Basic Function and Representative Duties
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.
Dance:
Prepare students for stage performances, including providing instruction on stage etiquette and presence, execution of movement and stage transitions and logistics
Prepare, clean and organize costumes, accessories and props for performances
Audition students for dance ensembles
Serve as senior artist and provide information to other artists regarding program goals and procedures; lead collaborations for dance concerts
Athletics:
Participate in planning District athletic programs; attend District meetings to develop athletic policies and contracts; recommend for hire, schedule and supervise coaches and other athletic staff; communicate with parents regarding student enrollment, fees and student performance; conduct meetings with students and parents; ensure student athletes meet District requirements in order to participate in athletic programs, including checking grades and attendance; prepare weekly progress reports and counsel athletes on District athletic participation requirements; supervise academic hours in the homework center
Direct and coordinate the competitive and intramural sports teams and activities at an assigned school site; enroll students in athletic programs and collect fees; schedule, organize, coordinate, facilitate and supervise team practices and games; create and distribute team schedules and lists; coach and facilitate team practices and conditioning routines; schedule athletic officials and transportation; attend and oversee all on- and off-campus games and tournaments; prepare field and gymnasium for athletic events, including lining athletic fields; order, clean, issue, collect and maintain equipment and apparel for District sports teams
Cooking:
Deliver nutrition education through day-time and after-school cooking classes promoting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans; conduct cooking and nutrition classes and provide instruction to students on establishing and maintaining healthy eating and physical activity habits; plan recipes and menus that feature Harvest of the Month produce; utilize ingredients and methods that make it possible for students to replicate recipes at home with their family; develop a programmatic approach that emphasizes the 4R's; shop for and purchase food items; develop interactive nutrition lessons focusing on nutritional components and guidelines; send recipes home with students on a monthly basis; mentor students in the development of safe culinary skills; provide support for a pilot nutrition education cooking class for parents
Conduct food promotions and taste testing's; coordinate with other instructional staff regarding planning and promotion of special nutrition events
Knowledge and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Assigned specialized subject matter areas, including applicable state and District standards and regulations
Methods, practices, and techniques of improving student knowledge through specialized structured lesson plans, teaching techniques, and instructional materials
Methods and practices of child instruction and tutoring
Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Administrative practices and procedures, including record¬ keeping and filing practices and procedures
ABILITY TO:
Perform specialized tasks applicable to specialized subject areas
Operate a computer, other standard office equipment and specialized equipment and materials
Organize, set priorities and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibility
Monitor and control student behavior
Organize and maintain confidential student records and files
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Understand and follow written and oral instructions
Prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports, and files
Use tact, discretion, courtesy, and patience in dealing with sensitive and difficult students and situations
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District management, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, students, and others encountered in the course of work
Education, Experience and Other Requirements
A 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
Working Conditions and Additional Information
ENVIRONMENT:
Instructional classroom and other indoor and outdoor learning environments
Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Hearing and speaking to exchange information
Seeing to observe the condition of lab and behavior of students
Dexterity of hands and fingers to set up and operate lab equipment
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects typically weighing up to 50 pounds
Pulling and pushing carts
Reaching 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 STATEMENT
In 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.
