Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning (beginning July 2025)

Position Title: Director of Teaching and Learning

Immediate Supervisor: Associate Superintendent

Summary (Job Goal): Provide leadership and coordination in staff development and curriculum, instruction, and assessment activities to improve initiatives related to the district’s strategic plan and Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Other duties may be assigned.)
Promotes Success of all Students (Shared Vision)

• Work with principals, directors, teachers, and subject matter specialists in developing curriculum consistent with district philosophy and goals.
• Support the vision and mission of the District as well as building vision that sets high expectations for students and staff.
• Understand, support, and help implement change efforts at the District and/or building level.
• Provide leadership and supervision of certified staff and encourage creative and innovative research-based instruction.
• Review and monitor educational research and current trends in education.
• Ensure the school community is involved in school improvement efforts.

Culture of Learning

• Provide opportunities for effective staff development that addresses the needs of the instructional program and the needs of the staff, including workshops, conferences, visits, and sessions in which the staff shares successful practices and strategies.
• Provide support to principals in their role as professional developers, helping to evaluate lesson plans, observe classes and encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies, materials, and assessments.
• Supervise and coordinate efforts to utilize research based best practices in teaching techniques.
• Supervise and evaluate teachers.
• Motivate and encourage principals and other staff to implement innovative instructional strategies and programs.
• Plan and implement school-wide professional development activities.
• Promote professional development opportunities for all district personnel.
• Coordinate training and professional development opportunities available to all staff.
• Communicate, align, and support district standards/benchmarks.
• Coordinate and evaluate curricula and instructional programs and make appropriate recommendations for change and/or modification.
• Provide for periodic assessment and review of area curriculum and instructional materials.
• Provide support in mentoring teachers at all skill levels.
• Develop team-building, problem solving and organizational skills among staff.
• Develop a professional rapport and good working relationship with all staff members.
• Cooperate with college and university officials regarding teacher training and preparation.
• Ensure professional development promotes a focus on student learning consistent with the school vision and goals.
• Provide leadership for district committees related to professional development.
• Develop and maintain central/virtual resource collection of tools, periodicals, software, and other programs related to curriculum and instruction.
• Ensure that technology is used effectively in teaching and learning.
• Promote data collection and its use in instructional planning.
• Use multiple sources of data to develop a plan for the improvement of student achievement and assess student learning using a variety of research-based techniques.
• Keep abreast of changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications and discussing problems of mutual interest with others in the field.
• Be involved in administrative groups at the area educational agency and state levels.
• Accept constructive criticism and suggestions and seek to improve each performance responsibility.

Management

• Assume responsibility for and support the implementation of Board Policy and administrative regulations keeping staff informed of changes in policy and procedures which affect them.
• Maintain accurate records as required by federal, state, and local officials.
• Adhere to applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations, Board Policies and Administrative Regulations.
• Develop and supervise an annual budget.
• Establish procedures for evaluation and selection of instructional materials and equipment.
• Work with outside educational authorities and regulatory bodies on curriculum, instruction, and assessment issues.
• Work with the TQSA committee in utilizing district professional development funds.
• Delegate authority and responsibility where appropriate.
• Address and resolve problems / issues in a timely manner.

Family and Community

• Maintain a positive image for the school as well as good public relations within the community.
• Engage the community to create shared responsibility for student and school success.
• Respond to professional development concerns voiced by parents and others from the community.

Ethics

• Demonstrate professionalism in fulfilling the responsibilities of the director position.
• Demonstrate a positive approach toward school, students and director position and communicate the same to the community.
• Cooperate with and work in a courteous manner with central office, co-workers and other personnel.
• Demonstrate appreciation for and sensitivity to the diversity in the school community.
• Treat students, staff, community members, and all other contacts fairly, equitably, and with dignity and respect.

Societal Context

• Communicate within the school community regarding trends, issues, and potential changes in the environment in which schools operate.
• Be a spokesperson for the welfare of all members of the learning community.
• Engage in dialogue with other decision-makers to improve teaching and learning.

Professional Responsibilities

• Effectively communicate, collaborate, and cooperate with administration, colleagues, supervisors, and students.
• Stay updated on cutting edge conferences and other professional development opportunities.
• Participate in professional associations related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Attend professional conferences and workshops and share knowledge with others.
• Maintain dialogue with administrators from other districts and share ideas and information.
• Represent the school district at meetings and functions as appropriate.
• Report on the status of curriculum, instruction, and assessment programs as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise and evaluate teachers and/or educational assistants; curriculum secretarial staff.

Minimum Education or Experience (Will vary depending on specific position):
M.A. degree and a minimum of 5 years successful teaching experience preferred.
Successful administrative experience preferred.
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated experience or knowledge in teaching and learning theory.
Demonstrated experience or knowledge of testing and assessment issues and techniques.
Demonstrated experience or knowledge of instructional technology.
Cross cultural experience preferred.

Licensure or Certification:
Valid Iowa Teaching License.
Valid administrative license (appropriate to level).
Valid Iowa evaluator approval.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Competency in areas of content knowledge including Iowa educational standards and school law, current learning and administrative/management theory, content pedagogy, general teaching knowledge, current curriculum, instruction and assessment practices, scheduling, willingness to learn new skills and knowledge to enhance administrative skills.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Ability to read and comprehend material.
Ability to access information and resources, and make student centered decisions that effectively address a variety of teaching/work styles.
Self-directed with the ability to manage and organize multiple work demands.
Ability to assess the strengths, needs, interests, and aspirations of staff; willingness to hold high expectations for staff and student academic performance and behavior; ability to set achievable goals, monitor and evaluate staff and student progress; ability to be resourceful in responding to the changing needs of staff, students and the community.
Ability to recognize the relationships between self and others; accept responsibility for contributions to staff, students, the District, and the community; willingness to actively participate in improving self and professional skills.
Knowledge of effective adult learning strategies.
Ability to efficiently and effectively use available resources to secure staff development.
Ability to effectively listen, speak, write, read, and respond clearly to students, parents, staff and community members; ability to use a variety of media and technology to enhance communications.
Ability to use interpersonal skills to develop constructive relationships with students, staff, administration, parents, colleagues, and community groups; willingness to provide a high level of service and response to the diverse needs of the District’s customers.
Ability to function effectively as part of an administrative team, support District initiatives and peers, plan collaboratively, create new vision, solve complex problems, and work constructively with the administrative team to solve problems that arise.
Ability to guide the learning process toward the achievement of District approved educational goals; ability to establish clear objectives for staff in harmony with the educational/curricular goals.
Ability to take responsibility for, support, and implement Board policies, administrative regulations, practices, and procedures.
Ability to develop team building and facilitation, problem solving, and organizational skills among all staff.
Ability to resolve conflict, listen to and appropriately respond to concerns in a timely manner.
Ability to effectively prioritize and organize work, as well as effectively manage time, schedules, and events.
Proficient in computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheet and database applications (Word, Excel, etc.).
Ability to work flexible hours / schedule.

Physical Demands: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, speak, hear, see, and walk to carry out routine duties. Must be able to bend arms, torso, and neck. Must be able to occasionally lift, move, or push items of 50 lbs such as assisting staff/students to include moving/rearranging furniture and/or restraining disruptive students. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to meet multiple demands from several people, and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Noise level is quiet to loud. Work may be indoors and/or outdoors. Work may be in non-air conditioned rooms. Tobacco and alcohol-free environment. Will require travel to different buildings. May include evenings.
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.