Academic Dean

Salem High School

Salem High School—Background

Salem High School is a comprehensive high school serving a diverse population of students who come from a variety of ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. Currently, there are 920 students enrolled at Salem High—16% are English language learners, 25% are students with disabilities, and 46% are identified as economically disadvantaged.

A priority goal of the school is to ensure that all students are challenged by an academic experience that is accessible, rigorous, relevant, and engaged. To ensure that this goal is realized, Salem High School has undertaken a redesign process intended to bring the school's programs and practices in alignment with this goal and the demands of a rapidly changing world. The redesign effort is anchored in an overall goal of excellence and equity, and we seek to:

• Empower all students to take more control over their education and future by engaging student voice and choice throughout the curriculum.
• Prepare all students to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, and civically engaged.
• Implement a student-centered, standards-based curriculum that is accessible to all and relevant to students' interests and backgrounds.
• Offer more opportunities for all students to participate in internships, career/vocational technical education, and service learning.
• Offer early-college opportunities that are accessible to all students.
• Guide all students in developing college/career plans.

Academic Dean

The position of Academic Dean is an exciting opportunity for a professional with demonstrated expertise in the areas of curriculum and instruction to play a lead role in shaping the systems and structures that support equity and excellence at Salem High School.

Under the direction of the Principal and the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, the Academic Dean is responsible for the ongoing development and implementation of the school's academic program and plays a lead role in helping to create and nurture an environment in which each learner is known, accepted, valued, challenged, and encouraged to be an active and responsible member of the school community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment ;

• Establish structures and programs that create a learning environment in which developmentally appropriate learner voice, choice, and growth mindsets matter and abound;
• Manage the school's standards-based practice initiative and shift to a standards-based report card for Gr. 9-12;
• Align the academic curriculum with state standards;
• Lead and facilitate the documentation of a scope and sequence and curriculum map for each course offered and manage updates/revisions as necessary;
• Lead the design and implementation of systems to assess student achievement and monitor progress against clearly defined learning benchmarks/goals for all students and subgroups;
• Generate and manage internal assessment schedules, logistics, and reporting;
• Support all educators to employ multiple assessment strategies including the effective use of formative assessment practices and the use of summative assessments (e.g. performance assessments, curriculum-embedded assessment, computer-adaptive assessments, and student self- and peer-assessment);
• Guide teachers in developing instructional strategies and intervention programs that elevate achievement among struggling students;
• Foster teacher leadership within grade-level and content teams;
• Research, evaluate and recommend the purchase of curricular materials both print and online ensuring that materials celebrate the contributions of members of diverse populations and present information from divergent points of view;
• Identify and alter any structures, systems or practices that foster low expectations and/or limit accessibility to academic opportunities specifically with an eye on historically marginalized subgroups including English language learners and students with disabilities;
• Work with the Director of Digital Learning to support implementation of the school's 1:1 device project including the effective integration of technology across the curriculum to enhance student engagement;
• Work with the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning as part of the district's curriculum team;
• Work with the middle school administrators and curriculum leaders to ensure articulation between Gr. 6-8 curriculum/ assessment and the high school's program of study; and
• Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent of T&L, Assistant Superintendent of PPS, and Director of English Language Learners to support all students' academic and socio-emotional development.

Professional Development

• Train and orient new staff members to the SHS instructional model, curricular and assessment systems, and key instructional strategies;
• Recommend and develop professional development opportunities for teachers with a strong emphasis on meeting the needs of diverse learners;
• Keep current regarding research-based trends in curriculum and pedagogy through ongoing research, participation in professional development activities, and membership in professional organizations; and
• Provide staff development opportunities for teachers during and after school hours and in the summer;

Teacher Evaluation

• Observe teachers, instructional coaches, and head teachers daily;
• Conduct observations for the purpose of monitoring accessible teaching strategies and alignment to grade-level standards;
• Make observations for the purpose of evaluating teacher performance and impact on student growth and achievement;
• Deliver actionable feedback about instructional quality and other professional practices via coaching approaches; and
• Evaluate teachers as assigned by the principal;

Other

• Communicate regularly with parents about academic goals and opportunities and share program highlights
• Assist the administration in the selection of staff as directed by the principal
• Prepare and justify program area budget recommendations
• Assist in the administration of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System and ACCESS testing
• Oversee timely dissemination of assessment results to faculty and facilitate effective use of those results to foster higher student growth and achievement of all students
• Serve as a liaison between the academic departments (e.g. College & Career Center, Special Education, and ELL departments)
• Attend evening meetings as directed by the principal
• Assist in the development, writing, and implementation of grants
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• 3+ year of teaching experience preferably in an urban setting serving diverse populations
• 1-3 years of leadership experience, preferred
• MA administrative certificate
• Demonstrated experience and expertise working with ELLs and students with disabilities
• Fluent in Spanish, preferred
• A relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of all students in and out of school
• Understand and make frequent use of techniques that help devise creative and innovative solutions to challenges in improving learning
• Use evidence and strategic priorities as a basis for decision-making.
• Continually read and interpret the learning environment in order to identify patterns, need for development, and leverage points for new and innovative actions.
• Candidates of color strongly encouraged to apply

Please forward letter of interest, resume to: Mr. David Angeramo, Principal, Salem Public Schools

Position Type: Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Contact Information
Liza Bento, Director of Human Capital
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Phone: 978-740-1115
Fax: 978-740-1279
Email: lizabento@salemk12.org