The 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.

Required Qualifications

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree (Early Childhood or related field)

• Experience:

  • At least 3 years experience in early childhood education

  • Previous professional experience in a role 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 (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 noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted:

• 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 towards 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.

Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK

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