Director, Professional Learning, Ready To Learn

Job Description

Director, Professional Learning, Ready To Learn (remote eligible)

Department: Learning & Research

Corporate Area: PBS KIDS

Status: Fixed-term, 100% RTL Grant- funded (This position is fully funded through September 30, 2023 and will be renewed based on receipt of additional federal appropriations approval.)

Supervisor: Sr. Director, Early Learning Engagement

Position Overview:

PBS KIDS provides PreK-2 educators with access to free digital content and professional development opportunities designed to improve teacher effectiveness and student learning.

This position is funded by a Ready To Learn (RTL) grant from the US Department of Education to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS, focused on promoting early learning and school readiness, with an emphasis on supporting children from communities with limited resources.

The Director of Professional Learning will implement PBS KIDS' teacher professional learning strategy around Ready To Learn priorities with a focus on supporting early childhood educators through PBS member stations. The Director will lead the co-design and implementation of content and engagement experiences that will help educators use PBS KIDS media to spark and deepen learning in PreK-2 teaching environments. This position serves as a subject matter expert on the use of digital media and instructional technology to impact teaching and learning and will work collaboratively across PBS KIDS and PBS LearningMedia teams, and with educators and PBS member stations to co-design, develop and implement a hybrid model of professional development that is high quality, accessible, and relevant, reflecting research-based and appropriate early childhood practices.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Lead the co-design, development and implementation of a hybrid model of professional learning for early learning educators together with PBS member stations.

• Work collaboratively to plan and oversee the implementation of researched-based strategies, models and practices to deepen impact and awareness of PBS KIDS teaching resources among early childhood educators.

• Lead and manage a team of instructional designers and consultants in the development of content, resources, events, and awareness building activities together with PBS member stations.

• Identify and liaise with partners to support and further PBS KIDS' professional learning strategy.

• Regularly assess the professional needs of early childhood educators and conduct periodic reviews of existing teacher training/professional development curriculum and resources.

• Stay attuned to professional and early learning activities in progress across the public media system and field of professional learning and share new insights and findings with internal stakeholders.

• Provide leadership for PBS KIDS' in-person and virtual professional development initiatives for early learning audiences.

• Research, identify and implement innovative methods and techniques that enhance PBS KIDS' educator training and professional development offerings.

• Deliver in-person and online training as needed.

• Assists with other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements for success:
• 10 years related work experience, preferably in a position requiring skills in early childhood education, digital and media literacy, instructional technology, project management and/or community building

• Prior early childhood teaching experience with children (PreK-2)

• Background in teaching and/or curriculum design with practical experience using a variety of educational technologies.

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field of study

• Masters in Education, Instructional Technology, Curriculum and Instruction or related field preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education theory and practice

• Passionate about supporting educators and children

• Demonstrates enthusiasm, positivity and confidence

• Understanding of early childhood education trends and policy

• Experience facilitating adult learning

• Excellent knowledge of digital and media literacy, teacher professional development and training, and community building practices

• Knowledge and experience with a wide range of educational technologies for various settings and needs

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to generate original presentations, correspondence and reports

• Excellent project logistic and planning skills with close attention to details and timelines

• Works well with others and has refined interpersonal skills

• Effectively juggles multiple tasks, managing competing priorities and works efficiently under multiple deadlines

• Works independently, is self-directed and resourceful

• Demonstrated knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility best practices in professional learning

• Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, and Google Drive

• Comfortable working collaboratively in virtual environments and using diverse virtual meeting platforms

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required.

PBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with the EEOC and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rb6yno-3-146-37-35-42 in your application.