Dean of Curriculum & Instruction

To build more high-performing schools, we need leaders to commit themselves to the most

urgent and exciting work of our time. At Uncommon Schools, our Deans of Curriculum &

Instruction (DCIs) are school leaders focused on supporting teachers and instructional leaders

to deliver the most rigorous and joyful academic experience for our students that leads to

exceptional academic gains. DCIs play a central role in the success of their school and work

closely with their Principal and fellow DCIs across Uncommon in driving student achievement

and teacher development. DCIs' responsibilities include the following:

Data-Driven Instruction

• Conduct deep analysis of data in order to lead effective analysis meetings based on daily student work samples;

• Build and implement action plans, materials, and systems to address data, including facilitating Interim Assessment (IA) scoring and norming, developing pre- and post- analysis of IAs for the whole school, and supporting Instructional Leaders (ILs) with data analysis of their department;

• Monitor grade-level or content-area progress against assessment cycle benchmarks;

• Facilitate assessment cycles including quality assurance of assessment materials, teacher/student preparation, and scheduling alongside the Director of Operations;

• Support with regional and network data analysis and response systems.

Feedback and Teacher Development

• Conduct daily observations, integrate feedback into planning and data meetings that lead to teacher and instructional leader development, and support implementation of action steps;

• Provide real-time feedback to teachers during instruction;

• Inform, write, and/or lead teachers’ mid-year reviews;

• Plan and deliver high-quality professional development (within the school, region, or network) that trains staff members in Uncommon’s curricular systems and key pedagogical issues;

• Plan and execute team meetings for grade-level or content-area staff based on school-wide instructional trends;

• Collaborate with the Principal to coach and identify the highest leverage goals for ILs, including leading IL Team Meetings;

• Oversee school-specific data response curriculum (e.g., reteach lessons, response to Power Practice Quizzes, or PPQs);

• Partner with the Principal to curate staff-wide / staff-facing professional development sessions using school-wide action steps or walkthrough data;

• Support with mid-year teacher onboarding, as needed.

 

Whole School Culture

• Support with planning or leading whole school moments and initiatives;

• Lead and manage school-wide academic systems, such as office hours, grade books, or providing feedback to teacher internalization of lessons;

• Be the model of culture and rigor techniques at the school;

• Support Curriculum and Instruction Initiatives

• Plan and facilitate network or regional PD during the summer or school year.

• Support network or regional instructional initiatives related to student achievement - such as supporting regional data analysis and response, or curriculum development.

Mission-Alignment

• Demonstrate a passionate commitment to improving the minds and lives of students in and out of school, and in pursuit of the Uncommon mission;

• Willingness to step up and support the school’s or region’s needs, such as directly teaching a course that’s in the best interest of scholars, supporting school operations in strategically planning staff coverage, or providing direct support to another school;

• Participate in Inspections, school walkthroughs, working groups, and CAT quarterly walkthroughs;

• Collaborate with the Home Office, RSI, Principal, Director of Operations, Dean of Students, Special Education Coordinator, School Social Worker, and other staff to maximize the ability of Uncommon Schools to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development.