Director of Professional Learning

DIVISION:  Office of Teaching & Learning

UNIT: B BC4 category 3

DEPARTMENT:  Professional Learning

WORK DAYS:  200

REPORTS TO:  Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning

SALARY RANGE:  

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Professional Learning is responsible for the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of all professional development initiatives within Newton Public Schools. This role ensures that professional learning aligns with the district's vision, mission, and strategic plan, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Collaborating closely with school leaders, central office teams, and teachers, the Director will address key areas including mentor training, teacher development, leadership growth, curriculum support, and organizational development. The Director of Professional Learning will drive the design and execution of high-quality, impactful professional learning opportunities, ensuring that staff at all levels are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and strategies necessary to improve student outcomes and support the district’s educational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctorate preferred or Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• 5-7 years of experience in education, with leadership in professional development, coaching, or curriculum design.
• Experience designing and leading district-wide professional learning programs.
• MA DESE Supervisor/Director Administrator license 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Needs Assessment: 

• Develops and implements long and short-term strategic plans consistent with the district’s vision, mission and strategic plan.
• Regularly collaborates with stakeholders on instructional needs assessment to create a comprehensive yearly professional learning plan
• Coordinates the assessment, evaluation, and measurement of the impact of all programs that facilitate the professional development and continuous learning of staff.

Curriculum Support:  

• Coordinates of learning and integrity Walks in coordination with curriculum adoptions and strategic planning goals.
• Collaborates with principals on developing building-based professional learning calendars and  PLC structures to ensure alignment with strategic plans and learning goals.
• Collaborates with Assistant Curriculum Directors and Curriculum Coordinators on professional development and pilots related to Curriculum Reviews.

Instructional Staff Coaching: 

• Oversees the development and support of new teacher and principal mentoring and orientation programs.
• Collaborates with Assistant Directors and Curriculum Coordinators to provide sustainable, ongoing training for staff for all new curriculum to ensure success curriculum implementation.

Professional Learning Implementation:

• Leads the design and delivery of professional learning for district-wide initiatives related to teaching and learning, organizational development, leadership, and teacher effectiveness. 
• Oversees all phases of system-wide professional learning from vendor selection, management, budget projections and cost model, and learning management data oversight. 
• Establishes, provides, and communicates ongoing professional learning opportunities for instructional staff to obtain the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to meet the district's goals, initiatives and priorities.
• Uses principles of adult learning and innovative technology solutions to improve and enhance professional learning.
• Creates opportunities for job-embedded professional learning for teachers, leaders, and other school-based support personnel to ensure alignment to instructional programs and district academic strategic goals.
• Uses data to drive decision-making when collaborating with schools to determine professional learning priorities.
•  Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator. 

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Strong Leadership & Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and resources effectively to meet district goals.

Expertise in Adult Learning: Deep knowledge of adult learning theories and best practices, with a focus on designing professional development that engages and supports diverse adult learners.

Knowledge of Best Practices: Expertise in teacher, leader, organizational, and staff capacity building, utilizing research-based strategies to promote continuous growth across all levels.

Communication & Presentation Skills: Exceptional communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including staff, administrators, and community members.

Data Analysis & Evaluation: Strong data analysis skills to evaluate the effectiveness of professional development programs, using insights to guide decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.

Relationship Building & Collaboration: Proven ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including teachers, school leaders, and central office staff, to drive systemic change.

Staff Development Design & Evaluation: Ability to design, implement, and evaluate both system-wide and school-based staff development plans that align with district priorities and address the professional needs of educators.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Skilled in analyzing district and school data to identify professional growth needs, and making informed recommendations for enhancing staff effectiveness and achieving district-wide educational goals.

Continuous Improvement Leadership: Proven success in leading continuous improvement efforts, driving positive change in teaching, learning, and organizational development.

Professional Learning Design Experience: Demonstrated success in designing and implementing professional learning programs for both teachers and leaders that result in measurable improvements in instructional practice and student outcomes.

Budget Analysis & Development: Strong ability to analyze and manage budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support professional learning initiatives and meet the needs of the district.

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.