Dean of Curriculum & Instruction (Immediate Start SY19-20)

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: July 2020 Start

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 54 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Job Description

To build more high performing schools, we need leaders to commit themselves to the most urgent and exciting work of our time! At Uncommon Schools, our Deans of Curriculum & Instruction (DCI) are school leaders focused on supporting teachers and instructional leaders to deliver the most rigorous and joyful academic experience for our students that leads to exceptional academic gains. DCIs play a central role in the success of their school and work closely with their Principal as well as fellow DCIs across Uncommon in driving curriculum, assessment, and teacher development. DCIs' responsibilities include the following:

Data Driven Instruction:

  • Conduct deep analysis of data in order to lead effective analysis meetings based on daily student work samples;
  • Build grade level/content area action plans and materials to address data;
  • Monitor grade-level progress against assessment cycle benchmarks.
 

Feedback and Teacher Development:

  • Conduct daily observations, plan/execute 6-step feedback meetings that lead to teacher and instructional leader development, and support implementation of action steps;
  • Provide real-time feedback to teachers during instruction and contribute to teachers’ mid-year reviews;
  • Plan and deliver high-quality professional development that trains staff members in Uncommon’s curricular systems and key pedagogical issues;
  • Plan and execute team meetings for grade-level or content-area staff.
 

Curriculum and Assessment:

  • Own organization-wide curriculum and assessment work based on content expertise such as lesson planning, assessment revisions, collaborative scoring, and/or network analysis;
  • Facilitate assessment cycles including scheduling, quality assurance of assessment materials, and teacher/student preparation.
 
Mission-Alignment
  • Demonstrate a passionate commitment to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of school;
  • Build professional relationships with teachers that support their development;
  • Collaborate with the Home Office, Assistant Superintendent, Principal, Dean of Students, Special Education Coordinator, School Social Worker, and other staff to maximize the ability of Uncommon Schools to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development.

Qualifications

  • Strong teaching skills and content knowledge;
  • Experience and interest in writing curriculum;
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • Strong communication and negotiating skills, and ability to work well in a team;
  • Ability to build, monitor and maintain systems that improve organizational efficiency;
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed.
  • Required experience:
    • 3+ years working in classrooms and coaching teachers, preferably in urban schools and/or communities, with a proven record of strong academic achievement;
    • Top 25% in most recent data in the Network;
    • Bachelor’s Degree.

Additional Information

Uncommon Schools offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.  Aside from extensive professional development, all our staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.