Position Title: Director of Literacy
Location: Chicago, IL 910 W Van Buren St #315, Chicago, IL 60607
Reports To: Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
F.T.E: 1.0 | Regular Full Time
Start Date: July 2023
Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.
Position Description:
A Director of Literacy oversees and supports the design of literacy and social studies
curriculum, assessment, resources, digital programs, and instruction ensuring equitable access to effective and rigorous core instruction for pre-k – 12th grade students. The Director supports the design, planning, and execution of multifaceted initiatives, programs, and projects. This position partners with the Academic Team to develop systems and protocols to integrate best practice literacy teaching and learning with tenets of student-centered, personalized learning. This individual will work closely with other Academic Team members and school teams to implement the DS model in classrooms. This person will:
Culture
Build and foster positive professional relationships with network team, campus leaders and instructional coaches, and staff
Honor leader and teacher voice in initiatives and decision making
Foster positive climate and culture
Cultivate a strengths-based mindset and serve as a positive role model
Celebrate network and campus milestones, accomplishments, and growth towards goals
Promote safe, supportive learning and professional working environments with an equity-conscious mindset
Establish professional rapport with students and staff, maintaining visibility with all stakeholders
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Design, implement, and monitor progress of key academic initiatives and strategies in the DS Strategic Plan
Oversee and monitor curriculum, instruction, assessment, resources, and digital programs literacy and social studies in pre-K – 12th grade
Provide strategic vision, support, and leadership in designing literacy and social studies curriculum, best practice instruction, and assessment in new school start-up or restart opportunities
Design and implement literacy and social studies initiatives to support core instruction and tiered learning
Analyze student achievement, growth, and assessment data to create network, region, and campus plans and response in partnership with the Academic Team members and Campus Directors
Design and support a range of ongoing professional learning opportunities that support the implementation of curriculum and growth of core literacy skills and knowledge ensuring that leaders and teachers deeply understand the literacy content and curriculum
Contribute to Multi-Tiered System of Supports design and internal structures
Lead pilot and implementation of new programs and resources
Remain current in the research that support curriculum development, instructional program design and delivery and assessment in literacy, social studies, and instruction, and use as a guide for professional learning and programmatic changes
Establish tasks and timelines and develop strategies to support projects through from beginning to end
Contribute to grant applications and other professional writing
Recommend budget line items and coordinate the purchasing of instructional materials and equipment within assigned programs
Commit to professional growth through collaboration with colleagues, professional growth experiences and attending national conferences and trainings as appropriate
Team Collaboration
Conduct DS Observation Structures and Formal/Informal Observations in partnership with campus leaders and Academic Team members to monitor curriculum implementation, instruction, and learning
Partners with the Director of Math and Science to ensure parity in philosophy, pedagogy, systems, structures, and protocols
Partners with special education and bilingual/ESL teams in all initiatives
Work collaboratively with the Academic Team to continuously raise standards of student achievement, and growth for all students through assessment, targeted and specialized instruction and tiered intervention
Collaborate with Campus Directors and Director of Instructional Coaching to identify and provide professional development and resources needed to build the capacity of instructional coaches and teachers
Design, plan, and implement regional and network collaboration opportunities to support student growth and achievement
Support the design and implementation of Campus Growth Plans
Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree
Illinois Professional Educators License
At least 3-5 years of teaching experience
Formal experience in school or network leadership capacity
Ability to work 40+ hours per week between the hours of 8am-7pm
Demonstrated ability to multitask and hit numerous deadlines simultaneously
Proficient in Google Suite
Ability to travel to all DS campuses, network offices, and other locations including multi-state travel as required by the position
Why Join the Distinctive Schools Team:
We are a collaborative team of professionals supporting each other to instill a love of learning in our students
We empower students, families and staff to contribute to our mission in a meaningful way
We make an impact in our communities by serving some of the most historically marginalized in the city
We offer a great benefits package for full time employees (Medical; Dental; Vision; PTO; 403b match, discounted gym membership, tuition reimbursement options, referral bonus)
4% pension contribution
Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.
Distinctive Schools Network
Kathleen Giacona