Director of K-1 Instruction

The Organization

Prospect Schools is a high-performing, intentionally diverse (“diverse by design”) K-12 college preparatory charter network serving nearly 3,000 across seven schools in Brooklyn. Prospect Schools models its curriculum on the renowned International Baccalaureate Program, a rigorous program that raises the level of academic responsibility for students while preparing them to be global citizens. Our experienced team is dedicated to our mission to prepare a diverse student body to have a positive impact on society and develop a lifelong passion for learning, and guided by our Core Values:

• Curiosity: Develop sound judgment and intellect by asking questions confidently and thinking critically

• Care: Support others by grounding every action in empathy while championing equity and inclusion

• Persistence: Grow and learn by solving problems with determination, creativity, and tenacity

• Passion: Succeed by approaching challenges with excitement, enthusiasm, and self-assurance
  
  

We have a vision to become the leading network of intentionally diverse schools where all students and educators can learn, work, and thrive. Find out more about who we are and what we believe by spending a few minutes reading our Prospector Principles, viewing this peek inside our schools, or reading some stories about our students and educators and graduate outcomes.

About the Role:

Prospect Schools is seeking an organized, flexible, and mission-driven school-based Director of K-1 to join us in support of our growing network of schools. The ideal candidate is fully dedicated to the mission of Prospect Schools and to supporting the success of our students and families. This person will report directly to the Principal and manage the quality of student culture and K-1 instruction for Downtown Elementary School. 

You will be responsible for leading our literacy program and developing and implementing strategies to enhance reading and writing skills across all middle school grades. Your leadership will ensure that our curriculum is engaging, equitable, and effective in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

School Leadership

• Serve as an active member of the school leadership team by participating in weekly School Management Team meetings and assist the Principal in making critical decisions

• Track priority academic and culture data (e.g. course passing rates, racial achievement gaps, etc.); communicate progress to students, teachers and parents

• Cultivate a sense of shared ownership for upholding values of an inclusive community through active modeling of school-wide culture practices

• Work closely with teachers and school culture team members to support efforts in character development, academic habits, and positive school culture

• Lead and support professional development for teachers and school leaders

• Provide consistent feedback to staff and students re: performance goals and upholding community expectations

Academics and Instruction

• Design, implement, and continuously improve our middle school literacy curriculum, ensuring alignment with state standards and our network's mission.

• Coach, develop, and evaluate teachers across a content area

• Manage the curricular programming within your subject areas; ensure vertical alignment and continuously evaluate and revise against grade-level standards

• Demonstrate expertise in summative and formative assessments within your content areas and support teachers in identifying priority standards

• Analyze school-wide data in order to design responsive and effective student interventions

• Develop a highly effective instructional curriculum and schedule, in collaboration with the Principal and Team Teaching & Learning in the Network Support (“Treehouse”) office, ensuring alignment with state standards and our network's mission.

• Observe lessons regularly and deliver targeted feedback to teachers; where necessary, design and implement comprehensive coaching plans to support high-needs classrooms

• Collaborate with grade/subject teams to facilitate planning of units, lessons and assessments; regularly review and provide adjusting feedback 

• Assist teachers to devise and monitor high-impact support plans for students

• Model outstanding instruction for teachers 

• Coordinate and manage creative, inspiring professional development sessions in line with school goals and priorities 

• Train teacher-leaders to facilitate high-impact planning and intervention meetings

Student Culture

• Act as the model for how to build strong, mutually respectful relationships with students and families for one of the school’s grade levels

• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support students' literacy development and address individual needs.

• Lead professional development sessions on differentiated instruction and utilizing co-teaching practices to support students’ diverse needs

• Analyze school-wide culture data and make adjustments to ensure fidelity to Prospect Schools’ vision.

• Foster a love of reading and writing among students, creating opportunities for them to explore diverse texts and express themselves creatively.

• Observe and give feedback on schoolwide systems and classroom culture 

About You

• Deep knowledge of literacy education, including best practices for reading and writing instruction.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a knack for building positive relationships with students, colleagues, and families.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

• Creativity and innovation in curriculum design and instructional strategies.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a passion for creating an inclusive learning environment that celebrates all voices.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree

• Prior experience directly managing, observing, and coaching teachers required

• At least 3-5 years of teaching experience in a diverse by design environment preferred 

• Deep understanding of Humanities curriculum at the elementary and middle school level

• Exceptionally strong organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail

• Adept at collaborating and building community with others

 Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO) or Paid Sick Time (PST) based on date of hire and hours worked per week

• 11-month contract including 2 prescribed weeks of summer vacation (from July 3rd-14th), followed by 2 weeks of remote work as assigned by your Principal (July 17th-28th). This also includes all regular school breaks and holidays during the school year 

• 401(K) and Roth IRA with a 4% employer match with a 3-year vesting schedule

• Flexible spending accounts, including Transit Commuter Options, Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA options

• Ancillary insurance, including Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program with free expert support services to assist with a variety of life issues, from family care to mental health services

Salary:

Employees at Prospect Schools are provided with a competitive salary. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. The salary range for this role is from $108,000 - $119,212

Equal Opportunity Employer

EEO and ADA Statement Prospect Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We actively recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and inclusive staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Prospect Schools is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: careers@prospectschools.org.

The critical features of this job are described above; they may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.