Director for English Language Arts PK-12

DIVISION:  Office of Teaching & Learning

UNIT: B BC4 Category  C

DEPARTMENT:  PK- 12 Curriculum Directors

WORK DAYS:  200

REPORTS TO:  Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning

SALARY RANGE:  

POSITION SUMMARY

The PK-12 Director of English Language Arts (ELA) plays a vital leadership role in developing and maintaining a cohesive, aligned, and data-driven ELA curriculum and instructional framework for Newton Public Schools. This position is responsible for overseeing curriculum development and assessment implementation, providing high-quality professional development for staff, and analyzing student achievement data to drive instructional improvements. By ensuring consistency in instructional practices across all schools, the Assistant Director of ELA supports the district’s goal of improving student literacy skills. Additionally, this role involves close collaboration with administrators and teachers to promote effective teaching and learning in ELA at every grade level, ensuring all students receive a rigorous and equitable literacy education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Curriculum Leadership & Development:

• Leads the PK-12 ELA curriculum review process, including self-study, curriculum crosswalks, learning walks, data analysis, and stakeholder surveys.
  
  
• Organizes and oversees PK-12 curriculum pilots, including the vetting, evaluation, and selection of new instructional materials.
  
  
• Guides curriculum development teams using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework.
  
  
• Ensures the alignment, fidelity, and effectiveness of all PK-12 ELA curricula through formal monitoring and evaluation.
  
  
• Develops and manages the ELA curriculum budget, including instructional materials and professional development expenses.
  

Professional Learning & Instructional Support:

• Collaborates with the Director of Professional Learning to design and deliver high-impact professional development on best instructional practices, including, but not limited to differentiated instruction, culturally responsive teaching, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and assessment strategies.
  
  
• Conducts Integrity Walks to support principals in understanding and implementing curriculum effectively.
  
  
• Provides leadership and coaching for PK-12 teachers, fostering best practices in literacy instruction to enhance student learning outcomes. May be asked to evaluate selected staff. 
  
  
• Organizes and supports  Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for teachers to share strategies and instructional innovations.
  
  

Data-Driven Decision Making & MTSS Alignment:

• Works with the MTSS team to coordinate and implement district-wide benchmark assessments that support intervention strategies for PK-12 students.
  
  
• Analyzes student data from standardized tests, formative assessments, and classroom observations to identify strengths, gaps, and areas for instructional improvement.
  
  
• Collaborates with MTSS Coordinators and teachers to develop targeted interventions for struggling students and adjust instructional strategies based on data analysis.
  
  

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Works closely with school administrators to align ELA initiatives with broader district and school goals.
  
  
• Communicates effectively with teachers, families, principals, and stakeholders about curriculum progress and instructional initiatives.
  
  
• Participates in school-wide planning and decision-making processes to advance literacy instruction.
  
  
• Leads PK-12 teacher teams in curriculum development and instructional improvement projects.
  
  
• Oversees the distribution of all ELA curriculum materials to district schools.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned by district leadership to support literacy achievement across Newton Public Schools.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Expertise in Adult Learning & Professional Development: Deep understanding of adult learning theories and best practices to design and deliver effective professional learning experiences.

Curriculum & Instructional Leadership: Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, including alignment with current research-based literacy instructional strategies and best practices.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong data analysis and interpretation skills to evaluate student achievement, assess instructional effectiveness, and inform continuous improvement efforts.

Strategic Leadership & Organization: Ability to lead continuous improvement initiatives, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and implement instructional programs that align with district goals.

Collaboration & Relationship Building: Proven ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and families.

Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and facilitation skills to engage educators, leadership teams, and the broader school community.

Budget Development & Resource Management: Experience in budget analysis and development to support curriculum implementation and professional learning initiatives.

Licensure & Educational Background:

• Doctorate or Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field
  
  
• Valid teaching license with classroom experience.
  
  
• Director/Supervisor license or eligibility for appropriate administrative certification.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job the teacher is frequently required to kneel, stoop, bend, and crouch. The teacher is periodically required to stand; while talking and listening. The teacher is occasionally required to sit; walk; lift; or carry. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Rarely absent or late unless the situation is of an emergency nature.