Director of Teaching and Learning

Director of Teaching and Learning

Seattle

Job Title: Director of Teaching and Learning

Reports to: Head of School

Supervises: Teaching Faculty

Job Category: Full-Time Exempt, 1.0 FTE, Twelve Months


The Valley School Mission
At The Valley School, we ignite children’s natural passion for learning. Our students develop an academic foundation and become joyful learners through playful work, purposeful play, and the practice of community.

Our Values include: the celebration of childhood, collaboration, creativity, equity and belonging, kindness, and respect for individuality.

Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Justice (DEBJ) Statement
The Valley School honors diversity, practices inclusion, and invites courageous conversations. We strive to create a community where each individual is valued, respected, and included. Though the journey can be muddy—much like our playground—we aim to give every child the tools necessary to flourish.

The Director of Teaching and Learning is a member of the Leadership Team at Valley, with primary responsibility for promoting and sustaining the quality and improvement of the educational program. The Director of Teaching and Learning directs, develops, and evaluates all parts of the school program, including curriculum; assessments of student learning; professional development; teacher supervision and evaluations; and educational initiatives that promote our commitments to environmental justice and anti-racism education. The Director of Teaching and Learning reports to and collaborates with the Head of School.

Essential Functions
In the area of Curriculum, the Director of Teaching and Learning is responsible for:
1. Ensuring a well-articulated scope and sequence through all grades, pre-K through fifth, in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning
2. Working with teachers in researching and developing curricular themes, units, activities, and lessons that will enrich the educational experiences of Valley children
3. Helping teachers develop and implement effective methods of assessing and documenting student learning and skill growth
4. Helping teachers integrate lessons and activities that promote learning in science, technology, and mathematics
5. Collaborating with teachers to ensure continuity between grades and smooth transitions for children
6. Working with the Student Services Coordinator to ensure effective learning for all students, including coordination of standardized testing in Upper School
7. Creating opportunities for collaboration and sharing between teachers and other local and regional elementary educators
8. Developing and implementing a curriculum review cycle to ensure the effectiveness and vitality of the learning program
9. Overseeing biannual student progress reports and school-wide assessments
10. Directing the curriculum mapping process and regular updating of our curriculum guide
11. Directing and coordinating the annual process of creating the academic and class schedules and academic calendar
12. Creating and keeping updated all school schedules (Specialist, Duties, Building Use, Recess, etc.)
13. Managing all teacher, assistant teacher, and specialist absences, and, when necessary, substitute teaching and filling in for duties

In the area of Supervision, the Director of Teaching and Learning is responsible for:
14. Ensuring the quality of instruction of teachers through supervision and annual evaluations, including setting goals and monitoring progress through observations and feedback
15. Identifying and facilitating professional training in teaching methods and curriculum development that support student learning and faculty initiatives
16. Assisting the Head of School in staffing decisions, faculty hiring, orientation, and mentorship of new teachers
17. Helping teachers manage curriculum and classroom budgets and overseeing materials and supplies

In the area of School Leadership, the Director of Teaching and Learning is responsible for:
18. Contributing regular updates and articles about the learning program to the school newsletter and website
19. Presenting the curriculum and learning program to prospective families and to the Board of Trustees
20. Collaborating with Families At Valley ([email protected]) to support and coordinate parent programming
21. Initiating, implementing, and monitoring education initiatives that support the school’s commitments to diversity, equity, belonging, and justice (DEBJ)
22. Collaborating with Head of School and other administrators to identify, prioritize, and accomplish strategic goals
23. Attending Leadership Team, faculty, and other meetings as directed
24. Performing other duties as requested by the Head of School

The Valley School offers salaries that are competitive with comparable schools in the Seattle area and are commensurate with experience and credentials. We also offer an excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and vacation, plus frequent opportunities for professional development.

• Five years minimum of combined teaching and school leadership experience in early childhood and elementary settings
• Extensive experience supervising teaching staff and leading curriculum development
• Bachelor’s Degree, with an emphasis in early childhood and/or elementary education or related areas; Advanced Degree preferred
• Washington State Department of Early Learning MERIT Registration and Washington State teaching certificate preferred
• Clear fingerprint background check

To Apply
Please email a cover letter, a current resume, and three references to Alan Braun, Head of School, at [email protected]
Subject Line: The Valley School Director of Teaching and Learning

07/01/2023

$110,000-$130,000