Dean of Instruction (STEM, 6-12)

About Great Oaks Charter

The mission of Great Oaks Charter Schools is to mold students who will shape the world, not be defined by it. Our approach is centered around the design principles of Mastery, Leadership, and Community to foster students’ ability to be confident, persist through challenges, and embrace failure as an opportunity to learn & grow. 

At Great Oaks, we are committed to providing a rigorous 6-12 academic program that fosters positive school culture and builds authentic relationships with families. We combine project-based learning, an advanced curriculum, and supplementary tutorial support to maximize student agency. We are seeking highly talented, experienced, tenacious educators who enjoy thinking outside the box and share the belief that all students deserve a high-quality education. 

About Great Oaks Charter School – New York City

The Great Oaks Charter School - New York City (GO-NYC) opened in the Fall of 2013 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The school currently serves approximately 350 students in 6th-12th grades. At scale, Great Oaks - NYC serves students in grades 6th-12th. At GO-NYC, we utilize a full inclusion model which means that every core class is taught as an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom. Our classrooms will typically have two co-teachers (one content, one special education) as well as an Americorps Fellow working with students every day.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dean of STEM is a member of the school leadership team and reports to the School Principal. This position will play a critical role in helping GO-NYC achieve its overall strategic goals and increase its impact. The Dean of STEM is responsible for supporting Science and Mathematics teachers in grades 6-12 so that impeccable teaching and learning takes place in all GO-NYC classrooms, every day. 

The ideal candidate is an experienced classroom teacher and school leader who has demonstrated success in coaching teachers with a strong level of content knowledge in the areas of ELA and Social Studies/History, a passion for getting results through others, and a desire to improve outcomes for GO-NYC scholars. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Dean of STEM  is responsible for executing the following tasks, including but not limited to:

Curriculum Development 

• Develop and/or modify the Math and Science curriculum with guidance from the school principal and consultants.
• Support in the creation and implementation of a standards-based interim assessment program. 
• Continuously learn new practices and initiatives to ensure school-wide practices are aligned with the most recent research, including technology integration and implementation.
• Collaborate with the Fellowship team to ensure that curricular plans for Enrichment are aligned with our school goals.

Observations, Feedback, and Professional Development

• Participate in regular observations of the STEM teachers and overall teaching staff.
• Utilize the prescribed school observation rubric/tool to provide consistent and timely feedback to teachers. 
• Support the entire school-based leadership team in developing a professional development plan.
• Co-create schedules for professional development including summer professional development and ongoing professional development throughout the school year.

Data-Driven Instruction 

• Ensure educators have access to student performance data.
• Provide ongoing professional development on effective data analysis and use.
• Ensure educators collaborate regularly to learn about effective instruction and students' progress.
• Ensure collaborative meetings and expectations for data use are clearly communicated and implemented.
• Monitor teachers' use of data by conducting classroom observations, grade audits, and lesson plan evaluations.

Collaborate with School Principal & Executive Leadership

• Be a contributing member of the leadership teams at Great Oaks-NYC
• Design, review, and adjust curriculum with input from school leadership
• Meet with the School Principal/ and or Executive Director  to plan for curricular shifts and professional development and create instructional action steps 
• Perform additional duties as requested by the School Principal.  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Education (strongly preferred) 
• 4+ years of experience in an urban education setting, including 3+ years of teaching.
• Relentless commitment to the mission & vision of Great Oaks Charter School and belief that every student has what it takes to be successful.
• Presents a collaborative nature and approach to ensure all stakeholders’ voices are heard, and considered. 
• Demonstrates a distributive approach to leadership and is willing to engage in collaborative discourse. 
• Demonstrated ability to achieve academic growth and model a data-driven instruction culture.
• Curriculum planning, grade level, or department/instructional leadership experience.
• Proven ability to develop and motivate teachers to provide strong instruction.
• Excellent interpersonal skills both verbal and written.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL ALSO HAVE:

• 3-5 years of previous curriculum design/implementation experience managing large operation efforts (preferably in a K-12 education setting).
• The ability to successfully manage a variety of projects varying in scope and urgency and see them to their completion with extreme attention to detail.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
• An exceptional ability to respond well to feedback.
• A strong belief that all students can succeed.
• A do-whatever-it takes attitude including a willingness to work occasionally on the weekend or in the evening.

COMPENSATION

Great Oaks provides a competitive compensation and benefits package; exact compensation will vary based on experience and education, $95,000-$105,000.

GENERAL INFORMATION

All staff are required to pass a background check through fingerprinting and receive security clearance to work at Great Oaks NYC. Must also have proof of U.S citizenship or legal resident status.