We are looking for highly motivated and skilled talent to join our team at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). We seek individuals who are passionate about transforming the DC school system and making a significant difference in the lives of public school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central services employees.
DCPS serves 50,000 students in the nation's capital through the efforts of approximately 4,000 educators in 117 schools. As part of a comprehensive reform effort to become the preeminent urban school system in America, DCPS intends to have the highest-performing, best paid, most satisfied, and most honored educator force in the nation and a distinctive central services staff whose work supports and drives instructional excellence and significant achievement gains for DCPS students.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a key component of DCPS’s effort to increase student achievement, on-track for graduation rates, and readiness for postsecondary success. In collaboration with a DC-wide CTE Task Force and the National Academy Foundation (NAF), DCPS is hiring for a Director, Career Academy. Career academies implement rigorous, integrated CTE programs of study through a small learning community committed to supporting students. Furthermore, an active set of invested partners from industry and higher education will provide a robust continuum of work-based learning opportunities culminating in compensated internships. Each academy is staffed by a full-time director, who is responsible for implementing the following: a high-quality academy, including overall academy management and administration, program, and staff; development, curriculum, student recruitment, and early career awareness programming; and fiscal management, data/evaluation/reporting, and marketing/public relations. The Director is the key liaison with an overarching Career Academy structure, including the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), DCPS’s CTE office, the National Academy Foundation (NAF), the Academy Advisory Board, and school-specific industry/higher education partners. The Director also directly supervises the Coordinator, Career Academy.
This position has been designated as Safety Sensitive. Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying safety sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests: Criminal background check; Sex Offender Registry check; Pre-employment drug and alcohol test; Traffic record check (as applicable); Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
The Director, Career Academy will report to the Principal.
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
Under guidance of the principal and alongside the school leadership team, articulates a clear instructional vision with a focus on teaching and learning that is data-driven, standards-aligned, and rooted in a belief that all students can achieve at high levels.
Supports content specific professional learning communities through LEAP (Learning together to Advance our Practice).
Responsible for leading cycles of lesson planning, content knowledge development, informal informative observations (with feedback sessions), and student work analysis tied to the DCPS CTE curriculum/content.
In collaboration with the school leadership team, identifies effective instructional practices; and conducts research on how to provide feedback, coaching, and professional development to teachers to improve the quality of instruction.
Implements the Academy program in accordance with the NAF model, the DC CTE Strategic Plan, and the high school’s comprehensive school plan, including but not limited to: Academy curriculum and integration across content areas; assessment, progress monitoring, and student support systems; orientation programs, events, and field trips; external activities, such as site visits, guest speakers, and industry seminars; and post-secondary support for alumni.
Develops and maintains robust partnerships with industry and higher education partners, including representing the Academy on the Advisory Board and assisting with development efforts.
Oversees the implementation of student recruitment, including middle grades students and already-enrolled ninth grade students.
Creates, implements, and monitors staff development programs for regular and newly recruited teachers.
Creates incentive awards and programs to develop and maintain high motivation, interest, and commitment from the member teachers and supervisors.
Designs and implements a continuum of work-based learning opportunities throughout high school, including compensated internships for 11th and/or 12th grade students and preparation for success in the workplace.
Works closely with OSSE, DCPS, and NAF and complies in a timely manner with all reporting requirements.
Administers operational components, including financial and management systems and reporting related to budget, grants administration, personnel, fiscal records, and accountability measures.
- Support and oversee the implementation of high-quality instructional feedback for CTE educators in CTE classes according to the district's instructional focus and in alignment with goals in our strategic plan.
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Implement and progress monitor use of district-approved curriculum and best instructional practices by CTE teachers in CTE courses to promote students earning industry-recognized certifications aligned with pathway.
- Master’s degree.
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At least seven years of related work experience, including previous experience in a leadership capacity and experience creating and maintaining partnerships with external stakeholders.
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Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus.
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Career and Technical Education (CTE) experience preferred.
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Demonstrates knowledge of educational theory and practices, including focus on standards-based instruction.
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Demonstrates proficiency in specific CTE content area.
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Demonstrates knowledge of how to use instruction to reach student achievement goals.
- STUDENTS FIRST: We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do.
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COURAGE: We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success.
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EQUITY: We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
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EXCELLENCE: We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions.
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TEAMWORK: We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically.
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JOY: We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodation and/or application assistance is available upon request at all stages of the application and employment process. To request accommodation, please contact [email protected].
