Managing Director of High School STEM - Curriculum Team

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Ascend Public Charter Schools

The managing director of high school STEM is responsible for overseeing the development of Ascend's Common Core-aligned curriculum and assessment, which incorporates both explicit teaching and inquiry learning in grades 9-12. To ensure vertical alignment, he or she collaborates intentionally with the managing director of mathematics and science K-8, the director of lower school mathematics and the director of middle school mathematics, as well as any writers and curriculum directors who write, adapt, curate, and pace research-based curricula materials and assessments, especially those who write high school curricula. This person also collaborates strategically with the managing director of high school humanities, as well as the managing director of high school and the high school director.

 

We look for professionals who are excited about our liberal arts program, positive approach to discipline, and commitment to serving all students in truly public schools. Above all, we seek staff members who are deeply committed to urban education and our ultimate goal of closing the achievement gap for the children of Central Brooklyn.

 

Why join Ascend Public Charter Schools?

 

Ascend is a network of K-12 public charter schools serving 4,000 students across 10 schools in Central Brooklyn. Our mission is to lead our students on a great intellectual journey, providing them with an exceptional education and placing them firmly on the path to success in college and beyond.

 

We guide our students to think critically and independently and to enjoy education as an end in itself. We teach a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that nurtures students' natural curiosity about the world. We foster a positive, non-punitive school culture where students feel connected, empowered, and safe to take academic risks. Even our school buildings are designed to reflect our high aspirations for teaching and learning and the notable accomplishments that occur within our walls. By offering a rich liberal arts education in a supportive environment, we animate children's natural sense of curiosity and prepare students to think on their own, thrive on their own, and engage the world as informed, responsible citizens.

 

In school year 2017-2018 we will educate more than 4,000 students at five lower schools, four middle schools, and one high school. Ascend's college-preparatory liberal arts curriculum and warm and supportive school culture equip teachers with the tools to achieve exceptional academic outcomes and close the achievement gap in Central Brooklyn.

 

The managing director of high school humanities main will:

  • Write curricula
  • Coordinate, oversee and develop curricula written by other members of the curricular team, teachers, and/or other organizations
  • Develop and deliver professional development in these curricula to school leaders (director and dean(s)) and through them, teachers
  • Guide the instructional practices of high school teachers through the school director and dean of instruction
  • Analyze the instructional data and use it to guide curricular, instructional and professional development decisions
  • Research and implement innovative best practices in high school curricula design in New York and the nation
  • Work closely with the Alumni Affairs department to determine where our curriculum needs to get stronger in order to increase college persistence rates
  • Work closely with the chief curriculum and instructional officer, chief schools officer, and school leaders (managing director of high schools, schools team, high school director, high school dean(s) of instruction) to ensure the highest fidelity implementation of these curricula
  • In collaboration with Ascend's director of data and analytics, use academic data to adjust and focus curriculum development.

Staff and Reporting Relationships

 

The managing director of high school STEM will report directly to Ascend's chief curriculum and instructional officer.

 

Qualifications

  • A sustained record of outstanding academic results in grades 9-12
  • 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
  • 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 all members of the Ascend Learning and school communities with respect
  • Absolute integrity
  • Exemplary curriculum and assessment writing skills
  • A mindset of excellence with upholding the highest standards for beautifully written, error-free curriculum products
  • Ability to deliver impactful professional development to leaders and teachers
  • Passion and commitment to urban education and our ultimate goal of closing the achievement gap
  • Insistence on academic excellence and rigor
  • 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
  • Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, and “roll-up-my-sleeves” attitude

Diversity at Ascend

 

Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.

 

Compensation

 

Ascend Learning offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Apply Here: http://www.Click2apply.net/ck4rxkgnhhdy8k8k

PI100282653

Review of Applicants Begins: 
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Contact Name: 
Aaron Obrochta