SY18-19 Dean of Curriculum and Instruction

Grade Level: 6-8

Start Date: Summer 2018, TBD

Location: Impact Prep

Impact Prep is an innovative public middle school in the Springfield, Massachusetts community. Our vision at Impact Prep is the creation of a learning environment where students are academically equipped and socially inspired. Graduating eighth grade students from Impact Prep will leave performing at or above grade level on the MCAS and – equally important – will have developed a character compass to guide their future decisions.

Our vision is grounded in the belief of our CORE VALUES:

Character – Achievement – Resilience – Excellence

Our goal is simple: to prepare scholars with the educational and societal skills they will need to succeed in middle school, high school, and college. Ultimately, scholars will become leaders and responsible contributing members of their communities.

We are currently seeking educators who want to become Impactors! We are seeking those who are excited about the opportunity to join our team and help to assist us in transforming the lives of scholars in Springfield, Massachusetts.

About the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership

In 2015, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Springfield Public Schools partnered to form the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP). SEZP is committed to ensuring that the middle and high schools in “The Zone” are engaging environments where teachers receive the supports they need to grow professionally, and students have the opportunity to acquire the academic and personal skills to succeed in the college or career of their choice.

Each SEZP school has the autonomy to craft and implement its own, unique vision for success and receives support from an ecosystem of national-caliber partners. Furthermore, Teacher Leadership Teams at each school ensure that teacher voice is heard and that there is strong communication between school administration and staff.

The Role

The Dean of Curriculum and Instruction serves as an instructional leader, supervising academic programs, evaluating lesson plans, and observing classes on a regular basis to ensure alignment with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. They will ultimately be accountable for the achievement results of students at Impact Prep. They will hold primary responsibility for the ongoing development, implementation, and assessment of the academic program in collaboration with the Principal and leadership team. Candidates must have a clear record of elevating student achievement in an urban classroom for at least two years, with a strong understanding of pedagogy that drives results, or of exceptional leadership working with young people in urban communities. The Dean of Curriculum and Instruction will:

• Supervise the instructional program, evaluate lesson plans, and observe classes on a regular basis to coach teachers, and encourage high-quality instruction;
• Lead implementation of programs and curriculum aligned with the MA Curriculum Frameworks, Next Generation Science Standards, and Impact Prep learning objectives;
• Align curriculum to meet ambitious student and teacher performance objectives, curriculum standards, and proficiencies in all grades and subject areas;
• Help teachers develop instructional strategies and intervention programs that elevate achievement among all Impact Prep students;
• Collaborate with the Principal, leadership team, and other staff to maximize Impact Prep’s ability to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development; and
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Appropriate content/program area educator license and grade level (Middle School) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Desired Skills

• A track record of success working with students and proven expertise in middle school instruction
• High expectations for self and others, and a willingness to hold self and others accountable to these expectations
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with students and families
• Commitment to professional growth and regularly seeking out opportunities to improve instructional practice
• Belief and alignment with SEZP’s core beliefs and philosophy, including the belief that each and every child can excel academically
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage interrelated tasks
• Bilingual speaking, reading, and writing abilities (Spanish)

Benefits

SEZP offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience; salaries for new teachers start at $49,000. Teachers in SEZP qualify for benefits (personal/sick days, health insurance, etc.) offered to other teachers in the Springfield Public Schools.

Positions will be filled on a rolling basis; applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please contact sezp@springfieldempowerment.org with any questions.