Dean of Curriculum & Instruction - Uncommon Schools North Star Academy

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 53 schools serving 19,000 students in five cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

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 as well as fellow DCIs across Uncommon in driving curriculum, assessment, 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 grade level/content area action plans and materials to address data;
• Monitor grade-level progress against assessment cycle benchmarks.

Feedback and Teacher Development

• Conduct daily observations, integrate feedback into planning meetings that lead to teacher and instructional leader development, and support implementation of action steps;
• Provide real-time feedback to teachers during instruction and contribute to teachers’ mid-year reviews;
• Plan and deliver high-quality professional development 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.

Curriculum and Assessment

• Own organization-wide curriculum and assessment work based on content expertise such as lesson planning, assessment revisions, collaborative scoring, and/or network analysis (K-8 only);
• Facilitate assessment cycles including scheduling, quality assurance of assessment materials, and teacher/student preparation.

Mission-Alignment

• Demonstrate a passionate commitment to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of school;
• Build professional relationships with teachers that support their development;
• Collaborate with the Home Office, Regional Superintendent of Instruction, Principal, 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.

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization;
• Experience and interest in writing curriculum (K-8 only);
• Ability to lead plan and lead effective adult professional development;
• Strong teaching skills;
• Strong people management skills, including the ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations and hold adults accountable in a supportive manner;
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills;
• Ability to build, monitor and maintain systems that improve organizational efficiency;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously and take direction as needed.
• 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.

Our people are what makes us Uncommon.  We believe our compensation philosophy and benefits should reflect our values—equity, transparency, and clarity—to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their expertise.  Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality education to our students and families.

Compensation for this position: Candidates who meet all job description requirements will likely receive an offer of $[82,000.  The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.  To receive an offer greater than $82,000, candidates will need experience beyond the job description requirements, including time spent in a directly equivalent role.

Other Benefits:

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer)
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
  • New Jersey Pension program
  • 529 college savings program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
  • Financial  planning tools and assistance
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Paid leave of absence 
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Fully paid medical leave
  • Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance 
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. 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 recruitment@uncommonschools.org.