At Foundation Academies, we promise to equip our scholars to excel in learning and empower them to lead purpose-filled lives. Whether working in a classroom or support role, every member of our learning community is making a real difference in the lives of Black and Brown children. If you believe every child deserves a quality education regardless of zip code, we encourage you to read on. 

We’re looking for a dedicated and talented Dean of Instruction to become part of our Foundation AcademiesTeam!

As the Dean of Instruction, your passion is people. You see the best in people and coach and develop them to rise to all occasions. At Foundation Academies, you show up to equip and empower our educators to be successful inside and outside the classroom, and above all, you show up to care.

Competencies and Responsibilities

Data Driven: Collecting, Monitoring, Planning, and Responding

• Leader analyzes and tracks formative assessment data weekly to identify trends and to monitor and adjust action steps. 
• Plans for all meetings, PD, and feedback sessions using relevant data
• Meeting agendas are sent to direct reports 24 hours in advance
• Lead designated data analysis meetings with direct reports
• Leader plans for feedback meetings so that Directs receive data driven informal and formal performance feedback and coaching. 
• Leader spends time weekly journaling and reflecting on coaching knowledge and skills gaps, using student outcome data.
• Leader coaches Directs to analyze state assessments, formative assessments, external assessments and other standardized tests to ensure effective use of data to inform feedback and next steps.

Support in Developing and Implementing Vision-Driven Strategy for Quality Instruction

• Construct an action plan that includes: Lag measures, Lead measures, tools, expected outcomes, timelines based on the vision and established priorities
• Coach teachers and Content Leads to develop priority aligned instructional strategies and intervention programs that elevate achievement among academically struggling students.
• Assist in the annual curriculum development/revision process.
• Coordinate the purchase and annual inventory of all curricular materials and instructional supplies and equipment for the members of your team.

Coaching and Development 

• Develops personal EQ skills in order to build rapport with each teacher 
• Conducts 2 weekly observations for each teacher and provides feedback in our coaching system
• Plans for each feedback meeting using the 6 step observation and feedback model
• Follows up on each action step given to the teacher and assess mastery
• Ensures feedback on plans (Curricular materials, Unit, and Lesson plans) is provided 1 week in advance of implementation to the teacher weekly. 
• Follows up on feedback to ensure the provided feedback is implemented and mastered
• Leader works with each Direct to facilitate the construction of their Individual Development Plan (IDP) and coaching plan
• Work to finalize and ensure direct reports accomplish goals identified in individual development and coaching plans.
• Revisit and make adjustments to coaching plan throughout the year
• Participate in the planning, development, coordination and delivery of professional development during the summer staff Orientation, Summer Session and throughout the school year.

Growth Focused and Proactive

• Leader is proactive about rescheduling all meetings and observations when conflicts arise.
• Leader research solutions to bridge their strengths and gaps to improve outcomes. 
• Serve as an active member of the school leadership team to support school-wide success.
• Maintain or increase staff attendance and retention rates through coaching and development
• Participate in faculty recruitment and selection as needed.
• Be a great teammate by providing feedback to any staff member within 24 hours when expectations are not met.

In exchange for your dedication, here are just some of the benefits and perks we offer:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefit plans
• Tax-deferred 403b retirement account with 25% matching up to a certain amount 
• Independent, conflict-free, financial wellness advising through Spring Financial
• Optional short or long-term disability benefits through Aflac
• Regular professional development and coaching
• Career advancement opportunities
• Smartphone and fully paid wireless plan through T-Mobile
• Windows-based work laptop computer
• Regular team-building activities and outings
• 10 sick days and 3 personal days that roll over annually
• Generous vacation time: 20 vacation days per year with 5 rolling over annually
• A rewarding career that positively impacts the lives of our amazing students

Foundation Academy offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position with yearly increases. The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $110,000. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and midpoint depending on experience and in alignment with internal equity. 

Your schedule will be Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:15pm.

Qualifications

• You preferably have three plus years teaching and two plus years coaching experience in an urban or low-income setting. Understanding how to get students excited about learning and preparing them for the nation’s finest college
• You are committed to living out our mission.
• You possess or are eligible for NJ certification in a K-6 Instructional Certification/Middle School Specialization/High School Specialization 
• You have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (if graduated after Sept 2015) or 2.75 (before Sept 2015) for certification requirements

Did you know that research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications? Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If most of the job description much of this describes applies to you, we encourage you to apply.

Supporting/Additional Documents Requested

• Semifinalist candidates will be required to provide unofficial transcripts, evidence of certification/eligibility, and 3 professional references. 
• Hired candidates are responsible for the following: official transcripts, criminal clearance (fingerprinting), and medical clearance (TB/Mantoux testing) as required by NJDOE.

Want to join our FAmily?

We are Foundation Academies: Trenton, New Jersey’s largest and highest-ranking K-12 free public charter school. Our mission is to ensure that all of our students secure the academic knowledge and skills to prepare them for the nation’s finest colleges, and to instill in them the core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. We serve more than 1,000 of the city’s K-12 population across four schools on two campuses. We admit students by lottery, irrespective of gender, race, household income, or academic ability. 

Our team of experienced and mission-driven urban educators values growth mindsets, lifelong learners, and individuals who believe that every child deserves an excellent education. We hold ourselves, our students, and our city to high standards because that’s what our families deserve. 

We are conveniently located a quick car ride to downtown Princeton, a 45-minute SEPTA ride to Philly’s Center City, and a hop on the NJ Transit Express to New York City.