Director, Academics - Washington

About Stellar Virtual

Stellar Virtual was founded in 2019 with one school in Texas. We serve parents of K-12 students, unhappy with their current school or need an at-home/flexible learning environment. Today, Stellar Virtual spans across three states currently, Arizona, Indiana, and Texas, with developing programs being introduced in new states over the next few years. Stellar Virtual is committed to going above and beyond for our virtual families.

Our Mission

Empowering Families. Unleashing Potential.

Our Core Values

At Stellar Virtual, we are guided by five core values. For us, these values are more than just something in an employee handbook that you’ll only hear about during orientation. These values are the pillars by which we operate all aspects of our organization. We talk about them often, and we expect that every one of our employees not only talks about our core values but also acts upon them.

So, it’s important to us that anyone who joins Stellar embraces our core values.

• Kids First, Always: We make student-centered decisions and always do what's best for our kids.
• Respect: We assume the best of others and treat others the way we want to be treated.
• Create, Communicate, Collaborate: We create together, communicate openly, and work as a team to deliver more than we ever could individually
• Make Your Motion Matter: We work deliberately, efficiently, and with a sense of purpose to achieve great results.
• Go the Extra Mile to Deliver a Stellar Customer Experience: We recognize that every interaction, no matter how small or unrelated it may seem, is an opportunity to build trust and goodwill with our customers.

Our Promise
Empowering families with the choice of a high-quality virtual school with dedicated staff focused on student outcomes and an exceptional customer experience, our programs will enable students to thrive and unleash their full potential.

Position Details

Overview
The Director of Academics will be responsible for establishing and guiding the academic vision, instructional leadership, and curriculum implementation for our Washington-based virtual education programs. This role is critical in ensuring high-quality instruction, fostering student achievement, and maintaining compliance with Washington state educational regulations. The Director of Academics will work collaboratively with school leadership, teachers, and external stakeholders to cultivate a data-informed, student-centered learning environment.

Essential Duties

• Academic Leadership & Strategy
• • Develop and implement a strategic academic vision that aligns with Stellar Virtual's mission and Washington state requirements.
  • Lead the ongoing improvement of instructional programs to enhance student outcomes and engagement within a virtual setting.
  • Oversee the selection, development, and alignment of curriculum with the Washington Learning Standards.
• Instructional Support & Teacher Development
• • Provide instructional leadership through mentoring, coaching, and supporting teachers and academic staff in a virtual environment.
  • Direct professional development initiatives focused on effective virtual teaching methodologies, engagement strategies, and the utilization of educational technology.
  • Evaluate instructional practices within the virtual classroom and provide targeted feedback to educators to continuously improve student performance.
• Student Achievement & Assessment
• • Monitor student performance data and implement evidence-based strategies to support academic growth and success in the virtual learning environment.
  • Oversee the administration of assessments, analyze data, and ensure the use of results to inform instructional practices and drive improvements.
  • Ensure the effective implementation of intervention programs to support struggling learners and address achievement gaps within the virtual school.
• Compliance & Accreditation
• • Ensure all academic programs adhere to relevant state, federal, and accreditation requirements specific to Washington virtual education.
  • Lead state reporting efforts and maintain accurate documentation for audits and accountability measures in Washington.
  • Stay current on Washington education laws, policies, and best practices in virtual education.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
• • Partner effectively with school leadership, families, and community organizations within Washington to promote student success in the virtual setting.
  • Collaborate closely with other departments, including student services, special education, and technology, to support the holistic development of virtual learners.
  • Represent Stellar Virtual at relevant state and national education forums as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in instructional leadership, curriculum development, or school administration, preferably within a virtual or blended learning environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in a K-12 virtual education setting.
• Washington administrator certification or eligibility for certification.
• Strong background in instructional coaching and teacher professional development, particularly in online modalities.
• Proven track record of improving student academic outcomes in a K-12 setting.
• Comprehensive understanding of Washington state education standards, curriculum frameworks, and virtual education best practices.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in analyzing data to inform academic decision-making and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with educators, families, and stakeholders in a virtual environment.
• High level of proficiency with educational technology platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and other tools relevant to virtual instruction.
• Residence in the State of Washington is required.

Education & Certification Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is required.
• A master’s degree in education or educational leadership is highly preferred.
• An active Washington Principal License or equivalent administrative certification is required.
• A valid Washington teaching license with prior teaching experience in the state is preferred.