Total 2 Director/C-Level Kindergarten Teacher job vacancies in The United States of America

 

POSITION: Director, Teacher Development and Instructional Leadership 

LOCATION: DSST: Home Office

SALARY RANGE: $98,000 - $109,760 with up to 6 years of aligned experience

STATUS/CLASSIFICATION: Full time, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position (Denver, CO) 

START: Immediate

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Vice President, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum, the Director, Teacher Development and Instructional Leadership will lead the strategic development and implementation of our teacher and instructional leader professional growth initiatives. This role is crucial for ensuring our educators are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to deliver high-quality, engaging, and effective instruction. This role will be responsible for the strategic oversight of our comprehensive teacher development and instructional leader development programs, directly leading and managing the Senior Manager of New Teacher Development and Experience and Senior Manager of Instructional Leadership. Together, they will work to ensure that our educators have access to high-quality professional growth opportunities, resources, and support systems. This role is vital for ensuring strong instructional practices, teacher effectiveness, and teacher retention, all of which will positively impact our desired student outcomes. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

Lead and manage Teacher Development and Instructional Leadership Team (25%)

• Directly lead and manage the Senior Manager of New Teacher Development and Experience and Senior Manager of Instructional Leadership, setting clear goals and expectations, providing consistent coaching, and ensuring the effective implementation of teacher development initiatives.

• Model a feedback-rich culture on your team, promoting reflective practice, the sharing of best practices, and a commitment to professional excellence.

• Coach the team to implement impactful school support and partnership that is influenced by school director needs and feedback. 

Oversee Teacher Development Strategy (25%)

• Refine DSST’s teacher development strategy - for new and returning teachers - ensuring alignment with our mission and educational goals, with a particular emphasis on curricular content.

• Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality professional development programs for teachers, including summer training and ongoing professional development throughout the school year.

• Develop an online learning experience aligned to DSST’s Teacher Development Progression that includes virtual modules and aligned coaching resources.  

• Evaluate the impact of professional development activities on teacher perception and performance and student outcomes, leveraging data from surveys, observations and student learning to make informed adjustments and improvements.

• Lead ongoing trainings and revisions to teacher evaluation tool and goal guidance, conducting annual working group to seek feedback on tool and goal resources. 

• Oversee the budget for teacher development programs, ensuring strategic allocation of resources to maximize impact.

• Stay abreast of the latest educational research, trends, and best practices, especially in the realm of new career teacher professional development, to continually elevate the quality of DSST’s teacher development program.

Lead the Instructional Leader Development Strategy (25%)

• Lead implementation of DSST’s Instructional Coaching Vision, ensuring coaching is content-specific, supports curriculum implementation and is aligned to DSST’s differentiated teacher development pathways.  

• Design yearlong scope and sequence of professional development, including summer training and monthly training, for Instructional Coaches.  Evaluate the impact of professional development activities on impact of coaching, leveraging data to make informed adjustments and improvements to the approach of instructional leadership development. 

• Collaborate with content Directors to execute a coherent school support model that develops the capacity of school based coaches to implement DSST’s Instructional Coaching Vision and improve student learning. 

• Design and lead monthly School Director instructional training in collaboration with Managing Directors, ensuring coherence to school coaches development experiences. 

Collaborates closely with other members of the broader Schools & Academic Leadership team, School Directors, instructional coaches, and external organizations for increased impact (20%)

• Collaborate with school leadership to assess instructional needs and support the adoption of effective teaching strategies and practices that enhance student learning.

• Forge and manage partnerships with external organizations, educational institutions, and experts to introduce cutting-edge teaching practices and resources to DSST Public Schools.

Additional Duties (5%) 

• Model our Core Values, Commitment to the Human Condition, and our commitment to equity as a Leader within the Network

• Play an active leadership role in building and sustaining Home Office culture

• Engage with our school communities to actively build relationships between our schools and the home office

• Participate in & support the execution of Home Office & Network-wide events

• Lead strategic initiatives and special projects as determined by the CoS that are critical to DSST’s success

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university required

• 5+ years experience leading in urban schools and/or communities

• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a school, Charter Management Organization or other educational organization

• 2-4 years of experience in new career teacher development

• Experience at a high-performing charter school highly preferred but not required 

WHO WE ARE

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to be the largest and highest-performing network of public charter schools in Denver and Aurora with 100% of our students having been accepted into college or post secondary programs since our inception in 2004. When you join DSST, you play a part in ensuring ALL students at our 16 schools have access to a transformational and joyful education. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about why we’ve been selected as the 2018 Broad Prize Winner and as a Denver Post “Top Place to Work”. 

Not interested right now but might be in the future, or want to learn about other positions? Complete our Interest Form to connect with a member of our Talent Team.

INTERVIEW EXPECTATIONS

For most of our positions, we hire on a rolling basis. Therefore, we recommend that you submit your application as soon as you are able! You can learn more about what to expect in our interview process here. 

 

TOTAL REWARDS

At DSST, we know that our people are the greatest asset we have in reaching our mission of eliminating educational inequity. We work hard to build a work culture that allows our staff to not only feel fulfilled by the work they do but also feel supported to live a joyful, healthy life. We want this work to be your life’s work. Check out our website and our benefits highlight guide to learn how we deliver on our commitment to the human condition. 

Some Highlights:

• Staff Experience Bonus: DSST celebrates staff that continue to choose our network by rewarding a bonus every 3 years in increasing increments from $3,000-$6,000. 

• Excellent Healthcare Plan: We encourage you to check out our benefits guide to see the ways we are committed to the wellness of our staff. We are always looking to improve how we care and, through staff feedback, we’ve been able to implement innovative new benefits such as Fertility Benefits as well as staffing a Mental Health Counselor that is dedicated solely to DSST Staff. 

• Time Off: DSST Staff enjoy 11+ weeks off per year + paid PTO (from Day 1!)

• Career Development: In addition to weekly coaching from a designated coach, you’ll have access to internal training and development pathways designed by our Professional Development & Training Team as well as external development opportunities. 

REFERRAL

Know someone who would be a great fit? Refer them here! Anyone can refer a candidate and we offer a $500 referral bonus for every successful referral. 

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not exclude participation in, deny benefits to or discriminate on the basis of, race, color, religion, National origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), Age (40 and older), Disability, Genetic information (including employer requests for, or purchase, use, or disclosure of genetic tests, genetic services, or family medical history), retaliation for filing a charge, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in a discrimination lawsuit, investigation, or proceeding in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is active and may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching throughout the day. The employee must lift and/or move items up to 30 pounds. The employee must have sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Job Description

The Programme Director for Science Education and Teacher Training is responsible for all aspects of the STEAM program and teacher training program of SIMCC and Singapore Scholastic Trust (STS), a global non-profit foundation supported by SIMCC.

Aims and key responsibilities:

1. Strategic Development of Science Education and Teacher Training program:

· Taking overall responsibility for the provision, development and philosophy of Science and pedagogy for Teacher Training Program at SIMCC and STS

· Developing high quality provision in all aspects of science education and teacher education at SIMCC

· Designing and delivering science and teacher training strategy with clear and specific plans for improvement on short, medium and long term basis

· Identifying and delivering key organisation priorities for Science and Teacher Training, and developing implementation plans for these priorities

· Prioritising the budget and resources available for Science and Teacher Training in line with the organisation strategy

· In liaison with the staff of Science and teacher training, ensuring that the Science and Teacher Training Programs have a rich and varied offering to immerse pupils in Science learning and engaging teachers in professional development programs

· Encouraging and developing a variety of opportunities beyond the science contests including local and international events to foster students’ Science learning

· Leading a united Science team to work together to achieve the shared vision

· Producing an annual Department Development Plan linked to the whole organisations Development Plan

2. Leading the Science program

· Develop effective and engaging science lessons for student training programs

· Reviewing the syllabus for science contests in liaison with Country Council Partners (CCPs)

· Ensure the science contest content is in line with the program aims and aligns with the broad organisation vision and mission.

3. Leading and managing the staff in the Science and Teacher Training department

· Identify staffing needs and requirements for the Science and Teacher Training department, taking into account the demands of science contests, curriculum development, and teacher training.

· Lead the recruitment process for hiring qualified content setters, moderators, trainers, and other necessary roles for the Science and Teacher Training programs.

· Provide guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to the department staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth.

· Conduct performance evaluations, recognize achievements, and address any performance-related issues in a timely and constructive manner.

· Collaborate with the HR department to ensure appropriate staffing levels and adherence to HR policies within the Science and Teacher Training department.

· Promote a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and creativity among the department's staff members.

4. Responsibility for the administration of the Science and Teacher Training department

· Oversee the administrative processes of the Science and Teacher Training department, ensuring smooth operation and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

· Oversee the management of the scheduling of science contests, training sessions, and other educational events, coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient planning and execution.

· Handle budgeting and financial matters related to the Science and Teacher Training programs, monitoring expenses and allocating resources appropriately.

· Implement and maintain effective record-keeping systems for participant registrations, contest results, and teacher training progress.

· Collaborate with support staff to ensure logistical support is in place for events, workshops, and training sessions.

5. Overseeing the effective development of the Science program

· Liaising with the Director of Operations and staff involved in the STEAM provision at the organisation, to develop and maintain the STEAM program

· Liaising with cross functional teams and Director of Mathematics Education, Country Council Partners (CCPs), to develop a STEAM contests, activities and events

6. Overseeing the effective development of the Teacher Training program

· Liaising with the Director of Operations and staff involved in the teacher training provision at the organisation, to develop and maintain the Teacher Training Program

· Liaising with cross functional teams and Director of Operations and IT, Country Council Partners (CCPs), collaborate with universities and institutions to develop a impactful Teacher Training Program

7. Other responsibilities

· Undertaking duties as the Director of Operations or a delegated representative may reasonably request.

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. The post holder will be expected to comply with any reasonable request by the line manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. This job description may be amended at any time following discussion between the line manager and member of staff, and will be reviewed annually.

SIMCC reserves the right to recruit at any stage during the selection process.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be likely to fit the following profile:

Qualifications:

· At least a master’s degree in science with distinction from an university.

· At least a certificate in education leadership

· Evidence of further relevant professional development

Skills:

· Personal expertise in and a strong commitment to the teaching of Science

· The ability to lead, inspire, motivate and support pupils and colleagues

· The ability to be an outstanding advocate for Science education within the organisation and beyond

· Interests and abilities that can enhance the organisation’s new and innovative programs

· Have a vision for and the ability to translate SIMCC’s vision to be a leading organisation in educational contest provider globally.

· The ability to inspire others and lead by example, role modelling the SIMCC’s vision statement ‘Acquire Skills, Recognition and Scholarships for SUCCESS’ with pupils, teachers and parents

· The ability to work in a successful and dynamic educational organisation

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

· Excellent leadership, organisational, administrative and IT skills

Experience:

· A minimum of 2 years experience as a Principal/Senior management role or a minimum of 3 years of experience as a contest manager/exams officer for Cambridge or IB international programs.

· A minimum of 5 years of experience teaching international science (biology/physics/chemistry) curriculum such as IB or Cambridge to secondary school levels.

· A minimum of 4 years of experience in writing or vetting or moderating science Olympiad contest papers or have demonstrated scientific writing skills through publications of books or peer-reviewed journal articles

· Experience as an examiner for science subject such as biology/physics/chemistry for international curricula such as Cambridge or IB is desirable.

· Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering professional development to teachers in the areas of educational technology/pedagogy is essential.

· Proven experience as a leader of Science in a school environment

· A proven track record of leadership, impacting on whole school outcomes

· A proven track record of delivering on academic performance

· A proven track record of suitability for working with children and young people, including the ability to form and maintain appropriate relationship and personal boundaries

· Experience of leading and collaborating with colleagues

· Experience of analysing assessment data and using it to inform planning and development of contests

Knowledge:

· Up-to-date knowledge of successful and innovative STEM education and teaching program developments and initiatives

Personal Qualities:

· A dynamic leader and effective manager

· Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality

· Personal warmth to gain the confidence of pupils, staff and parents

· Positive rapport with pupils

Attitudes:

· A team player with leadership qualities and a reflective and flexible approach

· Organised, energetic, positive and able to self-direct

· Positive, enthusiastic and energetic approach to life

· Ability to think creatively and imaginatively

· Committed to the SIMCC’s ethos

· High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct

· Committed to representing the organisation’s strategic vision

· Ambitious and aspirational for oneself and for the organisation

· Committed to professional development and show a willingness to undertake appropriate training as required

· A positive ‘can do’ approach in all aspects of the role

· High levels of personal presentation, integrity and communication skills