MINDPOP is a non-profit organization that expands the arts and creative learning in classrooms, schools, and communities. As the managing partner of Austin’s Creative Learning Initiative, MINDPOP is responsible for the design and coordination of a citywide effort to increase equitable access to arts learning, creative teaching across the curriculum, and connections with the rich cultural resources of our city. Utilizing the successes of this work, MINDPOP offers consulting services to communities across the country.
Job Title: Early Learning (EL) Curriculum Specialist
Job Description:
MINDPOP seeks dynamic and experienced educators to join a progressive and collaborative academics team. This grant-funded team will expand Early Learning (EL) curriculum through an arts-based learning instructional approach in classrooms, schools, and communities throughout Central Austin (and all across the US).
Research shows that women and people from underestimated groups often only apply to jobs if they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. As this is not always the case for very strong applicants, we encourage you to apply if you feel that much of the following matches your experience.
This Early Learning team will consist of three Early Learning Curriculum Specialists that collectively have expertise and insight in the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in disciplines related to education or the arts
• Active Texas teaching credentials, preferably including EC and Early Elementary
• Recent early learning classroom experience (Pre K4-Kinder preference)
• Familiarity with several Texas state-approved PK Curriculum
• Expertise in educational and academic based planning and scope+sequencing
• Awareness and understanding of TEA’s (Texas Education Association) 10 Pre K domains, early learning academic guidelines, and Pre K fine arts guidelines
• Awareness and understanding of NAEYC’s (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Developmentally Appropriate Practices
• Utilization of current theory, research, and best practices in instruction
• Expertise and experience in curriculum research, writing and development
• Knowledge of local + statewide assessment trends and data for EC-1st grades (additional understanding of assessment standards welcomed for upper grades)
• Understanding of current and potential curriculum gaps, specific to Pre K4/Kinder
• Bilingual skills including: speaking, listening, writing (collegiate/academia level), reading, and translation abilities
• Experience organizing, designing, and facilitating professional Learning for teachers + TAs, including the development of supplemental resources.

More about the Early Learning Team + EL Curriculum Specialist role
Under the guidance of MINDPOP’s Education Program Director, the Early Learning Team will spearhead the design and assessment of a PK-4 and PK-3 arts-based curriculum and resources in partnership with Austin ISD and the United Way Central Texas. The EL Team’s scope of work will encompass best-practice research, curriculum design, professional learning, and instructional alignment of Pre K 3 and Pre K 4 to promote Kindergarten readiness and arts readiness. The curriculum and instructional approach will be implemented in both school-based early childhood classrooms and community early childhood sites. The EL Team will consist of 3 team members who collaborate closely together, and with content experts, to ensure that the model is integrated effectively into MINDPOP, Austin ISD, and United Way of Central Texas organizations.
Early Learning (EL) Curriculum Specialists will have a collaborative spirit, equally skilled working independently and in partnership with a broad network of teachers, school leaders, arts providers, and community partners to produce meaningful learning experiences. The EL Curriculum Specialists will also need skills in identifying and utilizing content expert consulting partners, knowing how to effectively match their skill sets with the work product demands to achieve successful outcomes. Each EL Curriculum Specialist will be a creative problem solver and an excellent communicator both in written and spoken contexts. Some travel and occasional evening and weekend commitments are required.

• Commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
• Provide instructional design support across EL education programs of MINDPOP.
• Facilitate professional learning workshops for varied audiences locally.
• Plan with partners across organizations to expand the impact of strong EL Instruction.
• Contribute to program evaluation and assessments.
• Demonstrated excellence in curriculum writing and instructional design.
• Strong facilitation skills in adult learning spaces.
• Ability to work as a leader and as part of a team
• K-12 classroom teaching experience, preferably including early childhood
• Demonstrated excellence in curriculum design and development.
• Knowledge of arts integration models and instructional learning theory
• Ability to speak fluently and write professionally in Spanish strongly preferred
• Strong facilitation skills in adult learning spaces.
• Initiative to forge strong relationships that will advance the goals of MINDPOP and our early childhood partners
• Flexibility and adaptability, with the adeptness to manage multiple timelines and priorities within a project in a fast-paced (and friendly) environment.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary: $70,000 annually for the duration of the 2-year grant funded project (with the potential for renewal)
• Health insurance and 401K benefits provided for full-time hires
• Full Time hires get 20 days annual PTO, 12 organization-wide holidays, plus “Restorative Week” available upon completion of one calendar year of service.
• Flexible in-office schedule, to be agreed upon with the Education Program Director.

Application Procedure:
Submit the following materials to info@mindpop.org with the subject line “EL Team Interest”:

• Cover letter demonstrating interest and ability to perform the job responsibilities.
• Resume with most recent experience + 2 professional references.
• One work sample demonstrating one of, or a combination of: curriculum sequencing planning, lesson design, written curriculum (academic or arts-based), and/or planning arts-integrated teaching models.

We are interested in filling this position immediately. Materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews currently open to be scheduled. If you are a proactive and resourceful individual with a passion for advancing Early Learning and Education as a whole, we encourage you to apply to this challenging and rewarding opportunity!
Notice: MINDPOP is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take active measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, or disability.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person