Instructional Systems Specialist (Classical Education)

Role Overview

This position is for an Instructional Systems Specialist focused on Classical Education within a globally distributed education system. The role centers on improving student outcomes by setting direction for Classical Education programs, shaping curriculum and assessments, and supporting teachers and leaders with research-based instructional guidance.

Key Duties

• Lead the Classical Education function by setting short- and long-range goals grounded in research and aligned with organizational priorities to strengthen student achievement.
• Act as the primary subject matter expert for Classical Education and oversee systematic reviews of curriculum, standards, and assessments to build a clear and cohesive program.
• Develop and deliver professional learning resources for staff on Classical Education practices that match instructional expectations.
• Teach Classical Education courses when needed to support the launch of new virtual courses.
• Coach Classical Education teachers on instructional methods and pedagogy.
• Set SMART goals, track outcomes, and report on program impact to support ongoing improvement.
• Provide expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and brief leadership on policy updates and strategic efforts related to Classical Education.
• Serve as a Contracting Officer’s Representative for selecting, procuring, supplying, and implementing instructional resources for Classical Education programs.
• Share information with headquarters, regional, and district leaders to build shared understanding of Classical Education content and pedagogy.
• Carry out other duties associated with the Classical Education ISS role as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete the Selective Service pre-employment certification statement.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Pay will be delivered through direct deposit.
• A one-year probationary period may apply.
• Appointment is subject to a suitability and fitness review based on a background investigation.
• This role requires a Tier 1 investigation.
• You must submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) or Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 450) when you enter the role and every year afterward.
• You may be asked to sign a transportation agreement.

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet both the education and experience requirements for this role.

Basic education requirement: A bachelor’s degree or higher with at least 24 semester hours in coursework relevant to instructional systems work. The coursework must include study in at least four of these five areas: learning theory/educational psychology, instructional design practices, educational evaluation, instructional product development, and computers in education and training.

Specialized experience requirement: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level in federal service, including at least 3 years teaching secondary grades 6–12 in Classical Education using teacher-led whole-class instruction or Socratic questioning; applying instructional program methods for Classical Education; drafting curriculum standards with a Classical Education focus; creating annual budgets for short-term strategic planning; doing independent research on curriculum effectiveness; working with teachers and/or administrators to identify best practices; and helping prepare oral or written presentations for stakeholders on the planning and development of Classical Education programs.

Time-in-grade requirement: If you have held a General Schedule position within the last 52 weeks, you must have completed 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12).

Who Can Apply

This opportunity is limited to applicants who qualify under one of the listed federal hiring authorities, including current competitive service employees of the education activity, current permanent Department of Defense civilian employees, domestic defense industrial base and major range/test facilities workforce, interagency career transition assistance, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, Schedule A disability applicants, several priority placement programs, military reserve or National Guard technician eligible candidates, military spouse preference candidates, retired or disabled preference eligible candidates, and Veterans Employment Opportunity Act eligible applicants.

Additional Information

• Selection is subject to restrictions under the Department of War referral process for displaced employees.
• The stated salary includes locality pay or a local market supplement.
• More than one vacancy may be filled through this announcement.
• Relocation-related allowances are generally taxable under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; the Relocation Income Tax Allowance reimburses eligible employees for related taxes, but it does not apply to new federal employees or employees returning from an overseas assignment for separation purposes.
• Retired federal employees interested in reemployment as annuitants should review the applicable reemployment guidance.
• The initial one-year probationary period is used to assess fitness, conduct, agency needs, public interest, and whether continued service supports organizational and government goals; continued employment requires written certification that it serves the public interest.
• You may claim Priority Placement Program preference.
• You may claim Military Spouse preference.
• Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation for the USA Hire competency-based assessments may request one through the online application process, with supporting documentation submitted before testing begins.
• If accommodation is approved after review, you will receive an invitation to complete the assessments.
• Assessment completion is required within 48 hours of receiving the link if it is issued after the announcement closes.
• Candidates are expected to support effective government operations, respect the rule of law, and uphold the United States Constitution.

Education and Foreign Credential Note

If foreign education is being used to meet the qualification requirements, the credentials must be evaluated by a recognized private credential evaluation service and determined equivalent to U.S. accredited education, or the coursework must receive full credit from an accredited U.S. college or university.

Federal Service Notes

Experience may include paid, unpaid, and volunteer work performed through national service programs or other organizations. Applicants should clearly describe relevant experience in the resume and provide transcripts if qualifying through education.