What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean of Teaching, Learning and Innovation, Grades TK- 5th position at Tarbut V'Torah Community Day School?
Position Summary:
The Dean of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation is a dynamic and visionary leader responsible for driving academic excellence and fostering a culture of innovation at TVT Community Day School. Reporting directly to the Assistant Head of School (AHOS), TK-12 Programming, the Dean will oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of cutting-edge teaching and learning initiatives. This role focuses on curriculum development, faculty professional growth, and integrating innovative practices to enhance student engagement and success.
Key Responsibilities:
Curriculum Leadership
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a rigorous, student-centered curriculum.
- Ensure alignment of the curriculum with the school’s mission, vision, and educational philosophy.
- Collaborate with department heads and faculty to integrate interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to teaching.
Teaching Excellence
- Provide leadership and support for faculty in implementing effective, research-based instructional practices.
- Ensure alignment of teaching strategies with the latest educational research and technology to maximize student success.
- Observe and evaluate classroom instruction, offering constructive feedback to faculty for continuous improvement.
Professional Development
- Collaborate with stakeholders on the design, implementation and evaluation of comprehensive professional development programs.
- Identify growth opportunities for faculty and provide customized development plans to support their success.
- Create a culture of lifelong learning by introducing innovative workshops, conferences, and peer-led initiatives.
- Align professional development initiatives with the school’s strategic goals and ensure their impact is measurable.
Innovation in Learning
- Explore, design, and implement innovative educational programs, tools, and methodologies to enhance student learning and engagement.
- Stay abreast of emerging trends in education and technology, applying best practices to the school’s academic programs.
- Foster a culture of experimentation and creativity, encouraging faculty to pilot new approaches and share outcomes.
Faculty Recruitment, Development and Retention
- Lead the recruitment process for hiring talented and innovative educators who align with the school’s mission and vision.
- Build and maintain a robust talent pipeline both internally and externally, ensuring a steady flow of highly qualified candidates.
- Identify and nurture internal talent, preparing faculty for leadership and expanded responsibilities.
- Implement effective onboarding, mentoring, and professional development programs to support faculty growth and retention.
- Foster a positive, collaborative work environment to retain top-tier educators.
Student Outcomes
- Monitor and analyze student performance data to inform decisions about curriculum, instruction, and support programs.
- Ensure the academic program meets the diverse needs of all learners, promoting inclusivity.
Collaboration and Leadership
- Work closely with faculty to create a cohesive and supportive learning community.
- Mentor and coach faculty to nurture leadership potential and promote professional growth.
Strategic Vision
- Support the strategic vision process for teaching, learning and innovation by ensuring the successful implementation of programs that align with the school’s long term goals.
- Build partnerships with external organizations and thought leaders to enrich academic programming and opportunities.
Program Evaluation and Reporting
- Regularly assess the effectiveness of teaching practices, curriculum, and innovative initiatives, making data-informed recommendations for improvement.
- Communicate progress and achievements to the school community and stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in Education, Curriculum Development, or a related field
- Proven experience in academic leadership, curriculum design, and faculty development in an independent school environment.
- Expertise in innovative instructional strategies. Experience with Understanding By Design, Curriculum Mapping, and Competency Based Grading preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and lead diverse teams.
- A passion for fostering a culture of academic excellence through inquiry and innovation.
TVT is a pluralistic Jewish school where students learn to actively participate in their own educational journey and our record of achievement and excellence makes us a leader among K-12 independent schools in Orange County. Our breathtaking 22.5 acres campus is composed of state-of-the-art facilities and eco-conscious design elements, and is home to a thriving community of over 800 TK-12 students and 150 faculty and staff members. True to our core values and mission, TVT embraces diversity in all its forms – cultural, economic, racial, ideological, observance, and otherwise – and nearly a quarter of our families and approximately half of our staff identify as non-Jewish and come from diverse backgrounds. TVT believes that talented educators and administrators from many fields make the TVT campus a dynamic learning environment. We welcome your interest and encourage you to get to know us.
