Dean of Curriculum & Instruction

Uncommon Schools•New York, NY

3h•Onsite

About The Position

To build more high-performing schools, Uncommon Schools needs leaders committed to urgent and exciting work. Deans of Curriculum & Instruction (DCIs) are school leaders focused on supporting teachers and instructional leaders to deliver rigorous and joyful academic experiences, leading to exceptional academic gains for students. DCIs play a central role in their school's success, working closely with their Principal and fellow DCIs across the Uncommon network to drive student achievement and teacher development. Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities across Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. The organization aims to close the college completion gap and prepare every student for college and beyond, with students consistently exceeding national benchmarks. Uncommon Schools invests deeply in its educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development.

Requirements

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)
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

Responsibilities

Conduct deep analysis of data in order 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

Competitive compensation
Comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families
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)
403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
Mental health and counseling support
Wellness benefits