University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Preschool Development Grant Content Specialist - CLEE - UTK
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Job Description
Content Specialist for the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) will play a key role in managing the development of high‑quality content for the TN Early Learning Development Standards (TN-ELDS) and Pyramid Model trainings.
This individual will have knowledge in early learning for children birth‑5 and will research, design, and develop instructional materials and innovative learning solutions that address the needs related to high‑quality preschool programs by collaborating closely with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and other partners to ensure alignment with program‑specific needs and goals.
On a daily basis, this person is responsible for designing and facilitating professional development and other instructional tools that effectively support project goals using a variety of technologies.
This person is a negotiator, diplomat, coach, consultant, trainer, and data‑based problem solver, but above all, a collaborator and communicator intimately familiar with preschool educational systems and how they can be improved.
This position emphasizes content creation, design, and facilitation.
This position will collaborate closely with CLEE’s Associate Director and PDG Program Coordinator.
This is a home‑office based, full‑time, exempt University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) position.
Participation in regular online meetings and training are required in order to collaborate with stakeholders.
This person should be experienced in setting their own work schedule and taking the initiative to meet multiple stakeholder priorities.
Travel throughout the state is a requirement for this position.
This position is contract‑funded; continuing employment will depend on continuous district participation and engagement and cannot be guaranteed for any length of time.
Currently, the project is expected to conclude September 30, 2026.
Responsibilities Content Development and Facilitation
Collaborate with TDOE and expert early learning stakeholders to revise the TN Early Learning Development Standards (TN-ELDS)
Collaborate with TDOE and The Pyramid Model Consortium to customize the Pyramid Model for TN school districts
Develop regional training to educate school districts across the state on the new TN‑ELDS and Pyramid Model
Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure materials are aligned with state policy and priorities, district needs, and best practices in early childhood education.
All materials must meet the standards of CLEE and our sponsor TDOE
Research to stay abreast with current practices, policies, laws, and trends in early childhood education
Design and develop instructor‑led, web‑based, and eLearning courses, as well as related course materials
Test, verify, and validate technological procedures and processes for content delivery, ensuring seamless implementation
Provide ongoing support and technical assistance for delivered training, including advising on pedagogical and instructional design theories and offering practical guidance on teaching and learning innovations
Offer consultation services and training to staff, helping them utilize new tools, resources, and instructional methods
Use innovative approaches to solve problems
Evaluation and Support
Assist in distributing training reports for submission to CLEE, TDOE sponsor, and PDG programs
Apply creative approaches to solve challenges and improve professional development delivery and content engagement
Administrative
Form collaborative relationships with TDOE staff, all necessary staff participating in PDG Initiatives, and UTK staff in support of building high‑quality preschool programs
Provide in‑person and virtual training to districts for planning and implementing initiatives through professional development, data‑based decision‑making, and action planning
Delegate administrative tasks to administrative assistant to ensure communication of professional development events and other applicable tasks are completed on time
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field
Experience:
At least 3 years experience in early childhood education
Previous professional experience requiring coordination and/or consultation with individuals or agencies
At least 1 year experience in high‑quality early childhood content development
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Ability to be self‑reflective and actively engage in district‑level process improvement
Skilled in implementing processes and professional development at a district level
Knowledge in using innovative approaches to address challenges in training delivery or content design for adult learners
The ability to speak and model lessons and teaching techniques in front of educators, large groups, district leaders, and project partners to effectively improve outcomes for students
Knowledge about developmentally appropriate practice, assessment, instruction, and inclusion for all children, ages 3‑5 – strong written and verbal skills
Ability to schedule and manage time effectively
Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
Skilled in training and/or coaching educators and facilitating professional development
Ability to design and deliver impactful training to educators and administrators to improve their skills and methodologies
Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple trainings within deadlines
Ability to engage and build relationships with project partners (educators, administrators, support personnel, and other TDOE personnel) to effectively improve outcomes for students
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree in Early Childhood or related field
Experience:
At least 5 years of experience in early childhood education
At least 3 years experience in high‑quality early childhood content development
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Ability to navigate virtual / online platforms such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, EdPuzzle, and Zoom
Work Location
Location: TN
Remote
Compensation And Benefits
UT market range: MR08
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions To Express Interest, Please Submit An Application With The Requested Attachments.
Completed Applications with all requested materials should be submitted for full consideration.
Resume
Cover Letter
List of 3 Professional References
About the College/Department/Division Founded in 1988, CLEE is a recognized leader in adult learning, education, and workforce development, driving meaningful change in Tennessee and across the U.S.
With a team that spans Tennessee and beyond, we collaborate with state and national institutions, early childhood programs, K‑12 and post‑secondary schools, service agencies, employers, and workforce organizations.
Our team’s passion to create change drives our innovation and excellence in all we do.
This commitment fuels our work toward empowering every individual with limitless opportunities to thrive at all stages of life.
We prioritize individuals from all backgrounds, with deep expertise in supporting people with disabilities and underserved populations.
Committed to staying at the forefront of emerging research, we partner with a wide variety of organizations, including those across the University of Tennessee system and beyond, to advance best practices in adult learning, education, and employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This individual will have knowledge in early learning for children birth‑5 and will research, design, and develop instructional materials and innovative learning solutions that address the needs related to high‑quality preschool programs by collaborating closely with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and other partners to ensure alignment with program‑specific needs and goals.
On a daily basis, this person is responsible for designing and facilitating professional development and other instructional tools that effectively support project goals using a variety of technologies.
This person is a negotiator, diplomat, coach, consultant, trainer, and data‑based problem solver, but above all, a collaborator and communicator intimately familiar with preschool educational systems and how they can be improved.
This position emphasizes content creation, design, and facilitation.
This position will collaborate closely with CLEE’s Associate Director and PDG Program Coordinator.
This is a home‑office based, full‑time, exempt University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) position.
Participation in regular online meetings and training are required in order to collaborate with stakeholders.
This person should be experienced in setting their own work schedule and taking the initiative to meet multiple stakeholder priorities.
Travel throughout the state is a requirement for this position.
This position is contract‑funded; continuing employment will depend on continuous district participation and engagement and cannot be guaranteed for any length of time.
Currently, the project is expected to conclude September 30, 2026.
Responsibilities Content Development and Facilitation
Collaborate with TDOE and expert early learning stakeholders to revise the TN Early Learning Development Standards (TN-ELDS)
Collaborate with TDOE and The Pyramid Model Consortium to customize the Pyramid Model for TN school districts
Develop regional training to educate school districts across the state on the new TN‑ELDS and Pyramid Model
Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure materials are aligned with state policy and priorities, district needs, and best practices in early childhood education.
All materials must meet the standards of CLEE and our sponsor TDOE
Research to stay abreast with current practices, policies, laws, and trends in early childhood education
Design and develop instructor‑led, web‑based, and eLearning courses, as well as related course materials
Test, verify, and validate technological procedures and processes for content delivery, ensuring seamless implementation
Provide ongoing support and technical assistance for delivered training, including advising on pedagogical and instructional design theories and offering practical guidance on teaching and learning innovations
Offer consultation services and training to staff, helping them utilize new tools, resources, and instructional methods
Use innovative approaches to solve problems
Evaluation and Support
Assist in distributing training reports for submission to CLEE, TDOE sponsor, and PDG programs
Apply creative approaches to solve challenges and improve professional development delivery and content engagement
Administrative
Form collaborative relationships with TDOE staff, all necessary staff participating in PDG Initiatives, and UTK staff in support of building high‑quality preschool programs
Provide in‑person and virtual training to districts for planning and implementing initiatives through professional development, data‑based decision‑making, and action planning
Delegate administrative tasks to administrative assistant to ensure communication of professional development events and other applicable tasks are completed on time
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field
Experience:
At least 3 years experience in early childhood education
Previous professional experience requiring coordination and/or consultation with individuals or agencies
At least 1 year experience in high‑quality early childhood content development
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Ability to be self‑reflective and actively engage in district‑level process improvement
Skilled in implementing processes and professional development at a district level
Knowledge in using innovative approaches to address challenges in training delivery or content design for adult learners
The ability to speak and model lessons and teaching techniques in front of educators, large groups, district leaders, and project partners to effectively improve outcomes for students
Knowledge about developmentally appropriate practice, assessment, instruction, and inclusion for all children, ages 3‑5 – strong written and verbal skills
Ability to schedule and manage time effectively
Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
Skilled in training and/or coaching educators and facilitating professional development
Ability to design and deliver impactful training to educators and administrators to improve their skills and methodologies
Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple trainings within deadlines
Ability to engage and build relationships with project partners (educators, administrators, support personnel, and other TDOE personnel) to effectively improve outcomes for students
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree in Early Childhood or related field
Experience:
At least 5 years of experience in early childhood education
At least 3 years experience in high‑quality early childhood content development
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Ability to navigate virtual / online platforms such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, EdPuzzle, and Zoom
Work Location
Location: TN
Remote
Compensation And Benefits
UT market range: MR08
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions To Express Interest, Please Submit An Application With The Requested Attachments.
Completed Applications with all requested materials should be submitted for full consideration.
Resume
Cover Letter
List of 3 Professional References
About the College/Department/Division Founded in 1988, CLEE is a recognized leader in adult learning, education, and workforce development, driving meaningful change in Tennessee and across the U.S.
With a team that spans Tennessee and beyond, we collaborate with state and national institutions, early childhood programs, K‑12 and post‑secondary schools, service agencies, employers, and workforce organizations.
Our team’s passion to create change drives our innovation and excellence in all we do.
This commitment fuels our work toward empowering every individual with limitless opportunities to thrive at all stages of life.
We prioritize individuals from all backgrounds, with deep expertise in supporting people with disabilities and underserved populations.
Committed to staying at the forefront of emerging research, we partner with a wide variety of organizations, including those across the University of Tennessee system and beyond, to advance best practices in adult learning, education, and employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr