Program Coordinator, Science and Social Science (2026/2027)

POSITION: Program Coordinator, Science and Social Science


REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Teaching and Learning


JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, the Program Coordinator Science and Social Science provides leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of curriculum and instructional practices to support student achievement. This role serves as a central resource with regard to strategies and procedures for implementing in-service activities related to staff development. Prepares reports regarding student performance then collaborates with instructional teams to plan changes within the instructional program.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as the central resource with regard to strategies and procedures for implementing in-service activities related to staff development.
• Prepares reports regarding student performance and then collaborates with instructional teams to plan changes within the instructional program.
• Utilize data from a variety of sources to analyze programming as a driver to improve teaching and learning
• Provide leadership in the design and implementation of local assessments, and assist with coordination of state assessment.
• Coordinate program components, support needs, and materials (e.g., negotiating contracts with vendors, reserving space, etc.) for the purpose of meeting district and/or program guidelines.
• Coordinate special events for the school communities (ie: science fair, etc.)
• Organizes, communicates, facilitates, and attends performances and events related to the Social Science and Science Program(s)
• Promote the Social Science and Science program(s) for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes and encouraging student development.
• Monitors Social Science and Science services (e.g., evaluating programs and attendance, reviewing staff, overseeing equipment procurement, staffing, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that performance outcomes are achieved within budget, department, and district objectives.
• Develops long and short-range plans/programs (e.g., identifying school-specific support needs; outlining visual and performing arts programs; integrating adopted curriculum; staffing, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that district objectives are realized.
• Monitors fund balances of assigned programs and related financial activity for the purpose of ensuring that expenses are within budget limits and/or fiscal practices are followed.
• Collaborates with a variety of internal and external sources (e.g., district departments, principals, staff, vendors, colleagues, etc.) for the purpose of developing curriculum modifications, implementing and maintaining services and/or programs and serving as a liaison and information/process resource.
• Participates in a wide variety of meetings that involve a range of issues related to science and social science (e.g., safety/regulatory requirements, program offerings, funding status, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information; evaluating topics/materials, identifying appropriate actions, and/or developing recommendations.
• Researches a wide variety of topics (e.g.programs, grant availability, professional development, etc.) for the purpose of developing new programs that meet staff training needs.
• Responds to inquiries of students, parents, other school personnel, community representatives, etc. for the purpose of providing information, assistance, and/or directions regarding the program and student activities.
• Prepares a wide variety of often complex materials (e.g., plans, budgets, funding requests, reports, analyses, recommendations, procedures, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and issues, meeting compliance requirements, providing audit references, making presentations, and/or providing supporting materials for requested actions.
• Performs departmental administrative functions (e.g., hiring, counseling, training, supervising, evaluating, monitoring the budget, developing procedures, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing the productivity of staff, and ensuring that necessary outcomes are achieved.
• Maintains detailed records (e.g., equipment and supply inventory; contract documents; evaluation forms; correspondence, memos, etc.) for the purpose of meeting program requirements.
• Serve as a liaison between District 86 and Joliet Township High School District 204 regarding Social Science and Science.
• Perform additional duties/tasks as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction or Designee.

QUALIFICATIONS:


EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:

• Master's degree, from an accredited college or university, with training in administration, supervision, and/or other education-related areas.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with appropriate administrative endorsement (ie: Principal, Superintendent, etc.) and Social Science and/or Science Endorsement preferred
• Valid, Appropriate Illinois credentials to evaluate certified staff

EXPERIENCE:

• Three years of successful educational leadership, administrative or program supervisory experience is preferred
• A minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience is required preferably at the elementary/junior high level.
• Knowledge and experience with the implementation of AVID instructional strategies and methodologies.
• Background in professional development or instructional coaching preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of the State Standards for Science and Social Studies is required.
• Experience in the development and implementation of Science and Social Studies curriculum and programs.
• Evidence of instructional leadership with a strong commitment to academic excellence with high expectations of students and staff.
• Strong background in core content with experience with multi-tiered systems of support and data analysis.
• An administrative leadership style based on effective human relations and a student-focused continuous improvement model;
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in curriculum and instruction at the elementary and junior high/middle school level;
• Ability and flexibility to work with limited supervision in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
• Effective skills in gathering information in order to respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints, as well as assist in the resolution of conflict with courtesy, tact, and respect.
• Demonstrated excellence as an educational leader with strong organizational, problem solving and human relations skills;
• Actively promotes the belief that all students can learn, and advocates for equitable learning opportunities within a rigorous curriculum for all students, especially those from traditionally underserved or marginalized populations.
• Effective verbal and written communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with a record of building relationships that foster collegial trust, promote teacher efficacy, and family engagement, and motivate others to aspire to high expectations and accountability with a common instructional focus;
• A positive attitude toward the role, and flexibility as an innovative team builder;
• Accessibility and visibility to stakeholders
• Evidence of regular engagement and desire to continue professional learning, implementation, and reflection, in the areas of curriculum, child development, equitable practices, and instructional methods in the junior high school;
• Experience with the integration of instructional technology to enhance the delivery of learning and current knowledge of technology tools appropriate to the role;
• Knowledge of District policies, Local policies, State, and Federal laws relating to students, schools, and instruction
• Understanding of the range of services and requirements to meet the needs of a diverse student population, including special education, enrichment, and multilingual services, and demonstrated use of strategies for ensuring practice of the same;
• The vision, compassion, and enthusiasm for effective team leadership to motivate high standards, addressing achievement gaps and continuous improvement;
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in Spanish is desirable
• Record of accountability in project management, including preparing and maintaining accurate records and meeting strict deadlines

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work is performed within the school/district environment where unusual temperatures, noise, and hazards are relatively non-existent. Work requires the employee to perform the following critical physical demands of the job:

• Ability to regularly communicate verbally and hear;
• Ability to use close and distant vision and adjust focus;
• Ability to push, pull, ambulate, perform tasks from a standing or seated position, and use fine motor manipulation during the normal performance of tasks and responsibilities
• Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift or move up to 30-50 pounds.
• Ability to travel from building to building and within the local community as needed.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary is determined by the Superintendent based on experience and credentials. The minimum base salary for the position is $88,527. In addition to the base salary, this position offers fringe benefits, including, but not limited to, Board Contribution to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS), health, dental, vision, and life insurance. This is a 12-month certified administrative, non-bargaining position. FLSA Exempt Status.


EVALUATION: The performance of this role will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of professional personnel, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Illinois School Code related to Principal evaluation.

The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.

RELATES TO: Central Staff Administration


Director of Student Services


Director of Special Education


Program Coordinators


Principals


Assistant Principals


Classroom Teachers


Paraprofessionals


Students


Parent