About this role
New Instructional Leadership Specialist Elementary ELA/Reading Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, Massachusetts Lead Bold Change. Inspire Every Child. Shape the Future. What if your leadership could impact 24,000 students, representing over 60 countries and 44+ languages, in a district where diversity is not just present—it's celebrated? At Springfield Public Schools, we are on a powerful trajectory of growth and achievement. In recent years, our schools have made measurable academic gains in literacy and math, expanded early literacy success initiatives, and increased graduation rates—all while deepening our commitment to equity and culturally responsive teaching. We are proud to be the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts, and even prouder of the progress our students and educators are making together. Now, we're looking for a visionary leader ready to build on this momentum. Why This Role Matters As an Instructional Leadership Specialist, you are more than a school leader—you are a community builder, instructional innovator, and champion for equity. You will shape a joyful, high-performing learning environment where every student thrives and every educator grows. This is your opportunity to:
• Work in a school where student growth and achievement are accelerating
• Empower educators through coaching, mentorship, and data-driven practices
• Partner with families and communities to create lasting impact beyond the classroom
• Drive a vision where every child is seen, heard, and prepared for success
What You'll Do: The Instructional Leadership Specialist collaborates with district and school leaders to facilitate and execute the district's Strategic Plan with fidelity and integrity. An Instructional Leadership Specialist is expected to spend 50% of their work schedule in classrooms actively engaged in modeling, coaching, co-teaching and/or demonstrating standards-based best practices, 30% of their work schedule reviewing data, leading team meetings, presenting professional development, facilitating professional learning communities, and 20% of their work schedule instructing students. Instructional Leadership Specialists will we evaluated through the SEEDS process, including Principal 8 annually. The Instructional Leadership Specialist has a primary role to lead and coach adults by:
• Planning, implementing, and supporting rigorous standards-based instruction for all students.
• Designs model classrooms for demonstration purposes.
• Supports and facilitates the planning and implementation of rigorous, standards-based lessons in response to student data.
• Supports educators with the implementation of technology tools and resources that enhance student-centered, standards-based instruction.
• Demonstrates an ability to access, analyze, and act on school, classroom, and individual student data in support of quality tiered standards-based instruction.
• Facilitates professional learning communities.
• Collaboratively designing and executing targeted school-based professional development that is in alignment with the district's Strategic Plan.
• Attends and actively participates in all school-based Instructional Leadership Team meetings.
• Attends and actively participates in all applicable district-based professional development to ensure connections are made between district initiatives and the instructional goals of the school's improvement plan.
• Actively engages the school community to understand how everyone contributes to the execution of the district's Strategic Plan to collectively raise student achievement.
• Creating a school culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and continuous learning.
• Develops partnerships with district and building administration, families, and community to support the improvement efforts of the school.
• Consistently models high expectations for the quality of instruction and ensures accessibility for all students.
• Develops and nurtures a culture in which staff members are reflective about their practice and use student data, current research, best practices, and theory to continuously adapt.
• Coaches and manages teams to create, monitor, and achieve district and school-based goals.
• Delivers constructive feedback to educators that acknowledges effective practice and provides next steps that will impact teaching and learning.
Application Process: Phase One- Initial Application The initial application must include:
• Letter of Interest that describes the following:
• expertise in impacting teacher practice,
• analysis and use of student data,
• leadership skills,
• implementation of student learning goals, and
• the instructional planning process in your school.
• A copy of your valid, professional teaching license.
• Resume with complete history of professional work experience.
• Name and contact information of three (3) professional references.
After the initial review, selected candidates will be notified if they are approved to proceed to the next phase of the application process. Phase Two- Site-Based Observation Members of the Academic Department will come on-site to observe the candidate either leading the learning of adults or instructing students. This observation is non-evaluative. After the site-based observation, selected candidates will be notified if they are approved to proceed to the next phase of the application process. Phase Three- Interview Inclusive of Performance-Based Tasks Part 1:Data Analysis Candidates will receive a data set prior to the interview. Completion of this task will require the candidate to analyze the data and communicate their findings to the interview committee. The candidate will provide data to demonstrate growth in student data over the past one to two years. The candidate will communicate their data, action steps and instructional moves to the interview committee. Part 2: Interview During the interview, the candidate will present the data analysis, explanation of student growth, and answer questions that allow the candidate to articulate their expertise related to the duties detailed in this posting. Phase Four- Principal Interview Candidates that have successfully completed the previous phases of the interview process will be designated as Highly Qualified Instructional Leadership Specialist candidates. Principals with vacancies will interview these candidates, in collaboration with their Chief School Officer, the Human Resources Department, and the Office of Instruction. After this interview, the Principal, Chief School Officer, Human Resources Department, and Office of Instruction will determine if a candidate is selected for employment as an Instructional Leadership Specialist. Instructional Leadership Specialists are assigned to schools by the District based on identified needs and priorities. Assignments may be adjusted or reassigned to another school when data indicates a need for additional instructional leadership support in a different location. These decisions are made to ensure that ILS support is aligned with school needs and maximizes the impact on teaching and learning. If, after the principal interview, a candidate is not selected for immediate placement, they will be placed in a pool of qualified applicants for future Instructional Leadership Specialist opportunities. What Makes Springfield Public Schools Different?
• Diversity is our strength: A vibrant, multicultural community that enriches learning every day
• Real support for leaders: Access to instructional leadership specialists, coaching, and tailored professional development
• Career growth: “Grow Your Own” programs and leadership pathways
• Data that drives impact: We invest in strategies that show real results for students
We are a district where educators feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead. Who You Are You are a passionate, equity-driven leader who believes deeply in the potential of every child and educator. Qualifications:
• Has completed a minimum of 5 years of experience working directly with students, with most of the teaching experience in the content area to which the candidate is applying.
• Has a 95% attendance rate in a historical context from the academic year 2024-2025 and the academic year 2025-2026.
• Possesses a master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Possesses a professional teaching license from the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The license should reflect the content and grade-level of the position that the candidate is seeking to obtain in either English Language Arts, Mathematics, or Science.
• Overall exemplary evaluation rating from a direct supervisor is preferred. A minimum of an overall proficient rating is required. These evaluations must come from the last two current years of employment
• Demonstrate growth in student achievement based on assessments over the past one to two years.
Compensation annually Comprehensive benefits package included. Our Commitment to Equity Springfield Public Schools is committed to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our students. We strongly encourage candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, identities, abilities, and backgrounds to apply. We believe: Great schools are built by diverse leaders who bring bold ideas, lived experiences, and a shared commitment to excellence. Ready to Make an Impact? If you believe in the power of education to transform lives—and you're ready to lead with purpose, passion, and courage—we want to hear from you. If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team.