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Coordinator of High School Social Studies

Education Program Specialist II

Recruitment #24-005056-0013

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

State Salary Grade 22
Salary Range: $89,913 - $145,151 
*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS


LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Coordinator of Secondary Social Studies is responsible for advancing high-quality, inquiry-based social studies education across Maryland’s secondary grades (9–12). This position focuses on delivering evidence-based support, program development, content expertise, and leadership in implementing the Maryland Social Studies Standards, with a strong alignment to the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework. The Coordinator will work closely with LEA staff and high school educators to build capacity for developing, interpreting, and implementing rigorous social studies curricula, courses, instructional frameworks, and assessments that drive student engagement and achievement. This includes a targeted focus on narrowing and closing opportunity and achievement gaps for historically underserved students.

In partnership with the Director of Social Studies, the Coordinator will design, deliver, and assess ongoing professional learning for secondary social studies educators, emphasizing inquiry-based, C3-aligned instructional practices that enhance instructional quality and civic competence. This position also supports MSDE’s collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders—including institutions of higher education, community organizations, and task forces—to increase student access to social studies-aligned college and career readiness pathways. These pathways include dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and early college high school programs.

The Coordinator will play a key role in MSDE’s commitment to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and advancing the agency’s multiyear Strategic Plan, providing statewide leadership to strengthen the impact of secondary social studies education on college, career, and civic readiness.

POSITION DUTIES

Develops and implements evidence-based social studies programs, initiatives, professional learning, technical assistance, and provides content expertise and stakeholder engagement to accelerate student achievement.
  • Coordinates the development and implementation of high-quality and evidence-based professional learning (i.e., lesson studies; MSDE learning labs; data-driven instruction; etc.), including year-round in-person sessions across the state within districts and school sites.
  • Provides leadership support, guidance, and direction to local education agencies (LEA) staff, early learning providers, and other stakeholders across Maryland aligned to best-in-class social studies teaching and learning practices. Collaborates on issues related to the development and integration of accessible resources (i.e., instructional frameworks, curricula, and assessments, presentations, informational materials, etc.).
  • Represents MSDE at relevant local, state, and national meetings in areas related to social studies content-specific programs and initiatives.
  • Supports the review and evaluation of high-quality, culturally responsive instructional materials, assessments, and resources to ensure alignment to Maryland Social Studies Standards and evidence-based practices.
  • Manages and regularly updates MSDE social studies resources and researches exemplary social studies programs, resources, and instructional materials to support the continuous improvement of MSDE’s social studies strategies and initiatives to accelerate student achievement.
  • Develops and provides high-quality, evidence-based professional learning and leadership support for local education agencies and early learning providers to effectively implement the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and MSDE’s multiyear Strategic Plan priorities and enablers.
  • Supports the Director of Social Studies in developing, deploying, and facilitating highly effective and relevant professional learning explicitly designed to accelerate student achievement, especially for underperforming schools across the state.
  • Collaborates with diverse communities and organizations to develop, implement, and analyze programs and strategies to scale students’ participation in social studies-aligned college and career readiness pathways.
  • Collaborates closely with LEA staff and early learning providers to build the capacity to develop, interpret, and implement best in class social studies programs and initiatives, courses, instructional frameworks, curricula and assessments, and innovations to narrow and close opportunity and achievement gaps for historically disadvantaged students.
  • Facilitates and manages data collection, program monitoring and implementation, continuous improvement, and engagement initiatives and special projects.
  • Supports the preparation of responses on behalf of MSDE leadership, the State Superintendent of Schools, the State Board of Education, and the Governor’s office, and other key leaders across the State.
  • Represents MSDE at federal, state, and local meetings related to science content-specific programs and initiatives and works collaboratively with MSDE Divisions and Offices and Maryland Council for the Social Studies, National Council for the Social Studies, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, and other organizations to review and provide feedback on proposed educator preparation programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in History, Social Studies, Social Sciences, or related areas from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE: Five years of administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, History, Social Studies, Social Sciences, or related education programs in prekindergarten through grade 12 settings.

Notes:
  1. Candidates may substitute a bachelor’s degree with 7 years of the specified content experience to satisfy the minimum qualifications noted above.
  2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
  3.  The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.  The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.
  4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

At least three years of experience applying national and/or state standards for social studies, including the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework, with a proven record of designing and delivering inquiry-based, C3-aligned professional learning for social studies educators that measurably improves instructional quality and student engagement.  

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
  • Knowledge of secondary (grades 9-12) History, Social Studies, and/or Social Sciences programs and curriculum, including inquiry-based instructional practices that align with the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework. 
  • Knowledge of Maryland State Standards for social studies and the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework, with demonstrated experience implementing inquiry-based, C3-aligned professional learning for social studies educators.
  • Knowledge of state and national standards, including Maryland College and Career Readiness Pathway Standards, as well as trends, policies, regulations, and best practices in History, Social Studies, and Social Sciences at the secondary level.
  • Skill in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating high-quality, inquiry-driven social studies programs and providing service-oriented technical assistance that promotes rigorous and engaging instruction.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing, facilitating, and evaluating professional learning initiatives focused on inquiry-based social studies practices, curriculum alignment with C3, and effective use of instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and civic competence.
  • Skill in collaborating with diverse communities, stakeholders, and organizations to implement programs and strategies that meet the unique needs of secondary students.
  • Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic educational environment.
  • Ability to interpret and apply learning standards, policies, and regulations to support curriculum alignment and program improvement.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of stakeholders, including educators, administrators, and community partners.
  • Ability to work as part of a collaborative team and establish and maintain effective working relationships across educational settings.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment and submit their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. 

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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