Director of Science and Technology

Date Posted	April 02, 2021
Industry	K-12: Charter Schools
Specialty	Not Specified
Certification Needed
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	Not Specified

Description:

Director of Science and Technology

Brooklyn, New York

WHO WE ARE

Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 2,000 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions to nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

WHO YOU ARE

Explore Schools seeks an experienced leader who demonstrates a drive toward excellence and is eager to engage various community members in setting and planning around a vision for rigorous science and technology-based learning across a network of four elementary and four middle schools. This individual will be responsible for supporting a multi-year plan for science and technology-based curriculum and instruction that is characterized by innovation, culturally responsive pedagogy, and alignment to the Next Generation Science standards.

• Committed to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues
• Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced
• Experience providing network-wide support in science and/or technology; outstanding content knowledge in science and/or technology education in grades K-8; 3+ years of science teaching experience preferred
• Excited by change and the iterative process; experience with contributing to building a curriculum or programming from the ground up
• Strong orientation toward collaborative work: naturally seeks the input of others and sees the importance of gathering multiple perspectives to inform your work
• Influential communicator and team builder; an active listener who can inspire others around a shared vision and motivate team members to work together to execute against the vision that has been set
• Self-aware, constant learner; a reflective practitioner who is aware of his/her strengths and weaknesses, open to feedback and seeks help to improve.
• Systems-based thinker; one who is skilled at creating and implementing systems and processes that enable work to be accomplished effectively across a school or network.
• Track record of academic results; evidence of being able to move the practice of teachers and results of students by responding to data.
• Familiarity with NYS Regents is preferred but not required.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

In partnership with the Assistant Superintendents, The Director of Science and Technology will work closely with our Science/Technology Reimagine committee to identify, plan, and roll out curriculum, professional development, and assessments related to science and technology.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate on the creation of the vision for network science and technology curriculum, assessment and instruction and oversee execution in partnership with stakeholders
• Lead efforts to support schools with network-wide content planning and assessment for science and technology instruction
• Coordinate science and technology related programmatic items (grading, assessment guidelines, professional development and scope & sequences)
• Review school data and observations to provide recommendations and support to school-based leadership teams focused on instructional priorities
• Attend and/or facilitate curriculum and planning meetings with school leadership teams
• Develop and facilitate professional development workshops for school-based content coordinators, academic directors, and teachers
• Facilitate the process to choose/create supplementary materials based on student achievement data and vision for science and technology instruction
• Collaborate with colleagues throughout the Explore Schools network
• Actively engage in identity work and necessary conversations in order to dismantle white supremacy culture

BENEFITS AND PERKS

Explore Schools staff members receive a competitive salary, vacation including network shutdown days, considerable matching of retirement contributions, and more. Additionally, you can expect:

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Professional development: teachers participate in weekly PD, year-round retreats and trainings, and on-going coaching by professionals
• Continued education support: staff are eligible to receive some scholarship towards qualifying certification costs or higher education tuition
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, and committed to direct and sensitive communication
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment

LOCATION

Explore Schools is a network of 8 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our network office is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn. For this specific role, in-person work is required/preferred. Our schools are currently operating with a hybrid model of both remote and in-person instruction. We'll be able to share more specifics around work expectations if you are to move forward in the interview process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status.