Lead Professional Learning Specialist, STEM, Big West Remote - United States

A pioneer in K–12 education since 2000, Amplify is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and assessment. Our core and supplemental programs in ELA, math, and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively, and for themselves. Our formative assessment products help teachers identify the targeted instruction students need to build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of our programs provide educators with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of every student. Today, Amplify serves more than 15 million students in all 50 states. For more information, visit amplify.com.

Amplify is seeking full-time Lead Professional Learning Specialists with a background in teaching, coaching, and/or school leadership to join our professional development team and make a nation-wide impact on educators and students.  

Essential Responsibilities:

Our Lead Professional Learning Specialists (Lead PLS) play a critical role in ensuring that educators are able to implement Amplify programs by operating as expert coach-practitioners. As expert practitioners Lead PLS are responsible for facilitating high-quality professional development in a Literacy or STEM program to teachers and school leaders, ensuring educators feel confident taking steps to implement our programs and ultimately drive student success and serving as an exemplar for contractor PLS.  As expert coaches, Lead PLS are responsible for training, developing, and coaching a cohort of approximately 20-40 PLS to deliver exceptional professional development to customers throughout the year. Lead Professional Learning Specialists play a pivotal role in ensuring that customers engage in exceptional PD, leading to shifts in teacher practice, increased and effective use of Amplify products, and positive impact on students’ learning. 

In this role, you will:

Become expert in a suite of Amplify programs: 

• Develop and maintain expertise on key concepts for an Amplify Literacy or STEM program and its related professional development offerings

• Participate in paid training  to become a certified Professional Learning Specialist (if not already certified)

Model excellence in the delivery of  professional learning: 

• Deliver at least two days/week of remote and onsite professional development for approximately 30-40 educators throughout the year 

• Understand customers’ unique contexts and deliver professional development to meets their needs

• Share observations of customers’ engagement with our products, including key strengths and challenges, with product teams

• Engage in internal professional development, such as being observed, receiving feedback and being coached in order to support you to consistently deliver excellent professional development 

• Track and complete deliverables related to session logistics in a timely manner

Coach and develop a cohort of contractor PLS:

• Contribute to effectively recruiting, interviewing, hiring and onboarding new PLS throughout the year

• Coach a cohort of ~20-40 PLS via best practices (ex. observation and debrief, modeling, peer practices, written and live feedback) 

• Review post-session survey data for a cohort of PLS on a regular basis (ex. daily during the months of May to September) to identify key trends in customer feedback and provide meaningful feedback and support to PLS, leading to shifts in PLS knowledge/skills/mindsets and strong educator experience and outcomes

• Create and implement targeted learning plans based on observations, post-session survey data, customer feedback, and reflective conversations

• Maintain and communicate key information to relevant stakeholders about individual PLS or the cohort’s needs, goals, and challenges

Contribute to the Professional Development Team:

• Support the Professional Development team in special projects 

• Share customer and PLS feedback with key internal and cross-functional stakeholders in order to strengthen our programs and PD offerings 

To find out more about the role of PLS, click here.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2+ years of experience in teaching in Pre-K to Grade 12 

• At least 2+ years of experience coaching educators in Pre-K to Grade 12

• Proven knowledge of adult learning principles and experience applying them when delivering learning experiences to adults

• Strong knowledge around best practices for implementing high-quality instruction in math, science or literacy in order for students to meet and exceed rigorous grade level standards in English and Spanish

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate onsite and remote professional development for teachers and/or leaders

• Excellent skill and comfort with technology-based productivity tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Applications and video conferencing programs (Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

• Exceptional interpersonal and written/oral communication skills 

• High comfort with navigating ambiguity and responding confidently to in-the-moment challenges or concerns in order to meet customer needs

• Proven time management skills when managing multiple tasks 

• An orientation and desire to learn and continuously improve  

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in teaching and/or coaching educators in a school or district using an Amplify program

• Experience working with diverse student populations (English learners, SPED, Gifted/Talented, etc.)  

• Experience as an Amplify Professional Learning Specialist 

Additional Information:

Location: This position requires that Lead Professional Learning Specialists are permitted to work in the US, have residency in the US and possess a valid US driver’s license. If selected, a regional assignment will be issued, but you may be asked to deliver sessions throughout the country based on business needs. Permanent residence in the Big West region (e.g. Colorado, Washington, California, Arizona ) is preferred, but not required. 

Travel: Travel is required and considered an essential function of the job. This role will require significant travel, with a year-round average of 50% travel time. This may fluctuate depending on business needs. For example, ~60%+ travel may be necessary during the summer season  May -  September) and ~40% travel may be required during the school year.  Travel includes overnight stays at hotels and transportation via car, plane, and/or public transportation. While we hope to offer some lead time, Lead PLS may be required to travel with  minimal advance notice (e.g. less than 24 hours). Lead PLS must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive. 

If preferred, Lead PLS may request a corporate card to cover travel expenses. Otherwise, travel-related expenses for professional development delivery are initially paid in advance by the Lead Professional Learning Specialists (eg, lodging, daily meals). Reimbursements for these expenses - including mileage if driving your own car and compensation for time traveling - will be processed 2-3 weeks following submission of the expense reimbursement requests.. 

Documentation: If selected, a background check will be required. 

Equipment: This position requires reliable home internet that can support video calls on Google Meet and Zoom and a quiet, professional place to deliver remote professional development. 

What we offer:

Salary is one component of the Amplify Total Rewards package, which includes a 401(k) plan, incentive stock options, competitive health insurance and mental health options, basic life insurance, paid time off, parental leave and access to best-in-class development programs. Lead PLSs are also able to keep all travel points for flights and hotels booked for work-related travel. The gross salary range for this role is $90,000 - $105,000.  This role is eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus that rewards individual and company performance.

Amplify is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Amplify makes employment decisions based on qualifications and merit, and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.

Amplify is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans.  If you have a disability and need an accommodation in connection with the application or hiring process, please email hr-payroll@amplify.com.  

If you are selected for employment, a background check will be required.  As required by state and local laws and district policies, you may be required to provide additional documentation, such as proof of vaccination, or submit to enhanced background screening, such as fingerprinting.

Amplify is an E-Verify participant.