Dean of Instruction at KSPA

KIPP Colorado•Denver, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Dean of Instruction, your primary role is to manage, develop, and coach teachers to drive exceptional student experience and academic outcomes that equip all students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. In support of the mission, vision, values, and strategic plan of KIPP Colorado, the Dean of Instruction is responsible for leading and building capacity of all teachers to implement and continuously develop exceptional instruction, a strong focus on results and continuous improvement, and a culture of consistent and high expectations. The Dean of Instruction works from the belief that excellent schools develop and sustain the capacity for teachers to lead and take ownership of their classroom, grade level, and school’s success. KIPP Colorado Deans of Instruction are instructional leaders who prioritize the coaching and development of teachers to drive student success in the short and long-term aligned to KIPP Colorado’s instructional vision and academic priorities. The Dean of Instruction reports to the Assistant Principal of Instruction. About KIPP: Together with families and communities, KIPP creates joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. KIPP is a national network of tuition-free, public charter schools open to all students. There are 255 college-preparatory KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 100,000 students. Nationally, KIPP students are graduating four-year colleges at three times the national average for low-income students. Who we are: KIPP Colorado Public Schools is a network of six free college-preparatory public charter schools open to all students. Our 350-person staff educates 2,600 students from ECE to 12th grade. At KIPP Colorado, we partner with our KIPPsters, educators, families and communities to ensure that we are all united around the goal of a choice-filled future for our KIPPsters. Our KIPP Forward Team supports our 1,000+ high school Alumni as they create their own paths. Our core values of excellence, belonging, belief, advocacy and courage are central to who we are and how we operate at all levels of our organization. What we do: We believe in the unique gifts and brilliance of every student. We believe in setting a high bar for joy and academic excellence to ensure the infinite possibilities our students have before them become a reality. We aspire to create and reinforce a culture of achievement, belonging and support. We know that every student is different and we personalize learning based on a student's needs, skills, and interests.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (required)
At least 2 years of relevant and aligned experience in the area of instructional coaching or leadership (required)
At least 2 years of K-12 teaching experience and a strong record of helping underserved students achieve academic success (required)
A full understanding and Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience (required)
Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills
Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork
Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work
Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence
High level of detail orientation and sound excellent organizational skills
Strong communication, feedback and facilitation skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and versatility to work productively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines
Passionate commitment to KIPP Colorado mission and to high standards of excellence

Nice To Haves

Spanish bilingual (preferred)
Past experience leading adults in a school environment (preferred)

Responsibilities

Manage a cohort of teachers to achieve KIPP Colorado’s Big 3 and Wildly Important Goals by providing continuous coaching and evaluation through regular observation, coaching, development, and support.
As needed or in response to data, provide direct instruction to students or classes at the discretion of the Assistant Principal of Instruction and/or Principal.
Support the development teachers and realization of student achievement goals through frequent and consistent coaching protocols, including lesson/unit internalization, observation-feedback, and review of and action planning from student work and student data.
Perform performance reviews of assigned direct reports including the cohort of teachers that you manage.
At the direction of the Assistant Principal of Instruction, design, plan, and implement teacher professional development that drives to teacher mastery.
Ensure that all teachers have the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to support learning for all learners including the implementation of IEPs, 504s, ALPs, BIPs, strategies for multilingual learners, and universal design.
Leverage instructional data (e.g. benchmark, formative, and summative) to make instructional decisions to support student growth and development.
In collaboration with your Principal, make recommendations for staffing to support student learning.
Evaluate cohort performance data to make holistic as well as individual recommendations for improving school-wide instructional practices.
Lead Teachers to ensure the effective execution of curricular based assessments (e.g. CKLA, Fishtank, Illustrative Math, Novel ELA) including reaching 95%+ completion on assessments to inform instruction.
Ensure the effective execution of curricular based assessments (e.g. CKLA, Fishtank, Illustrative Math, Novel ELA) including reaching 95%+ completion on assessments to inform instruction.
Regularly monitor and hold teachers and leaders accountable to grading timelines, deadlines, and communication to students and families about their academic progress
Plan and execute ongoing data-driven instructional cycles to respond to data and build a culture of data-driven instruction in your school.
Sit on the Instructional Leadership Team and partner with teammates to ensure consistent implementation of whole-school systems.
Participate in active presence and strategic supervision and monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning.
Partner with the Dean of Special Services and Special Education Teachers to ensure proper implementation of 504s, BIPs, IEPs, safety plans, accommodations, modification, and language support for students.
Enforce positive behavior systems and monitor behavior data.
Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Family Conferences, Community Events, etc.).
Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and dismissal duties,chaperone field trips.
Participate in parent meetings, conferences, and periodic evening events.
Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits, participation in school events and phone calls home.
Communicate regularly with families about academic progress and behavior.
Participate in daily duties (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dismissal) to support school operations.
Maintain accurate records and student data tracking systems.
Assist with both student and staff recruitment.
Believe deeply in the mission, values, and Race, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (RIDE) commitments of KIPP Colorado Schools and that all children can and will learn
Assume personal responsibility for student achievement
Read, internalize, and adhere to the KIPP Colorado Policies and Procedures manual and guidelines
Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning (regardless of my role and its proximity to students)
Take ownership for the development of your craft and engage actively in coaching sessions (meet 1-2 times every 1 or 2 weeks (depending on need and role) with a manager, receive coaching, implement all provided feedback, engage in active practice, etc.)
Commit to being prepared. Such as: internalizing and preparing for lessons, preparing for O3s/coaching, preparing for meetings, coaching, PD, reading and internalizing written communication, etc.
Meet professional obligations including and not limited to meeting deadlines and honoring schedules
Consistently leverage existing professional tools, including but not limited to Google Suite (google documents, etc.) and Microsoft Suite (including but not limited to your KIPP Colorado email, Teams chat / meetings, Teams phone, and Microsoft Outlook calendar)
Maintain strong attendance each day and be on time to all responsibilities
Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement
Reflect on professional practices to meet individual professional development goals
Actively participate in professional development, grade level, and department meetings
Actively engage and implement in all school-wide and Org wide professional development
Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team or functional team, collaborating with colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement org and grade-wide initiatives
Share candid, solutions-oriented feedback with peers and leadership on a regular basis, assuring that feedback is shared directly with the intended recipient. Ensure that feedback is focused on improving outcomes and experiences for students
Assist with both student and staff recruitment and engagement- including events, home visits, calls home, and other determined and related requirements
Know that your role, professional development, org wide meetings, etc. may require you to travel around Denver to other KIPP Campuses, our Home Office, or other KIPP or PD events
Assist with other duties as assigned (such as but not limited to, lunch duty, arrival/dismissal duty, bathroom duty, hallway duty, school support duties, etc.)
Align core work in their functional area to KIPP Colorado’s organizational vision, mission, strategy, priorities and scorecard
Invest in and leading change management as we shift operating models and increase organizational alignment across KIPP Colorado
Partner deeply with the Home Office Team to execute strategy (including priorities and initiatives) and develop staff
Build context and sharing context to ensure alignment of campus-based work with broader vision and strategy
Implement and progress monitor organizational priorities and initiatives at the campus level
Champion and steward KIPP Colorado’s vision, values, RIDE Commitments, and strategy
Provide input and insight to shape organizational strategy, including priorities, initiatives, and implementation

Benefits

Competitive Market Salary: Starting salary for this role begins at $74,542 and is commensurate with experience
Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee-only monthly premium paid by KIPP Colorado and options for family enrollment and coverage, through United Healthcare
Time Off !!!: More than 6 weeks of annual vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO)
Based on hire date, employees are eligible for up to 8 days of Paid Time Off (PTO)
All employees receive summer break through an organization-wide closure, based on work location and position
Access to parental and medical leave: includes 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid for a total of 12 weeks (after your first year)
Career Trajectory: Access to opportunity to move up, across schools, and grow your career during weekly coaching sessions to refine your craft
Mental Health Care: Immediate and ongoing access to mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program
Technology & Access: Equipment provided: laptop & phone
Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program, including a PERA 401k option
Move to Join Us: Relocation reimbursement (when applicable)
Additional Pay: Most schools offer various stipend opportunities
Wellness reimbursement
Voluntary employee, spousal, and child life insurance
Voluntary long term disability insurance
Voluntary short term disability insurance
Optional Basic Life and AD&D Insurance