Dean of Curriculum & Instruction

Camden Prep • Camden, NJ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is seeking passionate leaders to join their team as Deans of Curriculum & Instruction (DCIs). In this role, you will be a school leader focused on supporting teachers and instructional leaders to deliver a rigorous and joyful academic experience for students, leading to exceptional academic gains. DCIs are central to their school's success, working closely with the Principal and other DCIs across Uncommon to drive student achievement and teacher development.

Requirements

• 3+ years of teaching experience with evidence of outstanding student growth and achievement
• Demonstrated instructional coaching capabilities that contribute to teacher growth and development
• Strong content knowledge, across multiple gradespans or content areas
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools
• Ability to plan and lead effective teacher professional development
• Strong teaching skills
• Proficient in lesson plan development
• Strong people management skills, including the ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations and hold staff, scholars, and families accountable in a supportive manner
• Systems-based thinking and previous experience creating academic systems, as well as teacher development systems
• Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks effectively to fully meet the needs of their school, with a lens toward systems thinking
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously and take direction as needed
• Familiarity and success with–or commitment to–implementing Uncommon’s core tenets of instructional leadership (e.g., See It-Name It-Do It framework, Leverage Leadership principles)

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep analysis of data to lead effective analysis meetings based on daily student work samples.
• Build and implement action plans, materials, and systems to address data, including facilitating Interim Assessment (IA) scoring and norming, developing pre- and post- analysis of IAs for the whole school, and supporting Instructional Leaders (ILs) with data analysis of their department.
• Monitor grade-level or content-area progress against assessment cycle benchmarks.
• Facilitate assessment cycles including quality assurance of assessment materials, teacher/student preparation, and scheduling alongside the Director of Operations.
• Support with regional and network data analysis and response systems.
• Conduct daily observations, integrate feedback into planning and data meetings that lead to teacher and instructional leader development, and support implementation of action steps.
• Provide real-time feedback to teachers during instruction.
• Inform, write, and/or lead teachers’ mid-year reviews.
• Plan and deliver high-quality professional development (within the school, region, or network) 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 based on school-wide instructional trends.
• Collaborate with the Principal to coach and identify the highest leverage goals for ILs, including leading IL Team Meetings.
• Oversee school-specific data response curriculum (e.g., reteach lessons, response to Power Practice Quizzes, or PPQs).
• Partner with the Principal to curate staff-wide / staff-facing professional development sessions using school-wide action steps or walkthrough data.
• Support with mid-year teacher onboarding, as needed.
• Support with planning or leading whole school moments and initiatives.
• Lead and manage school-wide academic systems, such as office hours, grade books, or providing feedback to teacher internalization of lessons.
• Be the model of culture and rigor techniques at the school.
• Plan and facilitate network or regional PD during the summer or school year.
• Support network or regional instructional initiatives related to student achievement - such as supporting regional data analysis and response, or curriculum development.
• Demonstrate a passionate commitment to improving the minds and lives of students in and out of school, and in pursuit of the Uncommon mission.
• Willingness to step up and support the school’s or region’s needs, such as directly teaching a course that’s in the best interest of scholars, supporting school operations in strategically planning staff coverage, or providing direct support to another school.
• Participate in Inspections, school walkthroughs, working groups, and CAT quarterly walkthroughs.
• Collaborate with the Home Office, RSI, Principal, Director of Operations, 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.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer)
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
• New Jersey Pension program
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support
• Wellness benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager