JobID: 2295

Position Type:
Administration/ Director of Academics and Professional Learning

Date Posted:
10/12/2021

Location:
Central Office (Confidential)

Date Available:
ASAP

Closing Date:
Until Filled

   Additional Information: Show/Hide

TITLE: Director of Academics and Professional Learning (DAPL)

REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement and Academic Programming

SUPERVISES: Instructional Coaches (Content/SRBI/IB) and Instructional Interventionists and other staff as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement of Academic Programming

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12-month administrative position. Other terms are set by the Board of Education in accordance with the New London Administrators' Education Association contract.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
The Director of Academics and Professional Learning is a key strategic position that supports the coherence of academic programming across the district, Pre-K through 12. The Director will oversee all core content academic and instructional practice, intervention, enrichments, professional development, curriculum and assessment for the district. The Director of Academics and Professional Learning will attend Cabinet and Board of Education meetings as necessary.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This description of the position Director of Academics and Professional Learning is for identification and administrative purposes only. It is not intended to be a complete statement of all duties, which may be assigned or adjusted by the Assistant Superintendent according to various needs.

Professional Learning (Staff, Students, and Families):

Sets a vision for how professional learning is defined to design and identify high-quality professional learning for all (students, staff, and families).

Identifies and implements professional development sessions aligned to academics (teaching and learning) and mandatory trainings.

Creates a professional learning calendar and menu that is both driven by distinct needs and that also includes opportunities for self-directed learning.

Ensures that professional learning opportunities are designed to be culturally responsive so that the needs of students and families are supported.

Ensures equitable access to high-quality professional learning to all educators that are relevant, individualized, collaborative and aimed at positive academic and non-academic outcomes.

Defines and designs common expectations for excellence in professional development practices for the district.

Serves as a liaison to other departments to create a district-wide professional development calendar and training menu to be produced annually and updated as needed.

Organizes professional development offerings, which provide cohesion among content areas in the district.

Monitors and observes all PreK-12 programming and gathers suggestions from parents and students to determine training needs.

Develops a professional learning committee (PLC) in collaboration with Human Resources to support new-to-the-profession and new-to-the-district teachers and administrators.

Oversees the Pre-K through 12 summer school program in conjunction with the Summer School Coordinator.

Uses the Connecticut Standards for Professional Learning to design and/or provide professional learning opportunities throughout educators' career continuums that are relevant, individualized, collaborative, and aimed at positive academic and non-academic outcomes.

Uses a variety of data analysis platforms and resources to inform academic and professional learning program needs.

Curriculum and Instruction:

Ensures implementation of Connecticut State Standards for student learning.

Provides oversight for and contributes to the development and evaluation of curriculum documents and resources.

Facilitates the coherent implementation of district curriculum Pre-K through 12 across all classrooms, schools, and magnet pathways.

Serves as a liaison to other departments to ensure seamless integration of the magnet pathways in all content areas.

Understands and communicates the Connecticut Accountability System to administrators and staff to improve School Profile and Performance data.

Highlights and trains staff in research-based best practices.

Leads and coordinates district curriculum and subject area professional development committees.

Assists Directors/Principals with the evaluations of new and/or developing teachers, and provides individualized modeling, coaching, and professional development as needed to new and/or developing teachers.

Operations:

Improves staff understanding of all magnet learning pathways and consistently reviews, monitors, and implements magnet programming and enhancements.

Implements the academic and assessment calendar as published by the Assistant Superintendent.

In collaboration with Human resources, serves as the CT TEAM District Co-Facilitator to ensure that the program is fully implemented according to CT Statute. Oversees beginning teachers who are part of the TEAM (beginning teacher) state program.

Assists Principals/Directors with the details of their School Improvement Plans and the identification of quantifiable actions and results.

Attends CT SDE Opportunity/Alliance District Meetings with the Cabinet Team as directed.

Develops, maintains and monitors annual departmental budget.

Contributes to discussion regarding district budget development and staffing profiles.

Conducts ongoing audit of instructional supplies and resources.

Administration:

Serves as an Academic Department representative on the BOE Curriculum Committee, co-leads the District Curriculum Committee, and attends state meetings, reviews, and professional learning networks, as assigned.

Participates in the creation of reports for use by professionals responsible for improving student achievement.

Contributes to the development of an equitable academic department budget.

Applies data analysis skills to effectively perform the duties of the position.

Writes and submits grants and reports as part of a team.

Serves as a department leader for assigned content area staff.

May be required to attend cabinet and Board of Education meetings upon request of the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent.

Performs other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent.

Early Childhood Program Design and Development:

Researches and guides decisions regarding Early Childhood skills for the district's youngest learners.

Creates and implements a plan that expands opportunities for students to be most prepared with "school readiness" skills and knowledge.

Guides students who are "at risk" in their early years and their families.

Serves as a member of the School Readiness Committee.

Works to ensure quality preschool slots are available for as many New London students as possible.

Guides families to early childhood and city resources to help support the healthy development of young children.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Connecticut Intermediate Administrative/Supervisory Certificate (active).
• Possess a valid teaching certificate.
• At least three (3) years of demonstrated leadership experience.
• At least five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience.
• Experience in curriculum development and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to the Connecticut School Leadership Standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual (English and Spanish).
• Ability to establish and maintain high standards of behavior.
• Knowledge and understanding of adult learning principles and practice.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, administration, parents, and community members.
• Demonstrated skill as a collaborator who seeks to engage, inform and inspire others to rise.
• Understanding of current best practices and research related to academic programming and professional learning.
• Knowledge of instructional technology that supports enhanced teaching and learning.
• Experience in supervising compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and regulations and policies.
• Experience in curriculum and/or program development for students.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Annually by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement and Academic Programming.

Date: July 30, 2021

New London Public Schools
New London, Connecticut

*****Internal applicants only need to submit letter of interest and resume with their application*****

New London Public School District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Candidates from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.