Dean of Curriculum & Instruction (Newark)

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks , reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators , offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

To build more high-performing schools, we need leaders to commit themselves to the most
urgent and exciting work of our time. At Uncommon Schools, our Deans of Curriculum &
Instruction (DCIs) are school leaders focused on supporting teachers and instructional leaders
to deliver the most rigorous and joyful academic experience for our students that leads to
exceptional academic gains. DCIs play a central role in the success of their school and work
closely with their Principal and fellow DCIs across Uncommon in driving student achievement
and teacher development. DCIs' responsibilities include the following:

Data-Driven Instruction

• Conduct deep analysis of data in order to lead effective analysis meetings based on daily student work samples;
• Build and implement action plans, materials, and systems to address data, including facilitating Interim Assessment (IA) scoring and norming, developing pre- and post- analysis of IAs for the whole school, and supporting Instructional Leaders (ILs) with data analysis of their department;
• Monitor grade-level or content-area progress against assessment cycle benchmarks;
• Facilitate assessment cycles including quality assurance of assessment materials, teacher/student preparation, and scheduling alongside the Director of Operations;
• Support with regional and network data analysis and response systems.

Feedback and Teacher Development

• Conduct daily observations, integrate feedback into planning and data meetings that lead to teacher and instructional leader development, and support implementation of action steps;
• Provide real-time feedback to teachers during instruction;
• Inform, write, and/or lead teachers’ mid-year reviews;
• Plan and deliver high-quality professional development (within the school, region, or network) that trains staff members in Uncommon’s curricular systems and key pedagogical issues;
• Plan and execute team meetings for grade-level or content-area staff based on school-wide instructional trends;
• Collaborate with the Principal to coach and identify the highest leverage goals for ILs, including leading IL Team Meetings;
• Oversee school-specific data response curriculum (e.g., reteach lessons, response to Power Practice Quizzes, or PPQs);
• Partner with the Principal to curate staff-wide / staff-facing professional development sessions using school-wide action steps or walkthrough data;
• Support with mid-year teacher onboarding, as needed.
  

Whole School Culture

• Support with planning or leading whole school moments and initiatives;
• Lead and manage school-wide academic systems, such as office hours, grade books, or providing feedback to teacher internalization of lessons;
• Be the model of culture and rigor techniques at the school;
• Support Curriculum and Instruction Initiatives
• Plan and facilitate network or regional PD during the summer or school year.
• Support network or regional instructional initiatives related to student achievement - such as supporting regional data analysis and response, or curriculum development.

Mission-Alignment

• Demonstrate a passionate commitment to improving the minds and lives of students in and out of school, and in pursuit of the Uncommon mission;
• Willingness to step up and support the school’s or region’s needs, such as directly teaching a course that’s in the best interest of scholars, supporting school operations in strategically planning staff coverage, or providing direct 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 maximize the ability of Uncommon Schools to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development.

Qualifications

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools;
• Ability to plan and lead effective teacher professional development;
• Strong teaching skills;
• Proficient in lesson plan development;
• Strong people management skills, including the ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations and hold staff, scholars, and families accountable in a supportive manner;
• Systems-based thinking and previous experience creating academic systems, as well as teacher development systems;
• Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks effectively to fully meet the needs of their school, with a lens toward systems thinking;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously and take direction as needed;
• Familiarity and success with–or commitment to–implementing Uncommon’s core tenets of instructional leadership (e.g., See It-Name It-Do It framework, Leverage Leadership principles)
• Required experience:
  • 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 gradespans or content areas;
  • Bachelor’s Degree.

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $73,000 to $103,000. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $73,000 - $86,000. 

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. 

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer). 
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
  • New Jersey Pension program
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE .

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].