Position Overview
The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) invites applications for a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Specialist position. This individual will provide support to State, Regional, and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in the implementation of the MnMTSS framework. The MTSS Specialist will be competent in culturally responsive education and pedagogy and will interact with a variety of educators and community members to acquire and interpret system-level data. This position actively supports and advances the Universityâ™s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The MTSS Specialist will assist in developing and sustaining opportunities to support state and local educational agencies in scaling up evidence-based practices with fidelity including (1) evaluating and improving their implementation of an MTSS framework, (2) providing technical assistance to school districts and other educational agencies in developing and implementing action plans for improving student outcomes, (3) providing coaching to regional and LEAs on MTSS (4) designing and delivering professional learning targeted toward key needs, (5) building
and/or identifying tools and resources to assist MN schools in improving data-based decision-making practices, (6) leading work around culturally responsive practices and curriculum, and (7) supporting the Wisconsin Minnesota Comprehensive Center (WMCC) in its work with SEAâ™s, LEAâ™s, and other educational agencies.
The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise and experience in the field of education as well as experience in working in school districts and state educational agencies. In addition, the candidate will have experience supporting the implementation of an MTSS framework and be up to date with research around effective educational practices and implementation/improvement science. The candidate must be highly organized and skilled in oral and written communication. This position will report directly to the Associate Director of CAREIâ™s MTSS Core; however, it is expected that the candidate will have the ability to work independently and make daily operational decisions within their projects.
The primary purpose of the MTSS Specialist is to improve the quality of education for all learners. To achieve that purpose, the MTSS Specialist must assist with neutral and rigorous educational research and evaluation projects. The position requires an in-depth level of knowledge in the application of research methodologies used in the field of
evaluation and experience scaling research to practice.
The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work-life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.
Job Responsibilities
Technical Assistance and Outreach Services (50%)
Support state, regional, and local educational agencies in evaluating and improving their implementation of an MTSS framework. Provide coaching on MTSS implementation to state, regional, and local educational agencies. Design and deliver professional learning targeted toward key partner needs. Support the development of MTSS deliverables for statewide implementation in the areas of assessment, data-based decision-making, multilevel instruction, infrastructure, and family and community engagement. Build and/or identify tools and resources to assist MN schools in improving data-based decision-making practices. Provide technical assistance around strategic planning and the development of MTSS implementation plans. Identify and respond to requests for proposals from educational agencies and professional organizations for CAREI services. Communicate and disseminate CAREI project information at state and national conferences. Provide technical assistance around culturally responsive pedagogy and curricula.
Conduct Research and Evaluation (45%)
Design and lead implementation reviews of the MTSS framework for local and state educational agencies in MN and around the country. Design research and evaluation plans to meet the information needs of school districts, non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and community organizations. Work with clients to develop research-based proposals for grants and research/evaluation projects including logic models, methods design, and literature reviews. Develop qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments including interview protocols, focus group protocols, surveys, rating scales, and observations to answer the research/evaluation questions specific to projects. Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of data collected for research/evaluation projects. Prepare written and oral reports of research and evaluation results. Work with external consultants to review literacy curricula to ensure culturally responsive practices.
Coordinate and Direct Project Personnel (5%)
Supervise Graduate Research Assistants. Coordinate project staff and monitor deliverables when serving in the project lead role. Hire external consultants and oversee their work (as necessary). Required Qualifications Advanced degree in Education, Psychology, Leadership, Evaluation, or related field, and a publication record. Demonstrated experience working with state or regional educational agencies on MTSS implementation. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities. Experience providing technical assistance to state or regional educational agencies. Preferred Qualifications Experience leading and/or conducting multiple large- and small-scale projects involving students, educational staff, families, and administration in school settings, and coordinating the analysis, evaluation and reporting on all phases of the project(s). Experience in conducting field-based research in LEAs, schools and social service agencies using mixed approaches including quantitative and qualitative methodologies to research and evaluate programs and policies. Ability to work independently, as well as serve on collaborative teams, to make decisions to keep processes moving forward. About University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
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