What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Dean position at The Wright Community School?
Join The Wright Community School as an Academic Dean to lead instructional excellence, oversee curriculum, mentor teachers, engage families. Guide 6th-12th graders as P.I.L.O.T.S. with rigorous, relevant learning.
Description
Academic Dean
Full-time
Company Description
The Mission: The Wright Community School, a 6th-12th grade charter school approved by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, is open to all middle and high school students in Clayton, DeKalb, and Henry Counties. As a post-secondary exploration school, we create a unique space for students to discover who they are, empowered by our mission to help students grow, explore, and excel – "The Wright Way." At The Wright Community School, we empower our students to become the P.I.L.O.T.S (Proactive, Innovative, Literate, Organized, & Tenacious Scholars) of their own lives by fostering a strong sense of community and providing them with an individualized education enriched with support and leadership.
Job Description
We are seeking a passionate, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Academic Dean who excels in people management and understands that the foundation of a great school starts with outstanding instructional leadership. The Wright Community School is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where all students can excel. Our instructional leadership team fosters community within our school and ensures our teachers have the resources, training, and support they need to deliver exceptional instruction to every student. As the leader of the curricular program, the Academic Dean directs our curriculum and instructional practices towards a unified vision of instructional excellence, supports our school with compliance, builds relationships with families and students, and cultivates community-based partnerships.
Responsibilities
- Curriculum Design and Development
- Oversee the development, evaluation, and implementation of the school’s 6-12 curriculum, ensuring it meets state and school standards and incorporates project-based and standards-based learning practices.
- Collaborate with departments and teachers to align curriculum goals with the school's mission and educational philosophy.
- Integrate innovative instructional methods into the curriculum, such as technology and project-based learning.
- Implement a Curriculum Crosswalk to identify gaps between current coursework and the knowledge and skills expected in the workplace.
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Instructional Leadership
- Provide instructional leadership to teachers, modeling effective teaching practices and facilitating professional development.
- Regularly observe classroom instruction, providing feedback and coaching to enhance instructional quality.
- Promote culturally responsive teaching practices to support a diverse student body.
- Monitor lesson plan compliance to ensure adherence to approved curriculum standards.
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Professional Development
- Design and implement professional development programs aligned with instructional goals and curriculum updates.
- Organize workshops and training sessions to equip teachers with modern pedagogical tools.
- Mentor teachers in instructional strategies, classroom management, and student assessment.
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Assessment and Data Analysis
- Oversee the administration of assessments to evaluate student progress and curriculum efficacy.
- Analyze data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Work with teachers to use data to tailor instruction and close achievement gaps.
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Program Evaluation and Improvement
- Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs and recommend changes for continuous improvement.
- Update curriculum and instructional goals based on student outcomes, feedback, and educational research.
- Ensure the curriculum remains rigorous, relevant, and engaging.
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Compliance and Accreditation
- Ensure compliance with state educational standards and requirements.
- Lead accreditation processes, including documentation and reporting.
- Stay current with educational policies and advocate for necessary changes.
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Student Support and Differentiated Instruction
- Develop strategies for differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs.
- Oversee interventions and support programs for students needing additional help.
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Resource Management
- Manage the curriculum budget and instructional resources effectively.
- Evaluate and select instructional materials that support and enhance teaching practices.
- Foster partnerships with educational organizations to enhance learning resources.
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Family and Community Engagement
- Communicate instructional changes and student outcomes to parents and community stakeholders.
- Organize sessions to help parents support the educational goals.
- Foster a collaborative learning environment as a liaison between the school, families, and the community.
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Collaboration with School Leadership
- Align instructional practices with school goals and priorities.
- Participate in strategic planning to support the school’s long-term vision.
- Advise on trends and issues in education that could impact instructional practices.
Additional Responsibilities
- Lead the Academic Vision through evaluations, trainings, and support of staff.
- Set academic goals, benchmarks, and training to achieve academic success.
- Lead the Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES) evaluation process for all educational staff.
- Assist with curriculum planning and ensure the curriculum meets the school’s needs.
- Develop emergency plans in collaboration with staff and public safety agencies.
- Required to have prompt, regular attendance and be available to work on-site during school hours and as needed.
- Demonstrate trustworthiness and sound decision making in handling confidential matters.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in education, leadership, business administration, or a related field.
- 5 years of experience in instructional leadership roles (e.g., teaching, department or grade-level leadership, assistant principal, dean).
- Demonstrable alignment with the school’s mission and vision.
- Experience in instructional coaching or mentoring.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
- Experience in a K-12 school setting preferred.
- Parent workshop or engagement experience preferred.
- Highly organized, efficient, strong communicator and collaborator.
- Able to problem solve and think creatively about establishing systems for a new school.
- Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams.
- Georgia Educational Leadership certification/endorsement recommended.
Additional Information
- Start Date: January 1, 2025 (Contracted hourly position until June 30, 2025, transitioning to a full-time salary position starting July 2025)
- Salary Range: Starting at $70,000
- Benefits: Competitive compensation package, comprehensive health benefits, membership in the Teacher Retirement System of Georgia, professional development opportunities, laptop, email, and necessary supplies.
- Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive Director.
- Hours: Full-time salary position starting July 2025, Contracted hourly position until June 30, 2025
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Wright Community School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. This policy extends to all terms of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. All information will be kept confidential in accordance with EEO guidelines.
Company Description
At The Wright Community School, we empower our students to become the P.I.L.O.T.S. (Proactive, Innovative, Literate, Organized, & Tenacious Scholars) of their own lives by fostering a strong sense of community and providing them with an individualized education enriched with support and leadership.
Why Work Here?
Building a Community School with the Community
At The Wright Community School, we empower our students to become the P.I.L.O.T.S. (Proactive, Innovative, Literate, Organized, & Tenacious Scholars) of their own lives by fostering a strong sense of community and providing them with an individualized education enriched with support and leadership.
Salary
$70,000 - $85,000 per year
Salary : $70,000 - $85,000
