Academic Specialist

University Instructors (UI) is seeking a dynamic Academic Specialist with a passion for instructional design, supervision, and coaching for classroom instructors.In this role, you will work with program management staff to ensure that UI instructors deliver high quality instruction to students receiving special education services in our partner districts. You will observe, provide feedback to, and coach UI instructors working with students in special education programs and evaluate the implementation of UI’s Teacher Pathway programs.University Instructors partners with schools to provide students with purposeful learning experiences led by inspirational educators. If you are committed to co-creating and implementing impactful instructional services for school partners to enhance student achievement and build local talent pipelines, apply now.Roles and ResponsibilitiesIn this role, you will:Perform on-site observations of UI instructors within a K-12 special education settingShare instructional feedback from classroom observations with program management staff and develop Collaborative Instructional Coaching Plans as needed for UI instructorsCreate and/or deliver training and professional development sessions for UI InstructorsFunction as a resource in the areas of special education, individualized education programs, instructional pedagogy, assessment practices, and classroom management for UI instructors and program management teamComplete required documentation for school visits, to include observation notes, and recommended action items for improvement in instructional design and deliveryAnalyze student performance data in classrooms led by UI instructors and make recommendations for changes within the instructional setting to ensure special education compliance and advance student achievementEvaluate program implementation and provide feedback and recommendations to the program management team on program implementation, student data reporting, and program success measuresMaintain a positive rapport with school administration and staff in collaboration with the program management teamAttend client meetings when appropriateComplete other duties as assignedQualificationsKnowledge and SkillsWe are looking for someone who possesses:Instructional design and delivery experience in the K-12 settingStrong understanding of individual education plans (IEPs), including modifications and accommodations and their connection to student goals and objectives, and ensuring students in special education programs receive the appropriate support documented in their IEPsAdministrative experience to include knowledge of and experience completing the teacher observation cycleFamiliarity with state accreditation standardsEffective oral and written communication skillsAn understanding of instructional pedagogies and methodologiesExcellent people skillsStrong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Google WorkspaceExcellent time management and organizational skills, including prioritizing, scheduling, and adapting as necessaryThe ability to meet deadlinesStrong ability to work both independently with little supervision and collaboratively as part of a teamEducation and Work ExperienceA successful applicant has a passion for advocating for and helping students and instructors succeed in addition to the following:Minimum of a master’s degree, K-12 administrative licensure preferredMinimum of 5 years of experience in a K-12 special education classroomMinimum of 3 years of administrative leadership experience in a K-12 public school district in one or more of the following areas: special education, instruction, curriculum, and/or schoolsWork Conditions:Duties are primarily performed within a school setting. Physical requirements include frequent standing, sitting, walking, and lifting. The role often requires getting up and down from the floor or low seating, assisting students with mobility, and occasionally running or moving quickly to ensure student safety. Additional physical tasks may include helping students with transfers, positioning, toileting, or use of adaptive equipment, as well as supporting students during physical activities or transitions between classrooms. Some assignments are subject to strict deadlines, especially when adapting and delivering programs to meet the needs of diverse student groups. The position involves regular interaction with students and parents who may be experiencing heightened emotional states. Employees are expected to use de-escalation techniques, maintain a calm and supportive demeanor, and implement behavior intervention strategies as needed to ensure a safe and positive environment. Students may exhibit behavioral challenges, including verbal outbursts or physical behaviors such as hitting, kicking, biting, eloping, or throwing objects. Employees must be prepared to respond appropriately to these situations, following established safety protocols and behavior management plans. Employees may be required to provide both emergency and non-emergency health-related services to students, including basic first aid, assisting with prescribed medical procedures, or responding to health emergencies according to school protocols.$65 HourlyUniversity Instructors is an equal opportunity employer

Created: 2026-03-19