Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School, a college-preparatory, law-themed high school in Southeast Washington, DC, seeks a Director of Curriculum and Instruction to oversee the school’s academic program including curriculum and instruction, assessment, and professional development. Having gained national recognition as a top-performing charter high school featured as a model of excellence by the Department of Education “Doing What Works” series, featured as a school of excellence by Harvard’s Achievement Gap Institute (AGI), appearing on the CBS evening news, and listed as a top high school by US World and News Report, Thurgood Marshall Academy is poised to move into its next phase of growth. This is a unique opportunity to assume a leadership role in a highly successful charter high school that has realized significant accomplishments and overcome numerous obstacles to advance student achievement throughout its fifteen year history.
Thurgood Marshall Academy’s Director of Curriculum & Instruction should be an exceptional school leader with demonstrated instructional leadership, management skills, strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and a commitment to advancing educational opportunities for students in under-served communities Additionally, the Director of Curriculum & Instruction should have demonstrable experience in leading school-wide standardized assessment programs that yield to exceptional student outcomes.
The Director of Curriculum & Instruction will be responsible for implementation of policies set by the Head of School and will be accountable for advancing the school’s academic program and mission to prepare students to succeed in college and to actively engage in our democratic society.The Director of Curriculum and Instruction will also be responsible for the attainment of annual goals and objectives, as well as academic management of the school. The position reports directly to the Head of School.
School Overview
Thurgood Marshall Academy is a college-preparatory, law-themed high school located in the Anacostia neighborhood of Southeast Washington, DC—the most under-served community in the District of Columbia. Thurgood Marshall Academy serves 400 students in grades 9-12. Ninety-nine percent of students are AfricanAmerican, 70% qualify for free and reduced lunch, and 12% receive special education services. Students enter Thurgood Marshall Academy with reading and math skills averaging at the 6 th grade levels. Despite the stark deficits that many students face when they enter the school, the rigorous and personalized instruction and guidance they receive provides the impetus for them to achieve excellence.
At the heart of the school’s program is a steadfast determination to help students close often stark educational gaps and prepare themselves for college. Entering its 15th year, the school is poised to expand to additional high school sites in future years.
Position Description
The Director of Curriculum & Instruction will assume full responsibility for curriculum and instruction including: curriculum design, course sequencing, assessment, professional development, and teacher evaluations. Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Overseeing academic affairs at TMA in collaboration with the Head of School, including student performance assessments, curriculum and instruction, and professional development;
Ensuring teachers understand and apply appropriate grade level/academic instruction, design and execute standards-based unit plans and performance assessments that provide for measurable outcomes; • Supporting teachers’ development process and performance through formal and informal observations;
Supporting development of student assessments aligned to PARCC and NGSS standards;
Leading analysis of assessment results in a systematic way to: a] inform instruction in the classroom, b] inform professional development for teachers, and c] evaluate teacher performance;
Assuming responsibility for student achievement and creating that expectation for all school staff and faculty;
Managing curricular materials and textbook selection process used in educational programs in the school;
Planning professional development opportunities for teachers and staff keeping abreast of the most current research, trends, and development;
Conducting and coordinating research about best-practices and encouraging the use of innovative teaching methods and staff-development practices;
Coordinating the Portfolio and Advisory programs, partnerships with other external education entities, community partners, and local universities;
Coordinating the school’s parent outreach efforts including Open House programs, parent workshops, and parent communications.
Coordinating faculty leave and attendance;
Supervising the school librarian.
Position Qualifications
Successful candidates will posses the following qualifications:
Three years of school-level or district level leadership experience with a proven record of improving measurable student achievement results.
A performance- and result-driven approach to school leadership and student outcomes.
Proven track record of raising student outcomes and experience with leading assessment programs.
A strong knowledge of teaching and learning with direct teacher supervision experience. Experience with managing fiscal and human resources in a school capacity.
Detail oriented with strong problem-solving, critical thinking and analytic skills.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
Flexible, creative and an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to establish a team-building, facilitative rapport with peers, staff, students, parents and external stakeholders.
How to apply
All inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in strict confidence to:
C&I Search Committee
Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School
2427 MLK Jr. Ave SE
Washington, DC 20020
Email: search@tmapchs.org
No phone calls, please
Applications must be received by April 30, 2015. The position begins July 1, 2015. This is a 12-month position.
Thurgood Marshall Academy is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or age in hiring, administration of admissions, programs, and scholarships.
For further information, including Thurgood Marshall Academy’s Nondiscrimination Policy, visit www.thurgoodmarshallacademy.org.