School Improvement Professional - School Leadership at Education Authority Northern Ireland

Dundonald, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

29 Oct, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Professional Learning, School Improvement, Leadership Development, Coaching, Mentoring, Networking, E-Learning, Curriculum Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Quality Assurance, Good Practice Dissemination, Collaboration, Consultation

Industry

Education Administration Programs

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Professional Learning and Development – School Leadership RESPONSIBLE FOR: The Professional Learning and Development Officer will be responsible, as part of the Professional Learning and Development Team, for ensuring the provision of a comprehensive, high-quality programme of professional learning across the region, which meets the needs of school leaders, teachers and school staff and is consistent with the DE Strategy for Teacher Professional Learning - ‘Learning Leaders’. Job Purpose The Professional Learning and Development Team will ensure that a comprehensive programme of professional learning and development is available, across the region, to meet the needs of school leaders, school governors and school staff. There will be two key functional areas within the team – one focused on provision for School Leaders and one focused on provision for Teaching and Learning. The work of this team is set within the context of DE’s 10 year ‘Learning Leaders’ strategy, which aims to develop and implement a coherent framework for the continuing professional learning and development of all teachers and school leaders. The comprehensive programme of professional learning and development will include: the direct delivery, by SDS, of professional learning programmes and activities. the development and facilitation of school and practitioner networks focused on professional learning. the deployment of educational associates, as required, to complement the work of core staff. the procurement and quality assurance of programmes from a range of other providers. School Leadership provision, to which Professional Learning and Development Officers will contribute, will include: programmes for school principals and vice-principals. senior and middle leadership development programmes. provision of a central point for brokering the provision of coaching and mentoring support across the school system. the building and sustaining of leadership networks. utilisation of E-learning including EA TV, EA SDS and C2k online learning platforms. The Professional Learning and Development Team will also have responsibility for the internal professional learning programme for officers within the Education Directorate. Professional Learning and Development Responsibilities: The Professional Learning and Development Officer has the following responsibilities: Contribute to the development and implementation of a coherent framework for the continuing professional learning of school leaders, teachers and other school staff. Lead the development and implementation of programmes of professional learning for identified groups, e.g. Experienced School Leaders, First-time Principals and Vice-Principals, Senior Leaders, Middle Leaders, and Teacher Tutors. Contribute to the development of bids and business cases which will secure external funding for programmes of professional learning. Lead and manage, as required, the implementation of externally funded programmes of professional learning. Support the development and sustaining of clusters and networks of schools and practitioners which will contribute to professional learning. Work in partnership with School Improvement Locality Team officers, in the identification and commissioning of support for staff within priority schools. Identify and disseminate good practice in professional learning and facilitate access to networks and examples of good practice. Support the development and utilisation of E-learning within professional learning and development, including EA-TV, EA SDS and C2k online learning platforms. Maintain knowledge of developments and innovation in relation to the curriculum, pedagogy, professional learning and development and the factors contributing to high quality educational provision. Undertake a Lead Specialist SIP role, as required, overseeing the development of EA policy, procedure and provision within the identified area of specialism. Attend meetings, as required, within the EA and across a range of stakeholder groups, relating to professional learning and development. Contribute to project teams and working groups established to support EA business objectives, as required. Contribute to the design and delivery of the Education Directorate’s internal programme of professional learning for officers. Undertake the role of Assessor, within the appointment scheme for Controlled Schools, as required. Contribute to responses to Assembly Questions, FOI requests, correspondence and complaints in relation to professional learning and development. Contribute to the preparation of EA Board and Committee papers, as required. Undertake such training as may be required for his/her own personal and professional development. Location The School Improvement Professional – Professional Learning and Development, will be based in one of the Education Directorate’s offices, to be agreed following appointment. As this post is part of a regional team, the postholder will be required to travel to and work at a range of EA premises across Northern Ireland, as a core element of their duties. The EA has introduced an Agile Working policy which provides the opportunity for officers to work from a location other than their EA office base, including working from home, where this is compatible with the efficient and effective provision of service. Other This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the responsibilities and is not intended to be exhaustive. Other reasonable duties may be assigned by the Head of Service. This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here. PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant. 2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise. 3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. 4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. 5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. 6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria. Section 1 - Essential Criteria The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland. Shortlisting by Application Form Skills/ Abilities Have a minimum of two years’ demonstrable experience of leading and contributing to Teacher Professional Learning. * Have a minimum of two years' demonstrable experience of leading and contributing to two of the following areas: * a) School Improvement; b) Development and facilitation of school and teacher networks/ professional learning communities; c) The identification and dissemination of good practice; d) Collaboration and/or consultation with a range of stakeholders. *Applicants should clearly demonstrate: the impact of their experience within each area; and that they have two years’ experience in each of the individual areas selected from the list above rather than combining several areas within a single response. AND Have demonstrable experience of making a strategic contribution to measurable improvements in school performance. AND Have demonstrable experience of successfully leading teams or working groups to achieve targets or objectives. Shortlisting by Application Form Other The successful candidate will be required: to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; OR be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion. Shortlisting by Application Form Section 2 - Essential Criteria The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience Demonstrable knowledge of: Current and anticipated challenges facing the wider education sector in Northern Ireland. Education Authority’s strategic priorities and corporate objectives. Statutory responsibilities, policies and procedures relevant to the work of the Education Directorate. The scope of the Education Directorate’s responsibilities and the structures and processes through which its services are delivered. The reach of EA services and the relevant stakeholder groups. Interview Skills/ Abilities In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of: Ability to build effective working relationships, lead and co-ordinate teams and work collaboratively with colleagues and a wide range of stakeholders Ability to work autonomously with drive, determination and resilience, make sound decisions, negotiate and influence at a range of levels. Ability to analyse and interpret complex information and policy including formulating reports and presenting the information clearly, confidently and unambiguously to a range of audiences. Ability to manage time and workloads effectively, creatively and efficiently, working under pressure and to strict deadlines, when required. Ability to present and communicate effectively to a range of audiences, clearly demonstrating integrity, initiative, discernment and excellent interpersonal skills. Interview Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here. Interview Our Values Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice. APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Responsibilities

The Professional Learning and Development Officer will ensure the provision of a comprehensive, high-quality programme of professional learning across the region for school leaders, teachers, and school staff. This includes leading the development and implementation of professional learning programmes and supporting the establishment of networks and clusters for professional development.