Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 53 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.

Position Overview

The Associate Director of Science, 5-8 is an essential member of the Uncommon Curriculum and Assessment Team and will focus on middle school Science. They will drive the highest quality Science curriculum and assessments through the following responsibilities:

Data Driven Instruction

• Own 5-8 Science assessment cycles at the network level including establishing timelines, writing and/or giving input on assessments and supporting documents, communicating school scheduling and instructional goals and providing support in scoring/norming
• Analyze network-level data on IA’s and quizzes to identify network goals and trends
• Build network level action plans in response to 5-8 Science data
• Adapt network instruction to address 5-8 Science IA data
• Lead creation of data responsive materials to network 5-8 Science data such as reteach lessons

Observation and Feedback

• Grow Middle School Deans of Curriculum & Instruction (DCIs) & and DCI Fellows through observation and feedback of daily data meetings, data analysis meetings, professional development, curriculum and assessment, team culture, and leadership skills
• Conduct grade/network level content walkthroughs and action plan with Assistant Superintendent or principal
• Participate in school inspections

Curriculum and Assessment

• Own 5-8 Science curriculum and revisions including managing curriculum planners (planning meetings, feedback, timelines, etc.)
• Lead and/or participate in working groups
• Support annual strategic planning for 5-8 Science curriculum including action steps, owners, and timelines and ensure implementation.
• Research the latest curriculum and assessments and integrate best practices into Uncommon curriculum and assessments
• Conduct audits of 5-8 Science curriculum including unit plans, lesson plans, and lesson plan feedback
• Aid in the creation and/or revision of grades 5-8 Science IAs including writing/revising the assessment, alignment document, excel answer key, scoring guidance, teacher directions, etc.

Professional Development

• Write and deliver high-quality, highest lever 5-8 Science PD for teachers, DCIs, DCI Fellows, and Instructional Leaders that addresses network observation and data needs with all supporting Living the Learning materials

Logistic and Team Management

• Manage yearly pacing calendars and scope and sequences for the network for 5-8 Science
• Communicate important curriculum, instruction, and assessment dates, deadlines, and revisions to the Director of Strategy and Operations and/or relevant stakeholders

Organizational Relationships

• Works closely with the Curriculum and Assessment Team, Assistant Superintendents, DCIs, and Lead Lesson Planners to maximize the ability of Uncommon Schools to support students’ academic success
• Reports to the Director of Curriculum and Assessment, K-8
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

• Strong content knowledge related to middle school Science required
• Instructional leadership and teaching experience required: proven results in student learning as both an instructional leader and a teacher
• Curriculum and assessment writing experience required
• Experience in schools with adult learning and professional development required
• Outstanding ability to lead, including influencing and motivating others
• Ability to learn quickly and to be effective in a fast-paced, dynamic, entrepreneurial environment: able to work autonomously and thoroughly with independent self-reflection, as well as take direction as needed
• Exceptional and creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning skills
• Strong time and task management skills, enabling multiple projects to be completed on time
• Alignment to and urgency around Uncommon’s mission
• Excellent team player: always puts the team’s goals first and works to support and motivate peers
• Strong writing skills: writes with clarity, precision and power
• Ability to move comfortably between high level strategic thinking and intricate details
• Excellent ability to drive change and build buy-in through relationship building
• This role may require travel up to 25% time and requires travel to all Uncommon regions

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a very generous benefits and vacation package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer 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 meaningful 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.