**Director of Teaching and Learning - Shape the Future of Education**

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for education? Do you have a proven track record of driving student success and teacher growth? We're seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Director of Teaching and Learning to join our team at Decatur Public Schools. As a key member of our leadership team, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of education in our district. **About Us** Decatur Public Schools is a dynamic and forward-thinking school district committed to providing a world-class education to our students. We're a district that values innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Our team is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and character development. **Job Summary** As our Director of Teaching and Learning, you will be responsible for leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of our district's curriculum and instructional programs. You will work closely with teachers, principals, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective teaching and learning strategies that meet the needs of all students. Your expertise will be essential in driving student achievement, teacher growth, and school improvement. **Key Responsibilities** * Lead the design, delivery, and facilitation of teacher and principal professional development and professional learning communities * Provide strategic vision for the Department of Teaching & Learning in alignment with the district's vision and mission * Lead the design and implementation of a PreK-12 curriculum system district-wide * Implement continuous improvement to affect significant, trackable improvement in teacher performance and student achievement * Partner with the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning to identify and coordinate deployment of differentiated academic supports based on essential data and best practices * Supervise and evaluate staff, by modeling growth mindset, providing regular feedback on their individual, team, and departmental progress * Provide guidance to departments on increasing student access to AP Programs, foreign language, dual credit, etc., particularly for underserved students * Clearly communicate the Department of Teaching and Learning priorities to District staff and principals and actively engage in dialogue with varying stakeholders to inform the effectiveness of the work of the Department of Teaching and Learning **Essential Qualifications** * Master's degree in a related field (e.g., education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership) * Administrative license required * State of Illinois PERA certification preferred (required within 1 year of hiring) * Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within an educational organization or school setting * Minimum of 3 years' experience as a building principal preferred * Experience in elementary and secondary leadership is preferred * Demonstrated experience in teaching, designing and building curriculum, developing assessments, and analyzing student performance data * Experience developing differentiated instructional strategies that address achievement gaps and creating, organizing, and leading professional learning experiences for teachers and leaders **Preferred Qualifications** * Experience in professional project and change management * Ability to articulate a vision, set high standards, and effectively guide schools and principals in the realization of expectations set * Expertise in leadership development and instructional leadership * Ability to coach others toward excellence, build capacity of content area teams, and develop meaningful and high-impact professional communities for teachers and school leaders * Strong communication skills (speaking, including presentations, listening, and writing) * Demonstrated high levels of instructional expertise, integrity, honesty, credibility, and the courage to make difficult yet necessary decisions **Skills and Competencies** * Strong leadership and team-building skills * Ability to develop high-performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success * Knowledge of operations, budget/finance, management, and organizational development * Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholder groups, including external partners * Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps * Successful experience in data analysis and statistics, research design, and program evaluation * Demonstrated experience in training adults in the areas of accountability, curriculum, instruction, English Learner programs/support, and supplemental and intervention programs **Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits** As a Director of Teaching and Learning at Decatur Public Schools, you will have the opportunity to: * Develop and implement innovative teaching and learning strategies that drive student achievement and teacher growth * Collaborate with a talented team of educators and leaders to shape the future of education in our district * Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge * Contribute to the development of our district's curriculum and instructional programs * Make a positive impact on the lives of our students, teachers, and community **Work Environment and Company Culture** Decatur Public Schools is a dynamic and supportive work environment that values innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Our team is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and character development. As a Director of Teaching and Learning, you will be part of a team that is committed to excellence and dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our students and community. **Compensation, Perks, and Benefits** We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including: * Salary based on the district's salary schedule * 260 days per year * Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance * Retirement plan with district contribution * Paid time off and holidays * Opportunities for professional development and growth **How to Apply** If you are a visionary leader with a passion for education and a proven track record of driving student success and teacher growth, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you! **Equal Employment Opportunity** Decatur Public Schools is an equal employment opportunity employer with an affirmative action plan. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including hiring and employment practices. We welcome applications from diverse candidates who share our commitment to excellence and our passion for making a positive impact on the lives of our students and community. Apply for this job