Overview The Director of Academics (5-12) is responsible for overseeing the development of Ascend’s Common Core-aligned curriculum, which incorporates both explicit teaching and inquiry learning in grades 5-12. The director oversees all teaching and learning teams aligned to 5-12, including all team members who write, adapt, curate, and pace research-based curricula materials and assessments. The director will develop and deliver professional development in these curricula to school leaders and teachers; coordinate the work, when relevant, of third-party expert trainers and coaches; guide content study groups at every school; work closely with the chief curriculum and innovation officer, chief schools officer, and school leaders to ensure the highest fidelity implementations of these curricula; and, in collaboration with Ascend’s director of data and analytics, use academic data to adjust and focus curriculum development. Responsibilities Curriculum Leadership: Oversee the development, implementation, and refinement of curricular goals and objectives for the designated grade divisions. Ensure alignment with educational standards, pedagogical best practices, and the overall school mission. Content Oversight: Manage the curricular and content needs of the grade levels served, collaborating with Content Directors to ensure that educational materials, resources, and assessments are of the highest quality and relevance. Assessment Excellence: Lead efforts to design, implement, and evaluate assessments that reflect the depth and rigor required for each grade level. Ensure that assessments are aligned with learning objectives and drive meaningful data-driven instruction. Professional Development: Collaborate closely with the Managing Director of Schools and Content Directors to plan and deliver content-specific professional development that equips teachers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to effectively implement the curriculum. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor Content Directors, providing guidance and support to ensure their effective leadership of their respective subject areas. Stakeholder Communication: Provide regular academic updates to stakeholders, including board members, families, and the broader educational community. Communicate the academic vision, goals, and progress of the respective grade divisions. Collaboration: Work in close partnership with the Chief Schools Officer to align academic initiatives with broader organizational goals and strategies. Collaborate with peers to ensure coherence and consistency across all grade levels. Quality Assurance: Establish processes for reviewing and evaluating curricular materials, resources, and assessments to maintain the highest standard of educational excellence. Data-Informed Decision-Making: Utilize data analysis to inform curricular decisions, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance student learning outcomes. Innovation and Research: Stay abreast of educational trends, research, and best practices. Integrate innovative approaches into curriculum development and instructional strategies. Leadership Development: Provide leadership and professional growth opportunities for academic staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared accountability. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments, such as Technology, Special Education, and Student Services, to ensure holistic support for student learning and well-being. Staff and reporting relationships The Director of Academics (5-12) shall report directly to the Chief Schools Officer. Qualifications A sustained record of outstanding academic results in grades 5-12 Five or more years of teaching experience with exceptional results Three or more years of experience managing and developing instructional staff and delivering outstanding professional development Bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree strongly preferred Skills and Traits A deep understanding of the Common Core and Next Generation standards, Advanced Placement curriculum, and the NY Standards and Regents themes in grades 9-12 Deep understanding of all high school assessments, including but not limited to AP exams, the Regents, PSAT’s, SAT’s, SAT II’s, and ELA and STEM pedagogies and programs and effective practices Exceptional self-motivation, entrepreneurial spirit and team orientation Collaborative decision-making style, with a proven track record of working effectively with diverse individuals to drive decision-making and results Self-awareness, with an ability to treat members of Ascend Learning and school communities with respect An accurate sense of strength and growth areas for self and team Exemplary curriculum and assessment writing skills Expertise in upper school literacy and research findings Superb organizational, project management, self-management skills, and problem-solving skills Success managing adults and creating growth plans for direct reports A mindset of excellence with upholding the highest standards for beautifully written, error-free curricula and Insistence on academic excellence and rigor Excellent presentation skills and the ability to train and coach educators Passion and commitment to urban education and our ultimate goal of closing the achievement gap Passion for reading literature and historical texts in a range of genres and forms and an appreciation for great writing in all genres Excellent communication skills (written and oral) A hunger for feedback and an openness to engage in a process of self-improvement Alignment with the educational philosophy and core beliefs of Ascend Learning Commitment to improving the minds and lives of students from low-income communities; dedication to doing whatever it takes to help all students achieve academic success Compensation Initial salary offers for this position range from $125,000- 150,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.
A sustained record of outstanding academic results in grades 5-12 Five or more years of teaching experience with exceptional results Three or more years of experience managing and developing instructional staff and delivering outstanding professional development Bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree strongly preferred Skills and Traits A deep understanding of the Common Core and Next Generation standards, Advanced Placement curriculum, and the NY Standards and Regents themes in grades 9-12 Deep understanding of all high school assessments, including but not limited to AP exams, the Regents, PSAT’s, SAT’s, SAT II’s, and ELA and STEM pedagogies and programs and effective practices Exceptional self-motivation, entrepreneurial spirit and team orientation Collaborative decision-making style, with a proven track record of working effectively with diverse individuals to drive decision-making and results Self-awareness, with an ability to treat members of Ascend Learning and school communities with respect An accurate sense of strength and growth areas for self and team Exemplary curriculum and assessment writing skills Expertise in upper school literacy and research findings Superb organizational, project management, self-management skills, and problem-solving skills Success managing adults and creating growth plans for direct reports A mindset of excellence with upholding the highest standards for beautifully written, error-free curricula and Insistence on academic excellence and rigor Excellent presentation skills and the ability to train and coach educators Passion and commitment to urban education and our ultimate goal of closing the achievement gap Passion for reading literature and historical texts in a range of genres and forms and an appreciation for great writing in all genres Excellent communication skills (written and oral) A hunger for feedback and an openness to engage in a process of self-improvement Alignment with the educational philosophy and core beliefs of Ascend Learning Commitment to improving the minds and lives of students from low-income communities; dedication to doing whatever it takes to help all students achieve academic success Compensation Initial salary offers for this position range from $125,000- 150,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.
Curriculum Leadership: Oversee the development, implementation, and refinement of curricular goals and objectives for the designated grade divisions. Ensure alignment with educational standards, pedagogical best practices, and the overall school mission. Content Oversight: Manage the curricular and content needs of the grade levels served, collaborating with Content Directors to ensure that educational materials, resources, and assessments are of the highest quality and relevance. Assessment Excellence: Lead efforts to design, implement, and evaluate assessments that reflect the depth and rigor required for each grade level. Ensure that assessments are aligned with learning objectives and drive meaningful data-driven instruction. Professional Development: Collaborate closely with the Managing Director of Schools and Content Directors to plan and deliver content-specific professional development that equips teachers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to effectively implement the curriculum. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor Content Directors, providing guidance and support to ensure their effective leadership of their respective subject areas. Stakeholder Communication: Provide regular academic updates to stakeholders, including board members, families, and the broader educational community. Communicate the academic vision, goals, and progress of the respective grade divisions. Collaboration: Work in close partnership with the Chief Schools Officer to align academic initiatives with broader organizational goals and strategies. Collaborate with peers to ensure coherence and consistency across all grade levels. Quality Assurance: Establish processes for reviewing and evaluating curricular materials, resources, and assessments to maintain the highest standard of educational excellence. Data-Informed Decision-Making: Utilize data analysis to inform curricular decisions, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance student learning outcomes. Innovation and Research: Stay abreast of educational trends, research, and best practices. Integrate innovative approaches into curriculum development and instructional strategies. Leadership Development: Provide leadership and professional growth opportunities for academic staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared accountability. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments, such as Technology, Special Education, and Student Services, to ensure holistic support for student learning and well-being. Staff and reporting relationships The Director of Academics (5-12) shall report directly to the Chief Schools Officer.