas and communicate well with others.
• Listen and consider other perspectives.  
• Ability to organize ideas, coordinate multiple tasks, and materials to accomplish goals.
• Ability to organize time and commit to a flexible work schedule as needed. 
• Willingness to work additional days beyond the contracted year.  

Experience Preferred

• Experience planning and facilitating professional learning.  
• Knowledge of current and emerging promising practices in teaching adults.
• Experience on district or state instructional committees. 
• Experience in leadership activities. 
• Experience collaborating with teachers and administration around instructional practices.

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities Required:

          Knowledge of the Social Science content standards and pedagogy proven to be effective for Social Science instruction;            research-based trends in Social Science education, assessment, and professional learning; cognitive development and            its implications for mathematics learning; implementing research-based instructional strategies.  Proficient use of         

          technology for administrative functions and student learning

          Skills in planning, developing, and implementing appropriate curriculum; assisting teachers in realizing success for all

          student learners; providing leadership, building capacity in others, and facilitating instructional change; analyzing,

          interpreting, and sharing data.  Effective communication both verbally and in writing; interpersonal communication;

          leadership and coaching of adult learners;

          Abilities to stand and walk for prolonged periods, perform a variety of specialized and responsible tasks, maintain 

          records, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with district and school site administrators and staff,

          students, parents, other school personnel, meet schedule and deadlines.  Significant physical abilities include

          lifting/carrying/reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity/depth perception, and

          accommodation field of vision.

Education Required:  Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred). See Job Requrirements-Qualifications

Licenses, Bonding and/or Testing Required:  Appropriate State license, Criminal Justice fingerprint clearance, and valid driver's license and evidence of insurability.

Multi-Cultural preferred.  Bi-Lingual preferred. ESOL and Reading endorsement preferred.

Other:  First aid card and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate.

Terms of Employment:  Salary and work year according to the current contract and school calendar.

Evaluation: The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Licensed Staff Personnel.

David Douglas School District Drug Testing and Criminal Background check 

Per district policy, all offers of employment shall be contingent upon the successful passing of a district required drug test and criminal background check.  David Douglas School District’s Human Resources will designate where and when the testing will be conducted.  The offer of employment will be withdrawn from candidates who test positive for drugs. 

Reviewed and agreed to by: