INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, ELEMENTARY HUMANITIES

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Denver Public Schools is seeking a literacy-focused educator-leader to improve student achievement by providing individualized school support and leading professional learning communities for teacher and school leaders. The role emphasizes culturally responsive education (CRE) and district priorities, with a strong focus on literacy across schools.

You will facilitate cycles of professional learning, coach teachers, analyze district data, and collaborate with multilingual education to strengthen

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or relevant subject area.
• Master's Degree in Education or relevant subject area preferred.
• Four years teaching experience in relevant subject area with at least two years of coaching other teachers.
• Previous experience working in an urban district with Multilingual Learners and leading for Spanish Literacy.
• Knowledge of best practices in literacy instruction.
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Humanities team, develops and facilitates cycles of professional learning in literacy for the District and its school teams to ensure schools meet measurable student outcomes tied to district priorities.
• Facilitates learning cycles across schools, including collaboratively setting learning goals, engaging in observations and coaching participants.
• Models exemplar culturally sustaining practices for teacher leaders, such as instructional planning at the unit and lesson level, data meetings and feedback conversations.
• Analyzes district local assessment data and classroom observations to inform school support.
• Works collaboratively to achieve observable results at the student level and fosters a strong team culture grounded in district values.
• In collaboration with multilingual education, develops professional learning and coaching opportunities for teachers and leaders on best practices for multilingual learners.

Skills

Four years teaching experience

Coaching experience

Literacy instruction knowledge

Equity-minded leadership

Continuous learning mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education or relevant subject area

Master's Degree in Education or relevant subject area preferred

Job description

Job Description

** Applications will be received until

** Applications will be received until July 15, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org . **

About This Job

Responsible for improving student achievement by providing individualized support to schools, leading professional learning communities for teacher leaders and school leaders, designing and leading district professional learning for teachers and partnering with Directors of Schools. Will specialize in literacy, infusing District vision for Culturally Responsive Education (CRE).

What DPS Offers You

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• $75,457 - $90,548. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement. For more information visit our New Employee Resources .

What You’ll Do

• In partnership with the Humanities team, develops and facilitates cycles of professional learning in literacy for the District and its school teams to ensure schools meet measurable student outcomes tied to district priorities, such as rigorous standards-based instruction, culturally responsive teaching, instructional systems and data-driven instruction
• Facilitates learning cycles across schools, including collaboratively setting learning goals, engaging in observations and coaching participants
• Models exemplar culturally sustaining practices for teacher leaders, such as instructional planning at the unit and lesson level, data meetings and feedback conversations
• Analyzes district local assessment data and classroom observations and uses it to inform school support
• Works collaboratively to achieve actionable and observable results at the student level; contributes to a strong team culture grounded in district values and a commitment to excellence and service to schools
• In collaboration with the multilingual education team, develops professional learning and coaching opportunities for teachers and leaders on best practices for supporting the achievement of multilingual learners
• Builds trust-based relationships and influences instructional improvement across diverse stakeholders; supports meaningful change without direct supervisory authority
• Supports with district curriculum adoption and implementation
• Contributes to team and organizational initiatives as needed

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or relevant subject area
• Master's Degree in Education or relevant subject area preferred
• Four years teaching experience in relevant subject area with at least two years of experience in coaching other teachers
• Previous experience working in an urban district with Multilingual Learners and leading for Spanish Literacy
• Knowledge of best practices in literacy instruction
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, actively seeking feedback, reflecting on practice, and applying new learning to improve outcomes for students and educators
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.

DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.