Fast Facts

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Elementary K–5 Social Studies will develop and review high-quality instructional materials, ensuring they meet national and state standards while supporting culturally responsive teaching practices.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include curriculum development, content alignment to standards, supporting cross-functional teams, assuring content accuracy, and sharing expertise across the organization.

Skills: The role requires expertise in K–5 social studies pedagogy, collaboration skills, strong communication abilities, and problem-solving capabilities, with a commitment to equity and culturally responsive practices.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in education or related field, a Master’s degree, at least 3 years of classroom teaching experience, and experience in curriculum writing or instructional design.

Location: This position is hybrid/remote with the headquarters located in Charlotte, NC, USA.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $65,000 - $85,000.

We are looking for a highly knowledgeable and passionate Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Elementary K–5 Social Studies to join our Curriculum and Instruction team. Reporting to the Senior SME, Social Studies, this role supports the development of high-quality print and digital instructional materials that meet the needs of teachers and students. The SME brings deep content expertise, classroom experience, and a commitment to culturally responsive instruction to ensure Discovery Education products deliver meaningful, standards-aligned learning experiences. This position partners closely with cross-functional teams to translate research-based practices into engaging digital and print solutions for classrooms.

In This Role You Will

Curriculum Development & Content Alignment

• Support the design, development, and review of K–5 social studies curriculum content
• Ensure alignment to national, state, and district standards, including the C3 Framework
• Contribute to the creation of lesson plans, assessments, teacher guides, and student-facing materials
• Incorporate inquiry-based learning and literacy integration into social studies resources

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with instructional designers, editors, product developers, and external contractors to deliver high-quality content
• Support partnership and implementation teams to ensure successful integration of products into classrooms
• Provide expertise during curriculum adoption processes at state and district levels

Quality Assurance & Innovation

• Participate in quality assurance to confirm content accuracy, consistency, and instructional integrity
• Ensure content reflects culturally responsive practices and affirms diverse perspectives
• Leverage emerging tools, including artificial intelligence, to enhance workflows and explore innovative instructional design approaches

Professional Learning & Expertise Sharing

• Stay current with trends and research in elementary social studies education
• Share expertise with colleagues across the organization to strengthen content design and instructional approaches

Core Competencies for Success

• Expertise in K–5 social studies pedagogy, including inquiry-based learning and literacy integration
• Knowledge of state-specific standards and the C3 Framework
• Collaboration and teamwork across diverse functions
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Problem solving and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently
• Openness to feedback and ability to adapt quickly
• Commitment to equity and culturally responsive practices

Credentials and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social studies, history, geography, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum of 3 years of classroom teaching experience in elementary grades (K–5)
• Experience in curriculum writing or instructional design preferred
• Teaching certification in elementary education or social studies strongly preferred
• Legal right to work in the United States

This role is designed to be hybrid/remote in our Charlotte HQs.