Dean of Curriculum & Instruction

North Star Academy Charter School • Newark, NJ

2d

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools serving economically disadvantaged communities. Its Deans of Curriculum & Instruction (DCIs) are school leaders who support teachers and instructional leaders in delivering rigorous, joyful academic experiences that drive student achievement. DCIs work closely with their Principal and colleagues across the network to strengthen instruction, develop staff, and support the school’s academic and cultural systems.

The role includes analyzing student data and assessment results, coaching and observing teachers, facilitating professional development, supporting instructional leaders, and managing school-wide academic systems. DCIs may also contribute to regional and network instructional initiatives and provide support for broader school or regional needs. The position requires a commitment to Uncommon Schools’ mission and to students’ academic and socio-emotional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 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 grade spans or content areas.
• Ability to plan and lead effective teacher professional development.
• Strong teaching skills and proficiency in lesson plan development.
• Strong people-management skills, including navigating difficult conversations and holding staff, students, and families accountable supportively.
• Systems-based thinking and previous experience creating academic and teacher-development systems.
• Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks to meet school needs.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, work flexibly and autonomously, and take direction as needed.
• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools.
• Familiarity with and success implementing—or commitment to implementing—Uncommon’s instructional leadership tenets, such as the See It-Name It-Do It framework and Leverage Leadership principles.

Responsibilities

• Analyze student data and daily student work to lead effective analysis meetings.
• Develop and implement action plans, materials, and systems in response to data, including facilitating interim assessment scoring and norming and pre- and post-assessment analysis.
• Support instructional leaders with departmental data analysis and monitor grade-level or content-area progress against assessment benchmarks.
• Facilitate assessment cycles, including quality assurance of assessment materials, teacher and student preparation, and scheduling in partnership with the Director of Operations.
• Support regional and network data analysis and response systems.
• Conduct daily observations, provide real-time instructional feedback, and support teachers and instructional leaders in implementing development action steps.
• Inform, write, or lead teachers’ mid-year reviews.
• Plan and deliver professional development for staff on Uncommon’s curricular systems and key pedagogical issues.
• Plan and execute grade-level or content-area team meetings based on school-wide instructional trends.
• Collaborate with the Principal to identify high-leverage coaching goals for instructional leaders and lead instructional leader team meetings.
• Oversee school-specific data-response curriculum, such as reteach lessons and responses to Power Practice Quizzes.
• Partner with the Principal to curate staff-wide professional development using school-wide action steps or walkthrough data.
• Support mid-year teacher onboarding as needed.
• Support planning or lead whole-school moments and initiatives.
• Lead and manage school-wide academic systems, such as office hours, grade books, and feedback on teachers’ lesson internalization.
• Model the school’s culture and rigor techniques.
• Plan and facilitate regional or network professional development during the summer or school year.
• Support regional or network instructional initiatives related to student achievement, including data analysis, response, or curriculum development.
• Demonstrate commitment to the Uncommon mission and support school or regional needs, which may include teaching a course, helping plan staff coverage, or providing 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 support students’ academic and socio-emotional development.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including sick time, paid holidays, and approximately 10 weeks of paid breaks across spring, winter, and summer.
• Extensive training and development.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts, dependent care flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Financial planning.
• New Jersey Pension program.
• Paid leave of absence options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

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