Job Information
Boston Public Schools Transformation Academic Director (SY25-26) in Boston, Massachusetts
Job Details
Job ID: 5047352
Job Description
Reports To : Chief Schools Officer
Founded in 1647, Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the oldest public school district in the country. As the birthplace of America’s public education system, BPS has a long, rich tradition and commitment to education. We are a leader in urban education. BPS has been recognized nationally for programs and initiatives such as universal preschool, early childhood education, an equitable school-based funding formula and policy specifically focused on creating greater racial equity to name a few.
BPS is the largest school district in Massachusetts. We are proud to be one of the most diverse school districts in the nation. Nearly one in every two students speaks a language other than English at home, and our students come from 139 different countries. BPS has over 10,000 employees (including 4,500+ teachers) and an annual budget of $1.3 billion.
Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Chief Schools Officer, the Transformation Academic Director will work closely with The Executive Director of School Transformation, School Superintendents and the Chief of Schools to help strengthen the instructional leadership capacity of School Leaders and members of each Instructional Leadership Teams at the entire network of approximately 30 BPS Transformation Schools. The Transformation Academic Director is responsible for helping create specific conditions in our schools to actualize the Boston Public Schools (BPS) Strategic Vision 20/25 (https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/strategicplan) and its focus on the elimination of opportunity gaps. BPS is strategically committed to improving how district office leadership shifts its work to support Transformation School Leaders to enhance their capacity as instructional leaders to impact enhanced teacher practice toward improved outcomes for each student. Ultimately, Transformation Academic Directors must help ensure social emotional and academic growth for each student across BPS Transformation Schools by developing the capacity of educators to demonstrate a vision for excellence and equity, analyze and synthesize their school’s unique instructional needs, ensure alignment to state standards, and facilitate continuous school improvement efforts.
Boston Public Schools seeks experienced and successful instructional leaders who have demonstrated the ability to increase the capacity of School Leaders and Teacher Leaders. We seek experienced, results-oriented, dynamic, and solutions-oriented leaders who can demonstrate a deep understanding of adult learning theory, collective teacher efficacy, and research-based instructional practice. We seek someone with a management style that prioritizes accountability, strong relationship building skills, a track record of creating and implementing programs with tangible, measurable results, and familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of urban school systems. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential responsibilities below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the Division of Schools.
Responsibilities :
Effectively partner with School Leaders and Instructional Leadership Teams to implement and adjust school-developed Transformation Plans / Quality School Plans centered on improving instructional leadership to improve teaching practice that positively impacts student outcomes
provide instructional leadership support to school-based staff by advising them of the most innovative instructional practices, current educational trends, and educational research
support data-driven decision making and the elevation of data analysis to include both collective student groups as well as individual student performance
support grade-level collaboration as well as vertical and interdisciplinary planning and provide guidance for the development of instructional materials
support the creation and facilitation of professional development and professional learning toward enhancing teachers’ instructional practice; this may include serving on committees, participating in workshops, attending conferences, and/or participating in classroom observations
model effective instructional leadership practices and teaching of adults grounded in research-based adult learning theory
support implementation of curriculum, professional development, evaluation, and student assessment
provide support to Transformation School Leaders and Transformation Teacher Leaders through observations, modeling, and feedback relative to high-leverage instructional practices that will directly lead to enhanced teacher practice and ultimately academic growth for each student
support the fidelity of implementation of the interventions identified by individual schools to address the specific needs of students
collaborate with staff in the Division of Academics to provide schools with the resources and supports needed to drive academic growth for each student
serve as a liaison and collaborate with district offices to ensure focus on support of Transformation School Leaders and Instructional Leadership Teams as the key drivers of student achievement
broker resources between Transformation School Leaders and district office leadership
work with and plan with other peers as part of the Transformation Office and Division of Schools to plan, align practices and procedures, and problem-solve support to School Leaders
implement systems, strategies and processes that foster effective communication with and to the Chief Schools Officer, Executive Director of Transformation, School Superintendents, School Leaders, and school-based staff in collaboration with district offices
plan and conduct regular visits to school sites to listen, observe, monitor, and identify opportunities for the district office to better support the work of School Leaders
assist in coordination and execution of DESE mandated documentation of and observation of BPS Transformation Schools
support inclusion planning and implementation
provide support to Transformation Schools during the Budget Collab and Probable Org. process
support coordination of grant resources for Transformation Schools, including but not limited to TAG (Targeted Assistance Grant) and ESSER, in alignment with the BPS Strategic Plan and school-based QSP/Transformation Plans
help secure and support the implementation of external resources/partners to meet school goals
participate in non-evaluative classroom observations to support implementation of the instructional framework
provide teacher observation, feedback, and evaluation support as needed
provide specific coaching and support for early tenure principals and differentiated supports for experienced principals
provide intensive support as need for specific Transformation Schools in need of more extensive district involvement
perform related duties as directed by the Chief Schools Officer, Executive Director of Transformation and School Superintendent
Qualifications - Required :
Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or related area of study
5 years of demonstrated successful experience in administration in an urban setting
successful experience and competency working in a culturally diverse learning environment
knowledge in current educational research relative to curriculum and standards-based instruction
thorough knowledge of instructional processes and how they are organized and implemented for best effect
thorough knowledge of adult learning theory, program and curriculum development, and implementation procedures
knowledge and experience in leading adaptive change
ability to exercise sound judgment and provide guidance, support, and direction to School Leaders
thorough knowledge of building the capacity of school leaders for the purpose of improving program quality and effectiveness
ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including the ability to make presentations to school-based staff, community groups, and or city officials
ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with school administrators, teachers, stakeholders, and district office staff
ability to coordinate and manage various projects on an ongoing basis
strong skills with using computer technology
demonstrated success driving high performance and raising student achievement
track record of organizational problem-solving with tangible, measurable results
familiarity with the challenges of urban school systems
leadership style and personal work ethic that prioritizes detail, results, and accountability
possess integrity, gravitas, and communications skills to garner the respect of school and district leaders
understanding of and commitment to gain greater understanding of what is necessary for an urban school system to enjoy continuous improvement in an increasingly complex and competitive environment
deeply held and unyielding belief in the overarching mission of public education
current authorization to work in the United States
Qualifications - Preferred :
experience as a school or district leader within Boston Public Schools preferred
demonstrated successful experience as a classroom teacher and teacher leader
specialist or doctorate degree preferred
Terms: Managerial, D71.
The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.
Position Type: Full-time
Positions Available: 1
Job Categories
Administrator, Director/Coordinator/Manager