Dean of Instruction

Dean of Instruction

Dean of Instruction Cresthaven Academy Charter School exists to provide a comprehensive education to our scholars that develops the ‘whole child' through academic excellence, physical wellness, emotional health, and character enrichment.  Our school is built on the belief that all children, regardless of race or economic status, can succeed when given equal access to a high-quality education.  Each of our scholars will be empowered to overcome challenges and equipped to sustain their success in school and beyond.   Cresthaven Academy Charter School opened in August 2016 with 75 kindergarten scholars, and adds a grade each academic year until we are a K-8 school.  Al Cresthaven Academy scholars receive access to the best educators and resources, serving to actualize each child’s potential and setting them on the path to college.  Cresthaven Academy Charter School is supported by Cresthaven Academy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Foundation exists to support the school and teaching  staff in all things outside of classroom instruction, reducing the risk of burnout and raising academic standards by allowing educators to focus on their scholars. Together we incorporate comprehensive support for scholars and families into the education model, including an afterschool program, in order to inspire excellence in character, identity, and academics in each child.   Cresthaven Academy is focused on supporting excellent teaching that closes the achievement gap.  We recognize that teachers are the most important in-school factor contributing to student achievement.  We also value leadership and support staff because they facilitate, encourage, and help to foster the developmental growth of scholars to achieve physical, social and mental well-being by providing quality care and expertise in their respective roles.   

Dean of Instruction  

The Dean of Instruction is a critical lever in improving student achievement. The role of the DOI (Dean of Instruction) is to build teacher capacity and their understanding of instructional practices as related to New Jersey Student Learning Standards, Common Core and Data Driven Instruction. The DOI  is a learner who models continuous improvement, lifelong learning, and goes above and beyond to ensure student success. He/she will  be directly accountable to the Chief School Administrator for the advancement of the school’s mission as measured by the school’s academic success and maintenance of a rigorous school culture.  The DOI at Cresthaven Academy Charter School will support the Lead Administrator, Principal, staff, scholars, parents and the community, and along with the Chief School Administrator, will work as a colleague with classroom teachers to support student learning and teacher practice. The DOI will focus on individual and group professional learning that will expand and refine the understanding about research-based effective instruction for teachers. In order to meet this purpose, the DOI will provide personalized, 1:1 support based on the goals and identified needs of individual teachers. The DOI will serve as the direct supervisor for the group of teachers he/she supports and be responsible for teacher evaluations.  

COMPETENCIES 

The Dean of Instruction should be an individual who... 

• Has alignment to and a sense of urgency around Cresthaven Academy Charter School’s mission and vision;
• Has the ability to learn quickly and to be effective in a fast-paced, dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and is able to work autonomously and thoroughly, as well as take direction as needed; 
• Is deeply self-reflective, passionate and committed to world-class schooling and excellence;
• Has a deep desire to codify best practices in instruction and leadership; 
• Has the ability to move comfortably between high level strategic thinking and intricate details; 
• Is an excellent team player, always puts the team’s goals first and works to support and motivate peers; 
• Has excellent project management skills with proven systems to maintain integrity and efficiency; 
• Is able to effectively use/learn the various technology platforms the school utilizes; 
• Is a leader with conviction who knows how to build relationships across teams and can inspire their school community; 
• Has grit and courage in the face of really difficult work;  
• Has strong K-8 content knowledge with proven results; and  
• Is a proven people manager with the ability to set measurable goals to promote advancement of their school community.  

RESPONSIBILITIES THAT DRIVES RESULTS 

• Ensures use of effective, research-based teaching methodologies and practices to ensure rigorous instruction for all scholars;
• Leads school or data-driven discussions about student performance and ensures that data drives instruction is consistently being implemented;  
• Facilitates building, department, and grade-wide meetings as needed;
• Grows a learning environment where social emotional learning practices are the foundation for how we honor scholars, families and staff; 
• Ensures that instruction, professional development, peer interaction and school culture are all aligned with the school’s mission, vision, and core values. 
• Monitors progress of all students, including students with disabilities (SWDs) and English Language Learners (ELLs); 
• Upholds consistency in instruction and practices amongst team of teachers;  

TEACHER SUPPORT 

• Model effective lessons and instructional strategies; provide on-going coaching and feedback to teachers;
• Develops coaching plans for teachers to ensure student improvement;
• Collaborates with the Chief School Administrator, and Building Principals  in supporting the instructional development of al teachers in understanding the CACS curriculum and varied assessments, the Board-approved framework for teaching, and data analysis;
• Assists teachers in understanding the school’s mission and core values;
• Assists teachers with resources, materials, tools, information, etc. to support classroom instruction and planning, including new resources;
• Collaborates with the Chief School Administrator, and Building Principals in assisting teachers with pacing and planning of lessons, the development of differentiated lessons, and the selection of best practices to meet the needs of their students
• Conducts daily in-class observations and regularly provides clear and written or verbal feedback to teachers;
• Develops staff members’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors through a variety of professional development targeted topics and designs; 
• Supports Grade Team Leads in facilitating grade-level professional learning communities. 

FAMILY SUPPORT

• Works with staff to maintain communication and relations with families, ensuring that they are kept involved with and held accountable for, their scholar’s academic performance;  
• Works with staff to correspond regularly with families regarding instruction; and 
• Works with staff to support family meetings and special events.  

SCHOOL CULTURE/STUDENT SUPPORT 

• Collaborates with school staff to maximize the ability of the school to support scholars’ academic and social-emotional development;  
• Helps to ensure traditions and rituals that support the school’s mission are being created, maintained, and enhanced grade by grade and year to year;  
• Fosters and supports consistency in academic and behavioral expectations in and out of class and in and out of the school and after-school program; 
• Works with the appropriate staff to ensure the smooth administration and effectiveness of the after-school program. 

BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS

• Builds strong relationships with teachers, administrators, and staff;  
• Builds strong relationships among parents, scholars and the community and creates investment around attendance, homework, school culture initiatives, and overall scholar success;  
• Works across differences while ensuring structures and practices exemplify cultural competence;
• Develops positive relationships with the local school district, local government, neighboring schools and other stakeholders;
• Represents the school at professional conferences, meetings, and workshops; 
• Exhibits a high degree of professionalism in all elements of this position, while serving as a contributing member of the school team and a dedicated role model for other employees.

The Dean of Instruction  may be asked to perform additional tasks and assume other responsibilities assigned by the Chief School Administrator. The DOI is a 10-month position.   

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Possession or eligibility for New Jersey Teacher Certification required 
• Master’s degree from an accredited university highly preferred;
• Qualify for New Jersey Principal Certification as a Principal or Supervisor preferred; 
• A minimum of 6+ years of urban classroom experience with proven, measurable, significant academic student growth;
• Experience as a  Grade Team Lead, Teacher Coach or equivalent leadership role highly preferred;
• Experience at a high-performing charter school is highly preferred, but not required; 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (Spanish preferred). 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT CRESTHAVEN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:  

We are invested in hiring, training, and retaining top talent.  Before the school year begins, we offer two weeks of targeted training for new staff and two weeks for returning staff.  Support includes:

• Built-in planning time for intense collaboration with grade teams and school leaders.   
• Outside professional development opportunities to acquire additional skills to support all scholars.  

This position may require:

• Exposure to temperature variations and wet conditions.  
• Walking and working on uneven and slick surfaces.
• Reaching above and below shoulder height.
• Frequent excessive standing during assigned work day.
• Frequent requirement to lift, carry, push, pull, sit, stand, walk, reach, crouch, climb, balance, kneel, and stoop. 
• Cresthaven Academy offers a competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience and skills.  Cresthaven Academy Charter School is an equal opportunity employer.  

Candidates under final consideration will need to be able to pass a criminal history background check, and provide documentation of medical clearance (TB/Mantoux testing).