2026-2027 K-12 History Instructional Specialist

About the role

The History Instructional Specialist provides school-level leadership in History by working collaboratively with classroom teachers, other resource teachers, administrators, and central office instructional and support staff to plan and implement quality History/Social Sciences instruction as well as tiered interventions for students in need of differentiated support. The specialist also provides professional development at the school site, evaluates student data to determine strengths and weaknesses, and assists with planning and implementation of additional support services based on data-driven needs. Work is planned in collaboration with Curriculum and Instruction Directors with a focus on exemplary History/Social Sciences instruction fully aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers or teams through co-planning, demonstration teaching, co-teaching and coaching to improve student outcomes in History/Social Sciences.
• Support teachers’ understanding and delivery of the Virginia Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework by unpacking standards, writing aligned learner objectives, and using district-aligned curriculum resources.
• Assist teachers in creating aligned formative assessments; collecting, analyzing and interpreting formative and summative assessment data; and designing or selecting targeted, developmentally appropriate interventions for each performance tier.
• Facilitate teachers’ use of research-based instructional strategies, including differentiated instruction for diverse learners that enables progress from concrete to representational to abstract thinking.
• Act as a liaison among classroom teachers, intervention/resource teachers, and supplemental service providers working with History/Social Sciences instruction.
• Analyze data to identify professional development needs; plan and deliver staff development responsive to data and aligned with the PCPS Strategic Plan, Corrective Action Plan, and individual Comprehensive School Support Plan.
• Assist administration in identifying school strengths and weaknesses in History/Social Sciences and support responses that maximize student engagement and achievement.
• Incorporate and model appropriate selection and use of technology to support History/Social Sciences instruction.
• Provide professional development using collaborative investigations, discussion groups, lesson study, modeling and other methods that engage adult learners while demonstrating effective research-based strategies in K–12 History/Social Sciences.
• Conduct non-evaluative observations of History/Social Sciences teaching and learning to provide evidence-based feedback and improve instruction and student outcomes.
• Meet regularly with the Curriculum Instructional Specialist Team; assist in development of curriculum, instruction, and assessment resources; provide training on their use and demonstrate how they support horizontal and vertical alignment of written, taught and tested curricula.
• Collaborate on instructional programs and initiatives to provide extended day/year learning opportunities in History/Social Sciences (field trips, after-school activities, family events, summer programs).
• Participate in professional development for personal growth and to increase knowledge of trends and best practices; apply and share new learning with colleagues.
• Collaborate with building-level and division staff to meet all requirements of the PCPS strategic plan and Memorandum of Understanding.
• Follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director of Curriculum and Instruction or appropriate administrator.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of content, concepts, principles and methodologies of History/Social Sciences education in a public school setting.
• Knowledge of federal regulations, Virginia Standards of Learning (including Curriculum Framework and assessments), NCSS and NCHE standards, the PCPS Strategic Plan and the Comprehensive School Support Plan.
• Knowledge of current curriculum development theory and practice, program implementation in History/Social Sciences, learning theory and current trends and research in education.
• Proven ability to plan and deliver instruction using research-based practices; assess student learning through observation and data analysis; respond to data by selecting appropriate strategies; and monitor students over time.
• Demonstrated ability to access and use a variety of media and technology to support effective History/Social Sciences instruction and job performance.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, and administrators in settings requiring organization, collaboration and professional communication in oral, written, and presentation formats.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree from an approved History/Social Sciences program.
• A minimum of three (3) years of successful full-time teaching experience in a public school, preferably at more than one grade level in which the teaching of History/Social Sciences was an important responsibility.
• Professional development leadership experience and participation in professional development opportunities related to History/Social Sciences education are desirable.
• Virginia endorsement as a History/Social Sciences Instructional Specialist (or eligibility for Virginia endorsement).

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Duties are performed in an office environment with no unusual physical demands. The physical requirements described are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.