Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Academy Programming

Danbury Public Schools is a diverse community located in the western part of Connecticut and serving more than 11,000 students spread across the City of Danbury, Connecticut. We are committed to cultivating equity and excellence for all of our students, closing the opportunity gaps, and preparing students for post-secondary success.  The mission of Danbury Public Schools, in partnership with families and the community,  is to provide transformational learning experiences, designed to nurture thoughtful and prepared graduates. We have set very ambitious and rigorous goals to assure that our students graduate prepared to transform our world, and we are always searching for staff who are committed to our mission and the success of our students.  Our schools range from 13 different and unique elementary schools including an interdistrict magnet school for International Studies, to three middle schools, including an intradistrict magnet school focused on STEM and World Studies, to our flagship Danbury Career Academies that are transforming how we deliver education to students with a wide range of interests taught by a faculty with real world and academic experiences.  DPS recruits and commits to educators with passion, who are committed to our vision to aspire to advance all learners to their highest potential.

SCOPE:   The Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Academy Programming  is responsible for developing and overseeing the curriculum renewal system, including alignment with standards and assessments, providing content expertise and support to schools, developing content professional development that is aligned to district and school improvement plans, ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction and supports.  Additionally, this position is responsible for the development, planning, organization, and administration of the following:

• Supervision of district curriculum coordinators and other central office support personnel as assigned by the Superintendent, as well as special school based supervision for focus support schools.
• Scientific Research Based Interventions (SRBI) planning, implementation and monitoring
• Implementation of grant funded strategic initiatives funded through State & Federal and alternative funding sources. Pursuit of innovation grant opportunities, including oversight and implementation of awards.
• Oversight, fidelity and coherence of the programming and opportunity design of POG, Academy and pre-Academy transformation K-12.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:  This Director will oversee a variety of functions and work closely with all leaders on the Teaching and Learning Team. Though not an exhaustive list, these  can be classified into the following categories:

SUPERVISE, COACH AND MENTOR

• Supervising, Coaching and Mentoring � Provide guidance and direction to central office staff and school based staff in meeting district and school goals.
• Communication - Work closely and communicate regularly as part of a highly collaborative executive leadership team to ensure cohesion among school buildings.

CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, ASSESSMENT & PROGRAM DESIGN

• Define and Design Curriculum Development Procedures � development of curriculum; provide for key stakeholder input; form cross-functional teams including curriculum and instruction technology; determine district expectations for lesson design and implementation.
• Identify Effective Instructional Practices � design effective instructional programs, including diagnostic measures, best practices instructional strategies, development of an implementation plan, determining expectations for lesson design; ensuring differentiated instruction meets students' needs.
• Assess Student Achievement � plan district assessment program; oversee development formative and summative assessment tools; oversee administration of assessments; compile and analyze student assessment data.  Present information to the Board of Education.
• Program Evaluation � participate in the evaluation of district and school curricular, instructional and assessment programs; design and implement district assessment programs; oversee development and administration of formative assessment tools; oversee development and administration of summative assessment tools; analyze assessment results.
• Oversee Professional Development � plan and develop systematic program for professional development content to contextualize training so employees can expand their knowledge base and develop new skills; align content for professional development to district and school needs; evaluate effectiveness of training materials, development of curriculum writing committees.
• Assist with the development and implementation of Summer School learning plans.
• Chairperson for the Curriculum Development Team (CDT)
• In collaboration, assisting with the development and support of  District/School Improvement Plans with district and school Leaders to ensure alignment and coherence throughout the district.
• Oversee departmental budget development and grant development execution.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or the Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• CT CSDE Intermediate Administration or Supervision certification (092) or eligibility
• A minimum of five (5) years of extensive and progressively responsible experience in administration and instructional services. Deep working knowledge of pedagogical expertise.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a central office administrator with progressive curricular experience preferred
• Experience in academic program research, design and development that ensures coherent systems and equity for all students.
• Experience in an urban district is preferred.
• Understanding of the Danbury Public Schools' strategic focus areas for student achievement and improvement.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate
• Doctorate strongly preferred
• Availability to present at Board of Education meetings as needed and represent Danbury Public Schools at the state level. 

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Reform-minded, innovative thinker and leader focused on students first
• Knowledge of effective teaching techniques and instructional practices that result in quality learning for all students, with a special focus on MLL learners.
• Ability to design and implement a continuous improvement plan for the overall district teaching and learning efforts.
• Establish performance indicators for the areas they supervise.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with others
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Effective, active listening skills
• Grant application development and execution
• Organizational and problem solving skills

TERMS OF EXEMPT EMPLOYMENT:  This Director Level position reports directly to the Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.  This Director will work a full 12-month work year.   Negotiated compensation approximately $185,000-$190,000, commensurate with experience and education.  Additional terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to vacation and sick days, holidays, and health and welfare benefits, provided as for other comparable District employees.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Danbury Public Schools employment application.  All candidates must upload requested documents, including: cover letter, current resume, and three (3) letters of professional reference that were prepared within the last three years. The screening process for highly qualified candidates is immediate and ongoing. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.