High School STEM Dean of Curriculum & Instruction

About the role

This position serves as the chief academic officer for a campus, responsible for driving teacher excellence and measurable student outcomes. Success requires strategic independence to synchronize instruction, coaching, and operational execution in direct service of the organizational mission. The individual must convert complex information into tangible action, ensuring continuous improvement for both educators and students.

Position Responsibilities

The incumbent will establish and maintain rigorous academic standards that define daily classroom practice and school culture. This involves leading data examination sessions that empower teaching staff to analyze pupil work and refine their methods. The role requires designing and delivering high-quality training that builds internal capacity across the school and wider network.

Managing the assessment lifecycle is a core function, encompassing schedule coordination, quality control, and comparative analysis of interim evaluations. The position holder will create feedback mechanisms that transform real-time classroom observations into concrete developmental steps for instructors. They will also construct systems for tracking year-group advancement against external benchmarks to maintain instructional responsiveness.

Coordination of cross-functional teams is essential to address school-wide instructional patterns and align subject-specific objectives. The role necessitates collaboration with school leaders to create and execute tailored data response plans for pupils. Additional duties include supporting novice educators and facilitating mid-year professional growth initiatives.

Organizational Mission and Values

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of high-performing public charter schools focused on delivering an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged areas. The organization operates in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. The primary mission is to close the college completion gap and prepare every student for post-secondary success. Student performance consistently surpasses national averages, demonstrating a deep commitment to excellence.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon is dedicated to diversity and inclusion. The organization fosters a respectful environment that welcomes varied perspectives and experiences reflective of its communities.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $87,000 to $130,000. Offers are typically within the $87,000 - $97,400 band, determined by factors such as relevant professional development, educational credentials, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

The comprehensive benefits package includes generous paid time off, covering sick days, recognized holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks. The package features extensive professional training, top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance, and pre-tax flexible spending options. Retirement planning through a 403(b) program with employer match is provided. Additional benefits include paid leave options, mental health support, and wellness programs.

Person Specification

Applicants must possess a Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of three years of teaching experience with documented evidence of exceptional student growth. Demonstrated success in coaching adults and developing instructional capacity within teams is required. Candidates must exhibit strong command of lesson design and content knowledge across multiple grade levels or disciplines.

The ideal candidate manages time and priorities using systems thinking to address school needs with flexibility and strategic foresight. They must navigate challenging conversations while maintaining accountability for staff, pupils, and families in a constructive way. Thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment is necessary, along with the ability to work independently and follow directives. Adherence to Uncommon's instructional leadership frameworks is mandatory. Active participation in evaluations, walkthroughs, and collaborative groups to refine institutional practice is expected.

What you'll do

• Execute the scope and sequence for the High School STEM program to ensure curricular alignment and academic rigor across all grade levels.
• Analyze interim assessment data to identify trends in pupil performance and prescribe targeted instructional adjustments for teaching teams.
• Design and deliver job-embedded professional learning that builds teacher capacity in pedagogical strategies and content-specific methodologies.
• Lead classroom walkthroughs and formal observations to gather evidence and provide actionable feedback that drives instructor growth.
• Coordinate with school leaders to develop and monitor student response plans that address academic gaps and accelerate learning.
• Manage the assessment calendar, ensuring quality control of evaluations and timely analysis of comparative data sets.
• Develop systems to track year-group progress against external benchmarks, enabling timely interventions and instructional pivots.
• Facilitate collaborative planning sessions that promote cross-functional teamwork and alignment of subject-specific objectives.
• Mentor novice educators through structured coaching cycles focused on lesson design, classroom management, and data-driven decision making.
• Orchestrate mid-year professional growth initiatives to sustain instructional momentum and address emerging school priorities.
• Translate complex performance metrics into clear, actionable steps for staff during feedback and reflection sessions.
• Uphold Uncommon instructional frameworks by integrating them into all aspects of curriculum delivery and teacher development.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Possess a minimum of three years of teaching experience.
• Provide documented evidence of exceptional student growth during previous teaching roles.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to coach adults and develop instructional capacity within teams.
• Exhibit strong command of lesson design and content knowledge across multiple grade levels or disciplines.
• Manage time and priorities using systems thinking to address school needs with flexibility and strategic foresight.
• Navigate challenging conversations while maintaining accountability for staff, pupils, and families in a constructive way.
• Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and work independently while following directives.
• Adhere strictly to Uncommon's instructional leadership frameworks in all professional activities.
• Participate actively in evaluations, walkthroughs, and collaborative groups to refine institutional practice.

Nice to have

• Experience working within a charter school network or urban public school environment.
• Familiarity with data systems used for tracking student growth and instructional impact.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in New York, US. The role requires adherence to Uncommon Schools' academic calendars and meeting schedules.