ELA/Literacy Content Specialist (ESC)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Hendersonville (MA); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, seeks an ELA/Literacy Content Specialist (ESC) to lead major literacy projects and support districts in achieving literacy goals. This role is based in Everett with a hybrid work model.

Ideal candidates will have deep MA ELA/Literacy knowledge, curriculum expertise, and strong communication skills to collaborate across teams and districts while ensuring equitable access to high-quality instruction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional educational experience.
• Master’s degree or higher may substitute for two years of experience.
• Experience teaching ELA/literacy in a public school, preferably MA with K-8 experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale literacy projects, revise curriculum framework, and review instructional materials.
• Support districts with literacy goals through coaching and resource development.
• Collaborate with DESE teams on policies and program implementation.

Skills

ELA/Literacy knowledge

Curriculum development

Professional communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or higher (substitution option)

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - ELA/Literacy Content Specialist (ESC) (260007G7)

Job Description

ELA/Literacy Content Specialist (ESC) - ( 260007G7 )

Description

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

This position follows a hybrid model of three (3) assigned in-office days per week. The work location is Everett.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE or the Department) seeks a high-performing, experienced professional to join the Office of Curriculum & Standards within the Teaching and Learning Unit (T&L) as the ELA/Literacy Content Specialist (Educational Specialist C). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received within the first two weeks (14 days).

DESE’s Teaching and Learning Unit works to improve learning outcomes for all Massachusetts students by increasing equitable access to effective, diverse educators who provide evidence-based, inclusive, and culturally and linguistically sustaining instruction aligned to the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. This work advances the Vision of a Massachusetts Graduate, which aspires to prepare all students to be thinkers, contributors, and leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. Within T&L, the Office of Curriculum & Standards sets academic standards for the Massachusetts public school system; provides curriculum information and resources to the public; and assists districts with evaluating, selecting, and implementing curricular materials in service of strengthening teaching and learning.

About the Role and Responsibilities

1. Lead large-scale, high-impact literacy instructional projects, such as:
   • Evaluating and revising the ELA/Literacy Curriculum Framework (state standards)
   • Supporting the development of an integrated K-3 ELA/literacy, science, and social studies curriculum
   • Reviewing and evaluating high-quality ELA/literacy instructional materials through the CURATE project
2. Support districts in meeting their literacy improvement goals through relationship-building, progress monitoring, and coaching
   • Developing professional development and instructional resources for educators statewide
   • Provide technical assistance to districts to support their ELA/Literacy goals
   • Support districts to skillfully implement high-quality instructional materials
3. Contribute to other DESE programs and policies through collaboration with other teams

Travel to events, meetings, and schools/districts throughout the Commonwealth, including interstate travel, is occasionally required.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Deep knowledge of the MA Curriculum Framework for ELA/Literacy and evidence-based literacy instructional practices
• Knowledge of ELA/Literacy high-quality instructional materials
• Knowledge of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices in literacy
• Ability to manage multiple interdependent projects independently, including being organized with documents, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines
• Experience working across teams to support shared priorities and goals
• Experience building collaborative relationships with a variety of education stakeholders
• Ability to provide clear, professional and supportive written and verbal communication to stakeholders
• Experience teaching ELA/literacy in a public school, particularly in Massachusetts, preference to K-8 experience

Desired Mindsets and Attributes

• Sound judgment and ownership: Proactive, reliable, and able to work independently within established parameters while recognizing when to seek input or additional expertise.
• Equity and mission alignment: Asset-based and committed to improving outcomes and expanding equitable access to high-quality, evidence-based instruction for Massachusetts students as articulated in DESE’s Educational Vision and Vision of a Graduate,
• Adaptability, collaboration, and growth: Comfortable working in an evolving environment, building productive relationships across teams, responding to feedback, and continuously improving practices and processes.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

• Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;
• A Master’s degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.
• Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Affi­mative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Primary Location

Everett

Job

Education

Agency

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Oct 29, 2026, 2:21:31 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

97,241.04 - 132,465.32 Yearly

Bargaining Unit : 10-SEIU Local 509 - Education

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes