Director of Middle School Instruction

Start Date: July 2025

Location: Columbia Heights & St. Paul Campuses

Reports to: Co-CEO, School Development

Direct reports: Middle School Principals

OVERVIEW

Prodeo Academy, a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities, is a meaningful education solution that is closing the opportunity gap through data driven instruction in a culture based on a foundation of five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development and Engagement. Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for our scholars to reach their full potential. We are looking for team members committed to helping our students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute to the vitality of our community.

VISION FOR POSITION

The Director of Middle School Instruction is responsible for Middle School curriculum, instruction, and culture alignment and excellence across the Prodeo Network of schools. This position is responsible for ensuring Prodeo's academic programs follow best practices and state and federal education law to provide a high-quality education for all students.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Leadership

• Provide exemplary support to all members of the Prodeo Academy community to achieve outstanding performance in the school's mission of preparing each student for college
• Work to dramatically improve student achievement to meet Prodeo's ambitious goals
• Oversee curriculum development and assessments, with a focus on the middle school level.
• Implement effective internal and external assessment systems alongside principals, and use data to inform decisions
• Align standards and instruction across and within grade levels
• Create a plan for leading differentiated professional development across schools to target strong alignment and high rigor across the network
• Ensure there is consistency and alignment in MTSS practices across schools, and that interventions are data-driven, implemented with fidelity, and highly effective
• Develop and communicate new processes and systems as necessary, along with a plan to achieve that vision

Evaluation and Feedback

• Complete formal and informal evaluations and walk-throughs to ensure that all staff are providing well-managed and rigorous daily lessons with fidelity to chosen curricula
• Hold all staff observed accountable for meeting high standards for student academic and behavioral performance
• Work with leaders and teachers on consistency in curricula, instruction, assessments, and professional development to ensure data-drives classroom instruction

School Culture Support

• Collaborate with principals and network staff to problem-solve and create strategic action plans around curriculum, instruction, culture, and professional development.
• Ensure strong consistency across schools in establishing a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and engaging school culture.
• Ensure strong consistency across schools in behavioral expectations in and out of class, and use data to drive decisions.
• Select and share effective student culture examples and practices from and with other schools, including rubric-based walk throughs and restorative practices.
• Ensure there is consistency and alignment in behavioral intervention practices across schools, and that interventions are data-driven and highly effective.
• Create and train others on the implementation of a high-school preparation and application process to ensure ongoing success of Prodeo alumni
• Create plan for to ensure that traditions and rituals that support the school's college mission are being created and maintained, grade by grade, year to year

Organizational Leadership

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of Prodeo Academy
• Work together with the network team to ensure strong and transparent communication with teachers and other staff.
• Work with the Special Education Director to ensure students on IEPs are accessing their potential through a strong and adaptive instructional program
• Help oversee network-wide strategic planning and problem solving
• Contribute to grant proposals and reports as requested
• Ensure compliance with Title programs, READ Act, CACF, MnMTSS, and other state-mandated programs
• Work collaboratively with other leaders across the network to create a strong and aligned academic program.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree; master's degree in Education Leadership or School Leadership training through Relay Graduate School of Education preferred
• At least 3 years of school leadership (Principal/Network Leader) experience
• History of demonstrated record of high student achievement as a teacher and school leader
• Willingness to obtain continuing education as needed to perform well in the position
• Demonstrated flexibility and experience in effectively solving challenging problems through a positive, collaborative approach
• Expert-level written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and team building skills
• Excellent organization skills and consistency in meeting deadlines
• Demonstrated initiative and skills in the following areas: relationship and community building, educational leadership, communication, conflict resolution, creativity, problem solving, decision-making and time management
• Entrepreneurial outlook and commitment to Prodeo Academy's mission

COMPENSATION

• Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience, educational background, and academic outcomes. Prodeo's total rewards program offers benefits that are the best fit for you at every stage of your career including:
• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Retirement planning through Teacher's Retirement Association (TRA)/Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) and optional 403B plans
• Generous Paid time off, federal holidays, and academic breaks throughout the school year

Prodeo Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.