Director of Teaching and Learning

Position Title: Director of Teaching and Learning

Location: Hybrid / New Haven, CT (with potential for travel to current and future school sites)

Reports To: Chief Schools Officer

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $110,00 - $125,000

About Elevate Charter Schools

Elevate Charter Schools (ECS) is a growing charter management organization dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience for students in traditionally underserved and marginalized communities. At Elevate, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we are committed to developing the academic potential, character, and social-emotional growth of our students. Our mission is to deliver a rigorous, personalized, and holistic education that equips every child with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in school and beyond. We currently operate Booker T. Washington Academy (BTWA) Elementary and Middle Schools in New Haven, CT, and are seeking to incrementally expand our reach with future schools across the state.

As we grow, we remain dedicated to cultivating an environment of inclusion, equity, and excellence. Our growing team is motivated by a shared sense of purpose: to offer families in our communities a school choice that empowers students to thrive and reach their full potential in an ever-changing, multicultural world.

About the Opportunity

Elevate Charter Schools (ECS) seeks an innovative and transformational leader to help guide and strengthen our academic program as our Director of Teaching and Learning (T&L).

The Director of Teaching and Learning will play a critical role in shaping and executing the academic vision and strategy for Elevate Charter Schools. This leadership position will oversee the K-8 curriculum across Elevate’s current schools and future campuses, ensuring that our academic program is aligned with the highest standards of excellence, equity, and impact. The Director of T&L will collaborate closely with the CSO and school leaders to monitor and improve curriculum implementation, enhance teacher development and drive student achievement.

As Elevate enters a period of growth and innovation, this role offers a unique opportunity to influence the development of a robust and values-driven academic program that will not only ensure the highest quality

educational experience for our students and families, but will also serve as a model for organizational growth and expansion. The ideal candidate for the Director of Teaching and Learning position will be an experienced educator with a strong track record of success in curriculum design, instructional leadership, teacher development, and data-driven decision-making, with a deep commitment to ECS values and the mission of educational equity.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

As our new Director of Teaching and Learning, you will be primarily responsible for:

Curriculum Oversight and Development

• Lead the ongoing development, evaluation, and refinement of Elevate’s K-8 curriculum across all schools, ensuring alignment with state and national standards, as well as Elevate’s core values of equity and excellence.
• Audit and evaluate current curriculum and instructional materials for effectiveness, rigor, and relevance, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of our students.
• Oversee the creation and continuous improvement of curriculum resources, including lesson plans, assessments, and instructional guides, to support teachers in delivering high-quality instruction.

Academic Vision and Program Alignment

• Develop and articulate a clear academic vision for Elevate, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and goals.
• Design and implement systems for monitoring and ensuring compliance with Elevate’s academic program, including setting clear expectations for instructional delivery and student outcomes.
• Create an “Academic Playbook” that outlines Elevate’s key priorities, instructional focus areas, and the “Arc of the Year” to guide academic efforts across all campuses.

Teacher and Leader Support

• Partner with school leaders, including Principals and Academic Deans/Coaches, to internalize the curriculum, monitor implementation, and provide ongoing support to teachers.
• Develop and support professional development opportunities for teachers and school leaders, with a focus on instructional excellence, curriculum implementation, and data-driven improvement.
• Collaborate with school leadership teams to identify teacher growth opportunities and ensure that teacher evaluations are closely aligned with curriculum implementation and student performance metrics.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Lead the development of a comprehensive data analysis and progress monitoring system to track student performance and inform instructional adjustments.
• Use data to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional strategies and identify areas for improvement.
• Work with school teams to ensure that data is used to drive continuous improvement in student outcomes and teacher performance.

Collaborative Leadership

• Foster strong partnerships with school-based teams, including principals, teachers, and support staff, to ensure a cohesive and aligned approach to academic excellence.
• Collaborate with Elevate’s senior leadership team to drive organizational goals and contribute to the long-term success of the organization.
• Serve as a key thought partner in Elevate’s growth strategy, particularly as the organization expands into new locations and potentially develops a consulting arm to support additional school districts/charter school organizations.

Equity and Inclusion

• Ensure that Elevate’s academic program and curriculum reflect our commitment to educational equity, addressing the needs of all students, especially those from historically marginalized communities.
• Champion a culture of inclusivity and belonging in academic spaces, ensuring that curriculum and teaching practices honor the diversity of our student body.

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

• Experience: At least 7-10 years of experience in educational leadership, curriculum development, and/or instructional coaching, with a strong track record in K-12 education. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have IB experience, or will be committed to obtaining IB experience via participation in IBO sanctioned international training. Experience in a charter school or similar school network is highly preferred. 
• Leadership: Proven experience leading and supporting teams of educators to achieve high levels of performance and student outcomes. Ability to collaborate effectively with school leaders, teachers, and support staff. 
• Curriculum Expertise: Strong understanding of curriculum design, instructional strategies, and best practices in K-12 education. Experience in building, evaluating, and adapting curriculum to meet diverse student needs.
• Data-Driven: Comfort with using data to drive decision-making, identify areas for improvement, and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional practices and student progress.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage and inspire a diverse set of stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and navigate complex dynamics.
• Mission-Driven: A deep commitment to Elevate’s mission of educational equity and excellence. Passion for ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality, holistic education that develops both their academic and personal potential.
• Education and Certification: A Master's degree in education, instructional leadership, or a related field is required. A doctoral degree is a plus. 092 certification is preferred.  
  

Compensation and Benefits

At Elevate Charter Schools, we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on the skills, experience, and qualifications required for the role. The salary range for the Director of Teaching and Learning position is $110,00 to $ 125,000 reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this leadership position. 

In addition to competitive compensation, Elevate offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular, full-time employees.

Location and Travel

This position is based in New Haven, CT, and will be a hybrid role. The Director of Teaching and Learning will be expected to work at least 3-4 days in-person (office and/or school site) and 1-2 days remote per week, with the remote days approved by the Chief Schools Officer. Regular travel to Elevate’s other campuses and potential future school sites will be required, particularly as the organization expands to new locations. As such, candidates must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation to travel between locations as needed.

Elevate Charter Schools is committed to providing a supportive work environment and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Elevate is a non-profit charter management organization serving charter schools in Connecticut's inner cities. Our scholars are 99% Black and brown, and Elevate greatly values inclusion and diversity in our staff. 

Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve.

In your cover letter, please include a brief explanation of your alignment with Elevate’s mission and how your background will contribute to the advancement of that mission and the overall success of our academic program.