Community Support Education Specialist (ESC)

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

DESE seeks an equity-oriented educator with expertise in combatting antisemitism and societal bias through effective education to join the Teaching and Learning Unit as a Community Support Education Specialist.

The Specialist will support effective education practices, guidance, and resources that meaningfully support the DESE Educational Vision that all students in Massachusetts are known and valued, that students and families have a sense of belonging: they are known, respected, and valued for who they are and what they bring to the school community, including their unique identities, strengths, interests, needs, languages, exceptionalities, and backgrounds, that students attend safe and supportive schools that tend to their overall wellbeing, and that students engage in learning that values and builds on their background knowledge, lived experiences, and cultural and linguistic assets. Pursuant to St. 2024, c. 140, § 106, DESE is responsible for creating resources and supports to help schools combat antisemitism and societal bias. The Specialist will lead this and other related work in collaboration with educators, community partners, and others at DESE.

DESE's Teaching and Learning Unit furthers the Educational Vision by supporting effective teaching and learning of the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks so that all students engage in meaningful, grade-level work that connects to their identities, and utilizes evidence-based practice. We are a deeply collaborative team driven by positive student outcomes and learning experiences. We partner with communities and support educators to be successful through developing resources, expanding opportunities for professional development and cross-district collaboration, and provide technical assistance.

The Community Support Education Specialist will:

· Develop guidance and resources to support teaching and learning that is aligned to the Department’s commitment to equity, diverse representation, inclusion, and culturally sustaining instruction, including combatting antisemitism and societal bias

· Support equitable, representative, culturally sustaining, high-quality teaching and learning through development of curriculum, instructional resources, grant opportunities, and other projects

● Develop relationships with community partners and stakeholders, including but not limited to:

○ Members of the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism
○ The Native Education Council
○ Other engaged community organizations as relevant

● Curate and/or develop resources relative to teaching about antisemitism and societal bias for Massachusetts schools, including curriculum and professional development, collaborating with other Agencies as relevant (e.g., Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination)

● Collaborate with other Department of Elementary and Secondary Education specialists on related initiatives such as CURATE, genocide education, Investigating History, and bullying prevention

● Act as a liaison to district and school leaders and provide as-needed support when necessary

● Participate in shaping Department policies and programming, including initiatives around safe and supportive schools and educator development, to ensure they reflect the Department’s commitment to equity, diverse representation, inclusion, and culturally sustaining instruction, including combatting antisemitism and societal bias

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Highly qualified candidates may meet most but not all of the following preferred knowledge and skills.

● Knowledge of best practices in teaching and instruction, including creating safe and supportive learning environments that foster a sense of belonging for all
● Deep knowledge of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices, and commitment to bringing an anti-bias lens to every aspect of the work
● Deep knowledge in history and current issues related to antisemitism, nationwide and in Massachusetts
● Experience working with organizations, coalitions, and/or community groups to increase representation, further equity-related goals, and/or combat societal bias including but not limited to antisemitism
● Ability to organize and manage multiple complex, detailed projects simultaneously
● Experience engaging and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to work towards common goals
● Experience publicly representing an organization
● Experience with and knowledge of the inner workings of public schools and school districts in Massachusetts

Desired Mindsets and Attributes

● Passion for teaching and learning, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting educators to provide rigorous, relevant, and culturally sustaining learning experiences for all students in meeting grade-level standards
● Demonstrated commitment to equity in education and desire to work alongside educators in ensuring a sense of belonging for all students in safe and supportive school environments
● Proactive, solutions-driven approach, bringing new ideas to improve our collective work and seeking out opportunities to extend our impact
● Ability to create high-quality products efficiently and independently and to coordinate various projects simultaneously
● Improvement mindset with a desire to be coached, solicit and receive feedback, and continually improve
● Comfort initiating and partnering with a range of diverse stakeholders, tailoring communication and approach in ways that lead to meaningful collaboration and strengthened relationships

Studies have shown that people from marginalized communities—such as women, LGBTQ people, and people of color—are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single requirement. DESE is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred skill above, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Location: This is a hybrid, full-time position based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett, MA. This position is currently expected to work in-person two days per week, increasing to three assigned days per week in-person beginning August 31, 2026. Regular travel to events, meetings, and school visits around Massachusetts will also be required (approximately 2-5 days per month).

Please include a cover letter with your resume.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov