Specialist, Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Position Overview

The Office of Social Emotional Academic Development works with the Chancellor to ensure coherence in the educational experience for our students, families, and schools. Our goal is to initiate change and lead DC Public Schools into the highest performing school district in the nation.  

Office of SEAD Strategy

• Athletics: The Department of Athletics ensures all DCPS students have access to comprehensive and inclusive interscholastic athletics programming designed to increase student satisfaction, improve physical fitness, keep students engaged in school, develop leadership qualities, and provide additional outlets for students to express their unique talents.    

• Career and Technical Education: Career Education programs provide the academic, technical, and employability skills necessary to succeed in college, careers and to become lifelong learners.  This includes JROTC programming.  

• Postsecondary Success Programs (PSP): PSP includes programming that prepares students for college and career, including Dual Enrollment, AP/IB, SAT/PSAT, School Counseling and Postsecondary Planning, Work-based Learning Opportunities, and Navigator supports.  

• Graduation Success Initiatives (GSI): GSI consists of programming designed to keep students on track academically and connected to their school communities. This includes work on Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate, New Heights programs, OSTP, and Extended Learning programs such as summer school and academic recovery. 

• Grade Level Academies: Sixth and Ninth Grade Academies in DCPS provide rich, responsive, and well-rounded educational experiences for students during key transition years to promote success. 

• Scheduling, Transcripts, and Academic Records Support (STARS): STARS is responsible for supporting and monitoring DCPS schools in four areas: scheduling, grading, graduation, and the development and distribution of accurate student records.    

• Data, Strategy, and Operations (DSO): DSO supports the division through the management of budgets, data reporting and analysis, and special projects that support the division’s key priorities in alignment with the strategic plan including policies and associated guidance. 

The Specialist, Career and Technical Education (CTE) supports the successful execution of high-quality CTE programming across designated schools in DCPS. This position will serve as a key liaison between the central office and school-based CTE teams, ensuring a strong pipeline from middle school to high school, robust professional learning for CTE teachers (including LEAP Leader collaboration), and effective course sequencing and credentialing (IRCs).  

 

This position has been designated as Protection Sensitive. Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying protection sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests: Criminal background check; Sex Offender Registry check; Traffic record check (as applicable).

The Specialist, Career and Technical Education (CTE) will report to the Manager, Career Education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide direct implementation support to designated middle and high schools offering CTE pathways through the Cluster Support Model. 

• Partner with school leadership and LEAP Leaders to integrate CTE-aligned content into professional development. 

• Coach and support CTE teachers on curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve program fidelity and student outcomes. 

• Collaborate with the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) to ensure CTE standards and materials align with DCPS instructional priorities. 

• Collaborate with middle schools to build student awareness and interest in CTE programming in high school, with a focus on historically underserved student populations. 

• Develop and maintain tools and guidance for effective vertical alignment between middle and high school CTE programming. 

• Assist in the design and refinement of DCPS-approved course sequences aligned to national standards, postsecondary expectations, and labor market needs. 

• Support the implementation of industry-recognized credentialing (IRC) opportunities by ensuring student access, teacher preparedness, and test coordination. 

• Monitor student participation and success in IRC exams and develop plans to address access or performance gaps. 

• Coordinate with technology and assessment teams to support testing platforms, credential systems, and data reporting. 

• Track progress toward program goals related to enrollment, retention, credential attainment, and post-secondary transitions. 

• Use school data to provide differentiated supports and inform professional learning. 

• Contribute to program evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement processes across CTE pathways. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and three to five years of related work experience.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
• Proven ability to collaborate with school-based teams and lead professional learning.
• Knowledge of industry-recognized credentials (IRCs), career pathways, and relevant curriculum and instruction strategies.
• Strong project management, organization, and communication skills.
• Deep commitment to equity, access, and postsecondary readiness for all students.

DCPS Values

• STUDENTS FIRST: We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
• COURAGE: We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
• EQUITY: We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
• EXCELLENCE: We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
• TEAMWORK: We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
• JOY: We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodation and/or application assistance is available upon request at all stages of the application and employment process. To request accommodation, please contact [email protected].