Associate Director of Humanities

The Associate Director of Humanities will work directly with the Managing Director of Curriculum and Instruction to support the district-wide implementation of the approved Humanities curriculum in grades 3 through 8 and the approved Social Studies curriculum in grades 5-8 . The Associate Director is directly responsible for ensuring fidelity of curriculum implementation across all six campuses. The Associate Director will design and engage classroom teachers in professional development centered around both content and pedagogy on District Professional Development days and will support teacher leaders in facilitating sessions as well. The Associate Director is responsible for further developing teachers’ instructional approach through classroom visits, direct coaching, modeling, co-planning, and data meetings. The Associate Director also oversees the continued development and revision of the Center City Social Studies curriculum.

Areas of Responsibility

Curriculum Implementation

Provide support to 3rd-8th grade Humanities teachers and 5th-8th grade Social Studies teachers across all six campuses through classroom observations, co-teaching, modeling, co-planning, etc., prioritizing support in terms of need; engage teachers in internalizing the district-approved curriculum. Identify district-wide trends related to curriculum implementation and implement appropriate action steps, which may include:Managing and/or facilitating grade-band PLCs across the districtCollaborating with campus leadership teams to provide targeted professional development at the campusFacilitating learning walks for an identified group of teachersModeling instruction in targeted classroomsProviding 1:1 coaching sessions in person and through video analysisDesign and facilitate district-wide professional development as a means to increase teacher effectiveness in implementing the curriculum and that is aligned to the Danielson Framework for Teaching (specifically to Domain 1: Planning and Preparation and to Domain 3: Instruction); design and/or identify professional development partnerships and opportunities for Social Studies teachers. Manage grade-level Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s); provide ongoing training around the PLC process to 3rd-8th grade Humanities teachers and 5th-8th grade Social Studies teachers. Identify entry points in the curriculum for Project-Based Learning (PBL) and assist teachers in developing project plans; collect multiple sources of qualitative (teacher/leader/student feedback) and quantitative (MAP, PARCC, etc.) data in order to continuously refine and customize the curriculum. Design district-wide benchmark assessments that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS); assist teachers in analyzing data and identifying necessary interventions; establish protocols and procedures to formally analyze student work periodically and identify specific areas in need of improvement. Collaborate with the Special Education and English Language Development teams to develop teachers’ ability to differentiate instruction for all students.

Curriculum Management

Develop and maintain a scope-and-sequence for 3rd-8th grade Wit & Wisdom that takes district events and timelines into account; work with teachers to ensure that academic pacing is maintained. Oversee the design and revision process of the district Social Studies curriculum in grades 5-8, which may include:Provide support to curriculum writers through thought-partnership and biweekly meetingsReview and/or revise modules as they are completedMaintain development timelines and track curriculum writing stipends when requiredCoordinate with OSSE on implementation of new DC Social Studies standardsReconvene and lead the Social Studies Working Group to develop a model for implementing Social Studies in grades K-4, with a rolling implementation beginning in SY 25-26; identify and/or oversee the development of curricular resources for grades K-4. Manage shared grade-level team drives for storage of all relevant curriculum documents; ensure that the team drive is updated periodically. Working with the Manager of Academic Operations, order, inventory, and distribute curriculum resources and materials as necessary throughout the academic year; maintain accurate records to track our budget, purchases, and materials. Develop effective and efficient systems for both district- and campus-wide inventory procedures; collaborate with campus leaders and teachers to ensure curriculum materials are well-maintained in each building.

Education, Experience And Required Skills

Demonstrated commitment to closing the opportunity gap and a deep belief that all students can learnMaster’s Degree required (preferably in English Language Arts Education, Social Studies Education, Teaching, or Curriculum & Instruction)At least 3 years teaching experience in an urban environment with demonstrated results in increasing student achievement (5+ years experience preferred)Experience supporting, mentoring, co-planning and coaching teachers; ability to develop collaborative and trusting with teachers and colleagues (3+ years experience preferred)In-depth knowledge of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the implication of the CCSS instructional shifts in ELA on classroom practiceKnowledge of the Wit & Wisdom curriculum strongly preferredKnowledge of the College, Career, & Civic Life (C3) Framework and the DC Social Studies Standards preferred Demonstrated proficiency in collecting, analyzing and interpreting student achievement data from various sources (MAP, PARCC) and identifying high leverage action steps

This position may be hired at the Specialist or Associate Director level depending on education, skills, and experience.