Regional Director of Academics - ELA - Rio Grande Valley (26-27)

IDEA Public Schools • Weslaco, TX

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

IDEA Public Schools is seeking a results-driven and collaborative Regional Director of Academics to lead the implementation of an established academic model across multiple campuses within a designated region. Reporting to the Regional Executive Director, the Regional Director of Academics will play a pivotal role in ensuring fidelity to the academic model, supporting campus leaders and instructional staff, and driving continuous improvement to maximize student achievement. This position requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in educational leadership and a passion for translating research-based practices into real-world impact.
Location:
This is a full-time hybrid (remote/onsite) position located in the Rio Grande Valley. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the region, or who are willing to relocate.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field is preferred, but not required
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in K-12 education, with a proven track record of academic leadership and achievement.
• Experience implementing research-based academic models or educational programs (including implementing high-quality instructional materials | curriculum) with demonstrated success in improving student outcomes.
• Deep understanding of curriculum development, instructional best practices, data analysis, and continuous improvement processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence others, and drive change.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including experience managing teams, driving results, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Commitment to the mission and values of IDEA Public Schools and the belief that all students can succeed.

Responsibilities

• Model Implementation and Fidelity:
• Lead the implementation of an established academic model across all campuses within the region, ensuring fidelity to the model's principles, practices, and standards.
• Provide guidance and support to campus leaders and instructional staff in understanding and implementing the components of the academic model effectively.
• Monitor implementation progress through regular observations, walkthroughs, and data analysis, providing feedback and coaching to support continuous improvement.
• Professional Development and Training:
• Deliver comprehensive professional development and training sessions to build the capacity of campus and regional leaders and sometimes teachers in executing the academic model with fidelity.
• Collaborate with the Academic Services Team, the Talent Development Team, and other regional leaders to identify professional learning needs, resources, and best practices for supporting model implementation.
• Facilitate ongoing opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and peer learning to deepen understanding and mastery of the academic model among staff.
• Provide feedback to both Academic Services Team and the Talent Development team to improve quality of program curriculum products and Trainer of Trainer professional development sessions.
• Management of Content Coaches and other Roles Supporting Model Implementation
• Manage and coach a team of content coaches, including the DIPM, responsible for providing specialized support to campus leaders and instructional staff.
• Collaborate with regional content coaches to develop and deliver targeted professional development, resources, and tools aligned with the academic model's goals and objectives.
• Ensure alignment and coherence in content coaching practices across the region to support consistent implementation of the academic model.
• State Accountability Expertise:
• Become the regional expert on state accountability systems, including accountability ratings, assessment requirements, and performance indicators with the support of the VP of Accountability
• Interpret and analyze state accountability data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in academic performance across the region.
• Collaborate with campus leaders and stakeholders to develop targeted intervention strategies and action plans to address areas of need and leverage strengths with the collaboration and support from the VP of Accountability.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the region, fostering experimentation, risk-taking, and learning from failures.
• Collaborate with the Academic Services Team and other regional directors to identify opportunities for refining and enhancing the academic model based on emerging research, best practices, and feedback from stakeholders.
• If identified, lead the implementation of pilot academic initiatives and innovative practices within the region, measuring impact and scalability to inform future district-wide decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
• Build and maintain positive relationships with campus leaders, teachers, parents, students, and community stakeholders to garner support for model implementation and drive engagement.
• Serve as a liaison between regional leadership, central office departments, and campus-based teams to facilitate communication, alignment, and coherence in academic initiatives.
• Communicate regularly with the leaders on the Academic Services Team, Talent Development Team, and other senior leaders to provide updates on model implementation progress, challenges, and successes within the region.

Benefits

• Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.
• IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

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