Core Knowledge Coordinator

A Core Knowledge coordinator is a staff member who assists school administrators with implementation and support of the Core Knowledge Sequence. The Core Knowledge coordinator at times assumes the role of teacher mentor, peer coach, collaborative colleague, and liaison between the Core Knowledge Foundation and your school.

Core Knowledge Coordinator Role

Existing Core Knowledge schools have successfully employed a variety of means to structure the role of Core Knowledge coordinator.  These include:

1.    Core Knowledge Coordinator

• One faculty member
• Part-time role in addition to teaching duties*

 2.    Co-Core Knowledge Coordinators

• A primary and an intermediate faculty member
• Part-time role*

3.    Core Knowledge Facilitator

• One faculty member
• Full-time position
• Additional funding is necessary

4.    Core Knowledge Committee

• One teacher per grade level, plus a special area representative
• One member is the chair
• Part-Time role*

*Often, those serving in the role of Core Knowledge coordinators are provided with a stipend, comp time, substitute days, or additional planning time as compensation for their added responsibilities.

Core Knowledge Coordinator Characteristics

Individuals most successful in the role of Core Knowledge coordinator:

• possess a strong, broad-based knowledge of the Core Knowledge Sequence,
• are knowledgeable of state and local requirements,
• are enthusiastic, positive, and believe in Core Knowledge (“a cheerleader”),
• are knowledgeable about effective teaching strategies,
• have a background or experience in curriculum development,
• have strong verbal and writing skills,
• have experience serving on campus/department committees,
• have experience presenting professional development,
• have at least three years of teaching experience, and
• have personal characteristics that promote collaboration and team building to maintain effective working relationships with campus staff.  These individuals are patient, supportive, compassionate, enthusiastic, flexible, maintain a positive attitude, are generous, hardworking, and dedicated.

Core Knowledge Coordinator Responsibilities

Decisions regarding the responsibilities of the Core Knowledge coordinator are made at the school level and will differ depending on the structure of the role, amount of time dedicated to the role, school environment and culture, and the organizational structure of the school.  Core Knowledge coordinators do things like:

• Collaborate with the administrator to choose priorities upon which to focus
• Attend all curriculum related meetings and in-service events
• Serve as a liaison between the Core Knowledge Foundation and the school
• Assist grade levels in implementation of the Core Knowledge Sequence
• Assist grade levels in the development of units
• Develop storage and checkout system for grade-level instructional materials; coordinate with grade level chairs to maintain grade-level instructional materials
• Maintain a list of materials needed to be ordered (new teacher materials, replacement of materials, additional instructional resources for future units of study to be developed, “wish lists”)
• Provide assistance to promote ongoing improvements
• Coordinate staff development speakers
• Deliver in-house professional development
• Provide assistance to increase parental involvement and communication
• Coordinate school visits by parents, central office administrators, and community members.  Possibly choose one day a week as “visitation” day (not Mondays or Fridays)
• Organize Core Knowledge activities/events for the grade level or entire school
• Provide assistance and training for new teachers to sustain implementation
• Provide support for the staff for their efforts

Note: A Core Knowledge Coordinator facilitates completion of these tasks, but usually acts in collaboration with colleagues.