Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music & Arts, Director of Academics

Edgility Search•Houston, TX

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music & Arts (FLAMA) is a Pre-K through 8th grade charter school in Houston, Texas, dedicated to fostering a love of learning through a blend of academic rigor, cognitive science, and the arts. FLAMA's innovative model is built on three core pillars: music and art education, executive function skills development, and instructional methods grounded in cognitive sciences. The school emphasizes professional growth for its faculty, encouraging them to use their learning to inform their teaching practices. FLAMA will open in August 2027 in a new, state-of-the-art campus within the historic Folger’s Coffee Factory in Houston’s East End. The school aims to provide exceptional music, arts, and academically rigorous education to students from Houston’s 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Wards, fulfilling Frank Liu Jr.'s vision of using creativity as a path to opportunity. The Director of Academics is a crucial instructional leader responsible for ensuring high standards in teaching and learning across all Pre-K–8 academic programs. This role involves close collaboration with the Superintendent, Director of Music & Arts, and instructional teams to advance FLAMA’s mission of integrating academic rigor with music and the arts in a supportive environment that nurtures curiosity, skill, and creative expression. The Director will drive the alignment of curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices, ensuring that faculty development, student support, and community partnerships align with FLAMA’s commitment to the science of learning and arts-infused education.

Requirements

Master’s degree or Ph.D./Ed.D. in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or equivalent required.
Texas Teaching certificate required and Principal certification preferred (or equivalent in another state).
Minimum five years of successful experience in teaching and instructional leadership.
Proven expertise in faculty development, coaching, and supervision.
Demonstrated success implementing MTSS and supporting SPED, EB, and at-risk populations.
Experience with integrated or arts-based learning models preferred.
Deep understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and cognitive science research.
Strong analytical and organizational skills with an eye for detail and alignment.
Proficiency with instructional technology platforms and data systems.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrated ability to build trust, foster innovation, and maintain a culture of excellence.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are strongly preferred but not required.
A teacher at heart who leads with empathy and academic rigor.
A life-long learner dedicated to continuous improvement.
Values the intersection of academics, music, and the arts as pathways to student success.
Committed to access for all learners.

Nice To Haves

Principal certification preferred (or equivalent in another state).
Experience with integrated or arts-based learning models preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are strongly preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with the Superintendent on the design, selection, and implementation of high-quality curricula aligned with FLAMA’s mission and state standards.
Integrates insights from cognitive science and educational research into instructional design and teacher practice.
Ensures horizontal and vertical alignment of curriculum in ELA, mathematics, science, social studies, and enrichment courses.
Oversees integration of arts-based learning strategies in partnership with the Director of Music & Arts.
Leads internal curriculum reviews to ensure academic rigor, cultural relevance, and cross-disciplinary connections.
Observes classroom instruction regularly and provides actionable feedback to faculty.
Guides teachers in applying data-driven practices, differentiated instruction, and the MTSS framework.
Designs and implements ongoing professional learning aligned to campus goals and best practices.
Conducts formal performance evaluations, manages improvement plans, and fosters a growth-oriented faculty culture.
Models instructional excellence by teaching as possible to remain grounded in classroom realities.
Leads professional learning that helps faculty connect arts integration with the science of learning and whole-child development.
Synthesizes data from assessments, benchmarks, and formative tools to drive schoolwide improvement.
Promotes data literacy among teachers and transparency with students and families.
Collaborates with the Special Populations Coordinator to leverage data to inform interventions and support for at-risk, bilingual, and special education students.
Coordinates with instructional coaches to ensure fidelity in progress monitoring and data-based decision-making.
Serves as a visible leader who models professionalism, engagement, and ethical practice.
Builds a school culture grounded in belonging, respect, and community partnership.
Collaborates with families and local organizations to enhance academic and enrichment opportunities.
Participates in community outreach, student recruitment, and events that promote FLAMA’s mission.
Participated in external professional development opportunities to build capacity and grow skillset.
Works with faculty, counselors, and families to address academic and behavioral challenges through restorative and skill-building approaches.
Supports implementation of FLAMA’s Code of Conduct and Executive Function curriculum.
Coordinates with the Superintendent on student discipline and, when delegated, serves as the acting administrator for behavioral interventions and family communication.
Contributes to the development of the annual academic budget.
Assists in staffing, scheduling, and faculty assignments in coordination with administrative leadership.
Serves on the Superintendent’s Leadership Team to advance strategic goals, charter renewal, and long-term planning.
Leads the academic charter renewal and ensures compliance with applicable state and charter regulations.