Academic Director, BEAM Discovery

Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM)•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Director is the instructional leader for a BEAM site, responsible for ensuring high-quality, student-centered math instruction and supporting faculty growth. BEAM Discovery is the first step in BEAM’s 10-year Pathway Program, offering students an engaging introduction to advanced mathematical thinking in a supportive, inquiry-driven environment. As Academic Director, you will guide the academic vision for your campus, support faculty growth, and ensure that BEAM’s inquiry-based, student-centered math instruction comes to life every day. The Academic Director partners closely with the Site Director, Associate Site Director, Director of Student Life, and Guidance Counselor as part of a cohesive leadership team. While the primary focus is academic excellence and faculty development, the role also supports site-wide operations as needed to ensure a strong student experience.

Requirements

Experience: At least 2 years as Academic Dean or 4+ years in an instructional leadership role.
Teaching Expertise: Strong understanding of student-centered, inquiry-based math instruction.
Instructional Coaching Skills: Demonstrated experience mentoring educators or leading professional development.
Leadership Skills: Ability to guide teams, manage projects, and foster collaborative staff culture.
Commitment to Equity: Deep belief in inclusive learning environments where all students feel capable and valued.
Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly with faculty, staff, students, and families.
Problem Solving: Ability to make thoughtful decisions in real-time and support faculty through challenges.
Organizational Strength: Skilled at managing schedules, systems, and multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Math Proficiency: Comfort with middle school enrichment math and supporting faculty in exploring deep math topics.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust plans based on feedback, student needs, and evolving program realities.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Experience: Worked with middle school and/or high school students.

Responsibilities

Ensure high-quality, inquiry-based math instruction aligned with BEAM’s mission and values.
Coach, support, and evaluate faculty, including Junior and Senior Faculty.
Facilitate collaboration spaces that promote shared learning and instructional coherence.
Align academic goals with site operations in partnership with site leadership.
Complete BEAM leadership and faculty coaching training.
Review the Site Leadership Handbook and program expectations.
Support final selection and onboarding of faculty.
Contribute to student course assignment processes.
Participate in virtual leadership meetings, synchronous faculty training, and the virtual course planning retreat.
Align with leadership on roles, academic expectations, and camp-wide norms; help plan team building and staff culture activities; ensure classroom spaces, materials, and logistics are ready.
Lead all faculty-specific training (academic modules, instructional expectations); facilitate faculty course preparation, lesson adaptation, and problem-solving planning; assign and review any academic training tasks; confirm I-9 and onboarding compliance for faculty.
Conduct at least three observation and feedback cycles for each faculty member.
Provide ongoing coaching and support tailored to each teacher’s needs.
Co-facilitate twice-weekly collaboration spaces with Senior Faculty focused on lesson planning, content understanding, and student-centered pedagogy.
Guide faculty in implementing Open Math Time best practices.
Provide and document formal summative evaluations for faculty.
Support new faculty in understanding and implementing BEAM’s instructional philosophy.
Serve as the primary bridge between faculty and the leadership team regarding academic needs.
Participate in daily or weekly leadership meetings.
Communicate academic updates, challenges, and resource needs.
Troubleshoot scheduling or classroom logistics in partnership with leadership.
Provide emergency instructional coverage if needed.
Ensure classrooms reflect BEAM’s commitment to inquiry, belonging, and student ownership.
Support faculty in implementing student engagement strategies and any necessary accommodations.
Address escalated classroom-based behavior concerns.
Model positive academic and social leadership across the site.
Manage petty cash, MetroCards, and classroom supply needs.
Support planning and staffing for field trips.
Supervise Open Math Time and other academic block structures.
Help coordinate or lead math circles or other enrichment events.
Participate in selected all staff responsibilities as aligned with leadership norms.
Complete all faculty evaluations and conduct 1-to-1 debrief conversations.
Support the Site Director in completing the end-of-camp checklist.
Contribute academic insights to BEAM’s program-wide step back meeting.