K-6 Student Support/K-12 Character Education Specialist

Student Support & Character Education Specialist

Certificated K-6 Instruction/K-12 Student Support

Mary M. Knight School District

2026-27 School Year

Position Summary

Mary M. Knight School District seeks a student-centered educator to serve as a Student Support & Character Education Specialist. This unique position combines elementary specialist instruction with schoolwide student support services.

The successful candidate will provide social-emotional learning and character education instruction to students in grades K-6 during specialist rotations while also supporting Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), intervention coordination, and student success efforts for students in grades K-12.

This position requires a collaborative professional who believes all students can succeed, values strong relationships, and is committed to building systems that ensure every student receives the support they need academically, behaviorally, and socially-emotionally.

Description:

K-6 Enrichment Specialist Instruction

This is a genuine teaching role. The specialist designs and delivers content-rich enrichment lessons to all K-6 students during dedicated specialist rotation periods - joining Music and PE as part of a three-specialist model that provides elementary classroom teachers with their contractual preparation time. Lessons are not supplemental or free-choice; they are intentionally planned, grade-appropriate, and rooted in the same belief in whole-child development that drives everything else at MMK.

Lesson Design and Delivery

• Design and deliver engaging, content-rich enrichment lessons for all K-6 students, drawing from literacy, art, STEM, research skills, and other disciplines as the instructional context
• Intentionally weave character development and social-emotional learning into enrichment content - using the district's Character Strong curriculum, OWLS values (Ownership, Willingness, Leadership, Success), and CASEL competency framework as the connective thread across all lessons
• Plan with purpose: lessons are not filler - they are standards-informed, developmentally appropriate, and aligned to the district's whole-child focus
• Differentiate instruction across Kindergarten through 6th grade, adjusting content complexity, pacing, and delivery to meet the developmental needs of each grade level
• Use the library setting as a rich instructional environment - a space where students engage in hands-on learning, exploration, and character-building, not passive activity

Instructional Integration and Collaboration

• Align enrichment units with the district's PBIS framework and OWLS expectations, reinforcing school-wide behavioral and social-emotional norms through classroom instruction
• Collaborate with the Music/PE specialist and classroom teachers to ensure the K-6 specialist rotation functions as a coherent, connected experience for students
• Communicate with classroom teachers about student learning, observations, and character development in ways that strengthen the whole-school instructional picture
• Ensure all K-6 classroom teachers consistently receive their contractual preparation time through reliable, professional specialist coverage
• Maintain the library as a functional, welcoming, and print-rich learning environment that reflects high expectations and the school's commitment to student growth

Essential Functions

A. Elementary Specialist Instruction (Grades K-6)

• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-aligned lessons during K-6 specialist rotation periods.
• Integrate Character Strong curriculum, OWLS values (Ownership, Willingness, Leadership, Success), and Washington State Social Emotional Learning Standards into instruction.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the developmental needs of students across grades K-6.
• Provide consistent specialist coverage that supports contractual teacher planning time.
• Maintain the library as a safe, organized, and welcoming instructional environment.
• Collaborate with other specialist teachers and elementary staff to support a cohesive student experience.
• Foster positive student relationships and promote a culture of belonging, character, and leadership.

B. Student Support Services (Grades K-12)

• Support implementation of the district's Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework.
• Assist with development, implementation, and monitoring of Tier 2 academic and behavioral intervention systems.
• Coordinate and support tutoring, small-group interventions, and targeted student supports.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate Student Support Team (SST) processes, including referrals, documentation, progress monitoring, and follow-up.
• Conduct classroom observations and collect student data to inform intervention planning.
• Provide individual and small-group support for students experiencing academic, behavioral, attendance, or social-emotional challenges.
• Support Check-In/Check-Out systems, behavior contracts, goal-setting processes, and student success plans.
• Coordinate support services and resources for students and families.
• Develop positive relationships with students across grades K-12 and serve as a trusted adult and advocate.

C. Data, Communication, and Collaboration

• Collect, analyze, and utilize academic, attendance, behavioral, and intervention data to support student success.
• Maintain accurate records related to student interventions, support plans, and progress monitoring.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff to identify student needs and coordinate interventions.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, concerns, and support strategies.
• Participate in SST meetings, professional learning, and district initiatives focused on student achievement and well-being.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all district, state, and federal requirements regarding student information

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with Elementary Education endorsement.
• Successful completion of Washington State Patrol and FBI fingerprint background check requirements.
• Experience working directly with students in educational settings.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing or supporting MTSS frameworks.
• Experience delivering social-emotional learning instruction or character education programs.
• Familiarity with Character Strong, PBIS, restorative practices, Check-In/Check-Out systems, or behavior intervention supports.
• Experience facilitating Student Support Teams, intervention teams, or similar collaborative problem-solving processes.
• Experience analyzing student achievement and behavioral data to inform decision-making.
• Background in literacy instruction, library services, intervention programs, or specialist teaching assignments.
• Experience supporting students across multiple grade levels, including secondary students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong belief that all students can learn and succeed.
• Commitment to equitable access and support for every student.
• A growth mindset and willingness to seek and apply feedback.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Professionalism when navigating difficult conversations and challenging situations.
• Systems-thinking and the ability to identify patterns, needs, and opportunities for improvement.
• Flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• A student-centered approach to instruction and support.
• The ability to work effectively in a small, collaborative school environment.

Working Conditions

• Frequent interaction with students, families, and staff.
• Ability to move throughout classrooms and campus environments.
• Ability to supervise and engage students in a variety of instructional settings.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving instructional materials and equipment consistent with school operations.

Additional Duties

The responsibilities listed above describe the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed.

Mary M. Knight School District operates in a small, dynamic educational environment where flexibility and collaboration are essential. Employees may be assigned additional duties by the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Superintendent to support district operations and student success.

The District reserves the right to modify, add, or reassign duties as organizational needs evolve.

Work Days: 180

Salary: $63,801 to $120,500 per CBA

Benefits: Eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Retirement Benefits

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three Certificated Reference Forms and/or Letters of Recommendation
• Copy of Washington State Teaching Certificate
• Unofficial Transcripts

Applicants must complete the full application process through EdJobNW.

The Mary M Knight School District No. 311 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts: and other designated youth groups.

Inquiries regarding compliance or complaints of alleged discrimination Civil Rights Compliance: Superintendent Matt Mallery mmallery@mmk.wednet.edu. Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Principal Josh Stoney jstoney@mmk.wednet.edu. Title IX Compliance Officer: Laurie Seymour lseymour@mmk.wednet.edu. Tel # 360-426-6767