Educational Consultant (ELA or Reading) – Per Diem – Chicago, Illinois

About Us

At Curriculum Associates, we believe in the potential of every child and are changing the face of education technology with award-winning learning programs like i-Ready that serve a third of the nation’s K–8 students. For more than 50 years, our commitment to making classrooms better places, serving educators, and supporting accessible learning experiences for all students has driven the continuous improvement of our innovative programs. Our team of more than 2,500 employees is composed of lifelong learners who stand behind this mission, working tirelessly to serve the educational community with world-class programs and support every day.

This is NOT a remote position. You must live in the Chicago area.

Preferred qualification: Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish.

About the Role

Curriculum Associates is seeking a temporary, part-time Professional Learning Educational Consultant (ELA or Reading) with a background in teaching ELA or Reading, coaching teachers, delivering professional development and support, analyzing data, and working with school leaders. This is an excellent opportunity for retired educators or those transitioning out of the classroom to join a mission-driven company focused on creating equitable classrooms for students while remaining part of a school community.

Working closely with the Associate Manager or Manager of Professional Learning, sales team, and other Curriculum Associates professionals, you will facilitate high-quality professional development, training, support, data analysis, and consultative communication with educators and leaders.

This position is based in Chicago, Illinois, and will support districts throughout the Midwest, PA, and WV. Candidates must either currently live in, near, or be open to relocating to the Chicago area. Must have own transportation as this role requires considerable travel beyond the posted location. A valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Become an expert on the company’s online diagnostic and instruction program and Common Core product, focusing on ELA or Reading.
• Serve teachers in the classroom by coordinating on-site product training and professional learning courses for teachers and school administrators.
• Adjust professional learning workshops within specified parameters to fit the needs of the participants.
• Help ensure equity in the classroom by delivering professional learning courses to teachers, coaches, and leaders on how to effectively implement Ready and i-Ready to impact classroom learning.
• Meet teachers where they are and provide tailored on-site support to teachers, coaches, and leaders. This may range from providing lesson planning and pacing support, to helping educators analyze data and apply it to instruction, to working with leaders to identify evidence of implementation successes and challenges.
• Engage in an internal cycle of professional improvement and development (including being observed, receiving feedback, and being coached).
• Track and submit detailed training notes, as well as complete all assignments in a timely manner.
• Present a professional image at all times to customers and prospects.

Requirements

• Minimally, a Bachelor’s degree and at least 2+ years of experience in teaching ELA or Reading, coaching teachers of ELA or Reading, and providing ELA or Reading professional development.
• Master’s degree in ELA or Reading is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of the Common Core State Standards for ELA or Reading for Grades K–8 (or comparable state standards), including both the content standards and the practice standards.
• Fluency with using digital tools including online assessments, and a high level of comfort discussing and applying data with teachers and leaders.
• Understand principles of adult learning and how to apply them to professional development to ensure participants meet learning objectives.
• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Exceptional time management skills: ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize appropriately.
• Proven organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Excellent computer and internet skills including knowledge of Office programs (Outlook, Word, PPT, etc.); knowledge of online meeting programs (e.g., Zoom/WebEx) a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an educational cohort.
• Travel up to 80% is required and considered an essential function of the job. Travel includes overnight stays at hotels and transportation via car, plane, and/or public transportation. Out-of-state travel may be required based on business demand.

Schedule

Per Diem consultants are scheduled on an as-needed basis, paid hourly. Schedule is highly dependent on customer demand—professional development is usually scheduled with partners during normal school hours. Peak times of the year include August through October and then again January and February, although professional development is delivered throughout the school year.

Given the as-needed and heavily seasonal nature of this role, we do not recommend maintaining a full-time role that operates during school hours simultaneously with the Per Diem Educational Consultant role at Curriculum Associates.

Pay

We offer a competitive salary, ranging from $30/hour to $65.63/hour, depending on the type of work you will be assigned to complete (e.g., “at-home” work versus “away from home” work, such as working directly with educators). We provide compensation for professional learning delivery, internal training, travel time, and travel expenses. Mileage reimbursement may be available for applicable travel.

Benefits

• Company-provided laptop.
• Temporary and per diem employees who average, and maintain, at least 30 hours of work per week may become eligible for medical coverage under the Affordable Care Act, after an initial waiting period.
• All per-diem employees are eligible for accrued sick time.