Director - Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Thayer Academy

Thayer’s inaugural Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (DTLE) will play a central role in advancing the academic program and student experience across the middle and upper school divisions to ensure the highest degree of student engagement and learning excellence. 

Reporting to and in partnership with the Assistant Head of School for Academics (AHOS), the DTLE is responsible for fostering and driving professional growth among faculty by designing, coordinating, and implementing formative programs that promote reflection and integrate current research and best practices into pedagogy and curricula. Through these efforts, the DTLE will support a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the school’s teaching practices. The DTLE works closely with the AHOS, division directors, and academic department heads in supporting their work as curricular and pedagogical leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead professional development initiatives aligned with strategic goals and tailored to support teaching faculty, including in their differentiation of instruction
• Partner with the AHOS, senior leadership, department heads, and faculty to (1) lead a comprehensive curricular review, including evaluation, planning, evolution, and implementation of new Upper School advanced courses that meet the evolving needs and interests of students and support their preparation for, matriculation, and success at leading colleges and universities across the world, and (2) map, plan, and implement a curricular scope and sequence across divisions and departments that aligns with institutional priorities and critical skills and learning experiences 
• Partner with the AHOS to support evaluation and practices that ensure vertical alignment of the program and horizontal coordination of the program and student experience
• Craft and deliver impactful summer and school year professional development institutes for both Thayer and outside educators, and support Thayer’s further development into an industry leader in the educational professional development space
• Articulate and disseminate current research, fostering the integration and adoption of research-based best practices in instructional practice
• Collaborate with division directors and department heads to implement innovative, data/research-driven programs and initiatives
• Evaluate and enhance instructional practices 
• Maintain high-quality instructional resources that provide teachers the tools they need to deliver a deeply engaging college-preparatory curriculum
• Work collaboratively with the AHOS and the director of technology to support faculty and students with the use of technology, including AI, that enhances academic differentiation and personalized learning
• Teach/co-teach one class

Qualities and alignment to Thayer’s mission, vision, and values

The ideal candidate for this position possesses a deep understanding of and belief in the power of independent school education. They have a broad background in educational best practices and a clear-eyed and empathetic understanding of adolescents. They will have demonstrated the ability to lead with strength, sound judgment, open-mindedness, empathy, and grace while also setting high standards and expectations for excellence. 

Superior organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail are a must. This includes an enthusiasm for working simultaneously on multiple projects and managing competing priorities. The ideal candidate is optimistic, reflective, enterprising, creative, and solutions-oriented. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of pedagogy, a commitment to fostering professional excellence, and a dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The DTLE should have facility in building consensus as well as being a self-starter who can work independently on complex projects.

Qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in education or a related field
• Specialized training in student-centered pedagogy, learning strategies, data-informed practices would be highly desirable
• A minimum of five years of experience in a leadership role, such as department head or academic administrator
• A strong track record of designing and implementing professional development initiatives for faculty
• Strong proficiency with academic technology and tools used to support teaching, learning, and data collection
• Demonstrated success setting expectations for professionalism, accountability, and collegiality
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills

Salary Range

$95,000-125,000

Application Information

Thayer encourages applications from Teaching Fellow candidates from all academic disciplines who are committed to building their capacity as reflective and innovative teaching practitioners and to supporting the Academy’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.

• Please click here to complete an application and upload your resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three to five references, including two present or past supervisors.

• Equal Opportunity Act: Thayer Academy is an equal opportunity employer. The Academy complies with and adheres to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws with respect to its employment practices. Thayer Academy does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin or ancestry, age, or disability, or any other category protected under state or federal law. This policy extends to recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, assignment, working conditions, promotions, transfers, termination, re-employment, education, tuition assistance, employee treatment, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. All employment-related decisions are made on a nondiscriminatory basis so as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity.

• Americans with Disabilities Act: Thayer Academy complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training, and any other conditions or privileges of employment.

Salary : $95,000 - $125,000