Position Overview
The mission of the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) is to provide educators with curricular resources, academic programs, and aligned professional development to ensure rigorous and joyful learning experiences for every student. OTL team members support school-based staff in implementing DCPS's existing academic programs while simultaneously working to rethink and redesign school programming, academic and curricular resources, and educator professional development.
Divisions/Teams
The Content and Curriculum division sets the vision for equity and excellence for each content area in DCPS schools by researching, creating, and curating curricular materials and providing aligned professional development experiences to ensure that all students have access to rigorous and joyful learning experiences every day in every content area. The division also supports schools and develops curriculum and programming in arts, health, physical education, library programs, STEM, global programs, advanced and enriched instruction, and curriculum and assessment innovation.
The Early Childhood Education division supports schools and families in providing PreK students with comprehensive learning experiences that foster confidence and independence. Approximately 6,000 children ages three to five attend early childhood classrooms in 78 elementary schools across the district, including several schools that offer Head Start programming. The division also manages Early Stages programming which works exclusively with children ages 2 years 8 months through 5 years 10 months and is responsible for meeting the District’s obligation under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B (619) to develop a comprehensive child find system to identify and locate all preschool-age children in the District who have a disability. The division also manages the implementation of DCPS' Head Start grant.
The Language Acquisition division welcomes families of linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds to DCPS, leads the process of identifying Multilingual Learner students, and supports schools in developing programs that supports English language acquisition and academic growth. This includes support during the academic day and as part of ELSAP, which is a targeted summer program for ML students. The LAD also manages DCPS compliance with the DC Language Access Act, providing translation and interpretation resources to school and central teams.
The Professional Learning and Educational Technology division sets a vision for professional development for DCPS as well as creates systems, tools, and structures to increase the efficacy of professional learning initiatives. This work includes LEAP, cluster-based PD, district PD and other learning opportunities. The team works across all DCPS offices to increase the cohesion of professional development and broad sharing of knowledge, while exploring new avenues and opportunities for meaningful development and learning for our educators. The team also leads efforts to enhance alignment and cohesion of professional learning initiatives and the integration of educational technology.
The Specialized Instruction division works to reduce the opportunity gap between students with IEPs and their non–disabled peers; and increases equity and excellence in schools through specific academic programming, related services, professional learning, school leadership development, family engagement, dispute resolution, and community partnerships.
STEM is responsible for leading OTL's work in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The team supports the integration of STEM initiatives within the overall DCPS Academic Plan. Additionally, the team oversees the development of mathematics and science curriculum and professional development for teachers. Finally, the team builds and maintains relationships with external organizations, such as industry partners, institutions of higher education, non-profit groups, governmental agencies, and professional societies to further STEM integration.
Within Content & Curriculum, the Manager, STEM Program Implementation and Effectiveness supports the Senior Director in managing major STEM initiatives and program strategy, while managing the planning, logistics, and implementation of authentic learning experiences. The Manager also collaborates with cross-functional teams to strengthen implementation, communications, and operational systems.
The Manager, STEM Program Implementation and Effectiveness will report to the Senior Director, STEM.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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.
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Supports overall program strategy and clear, specific, and ambitious performance measures for multiple projects and operational priorities; and translates targets into individual work goals and deliverables for other team members.
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Advises Senior Director and program managers in strategy meetings; identifies resource needs for program success within the context of broader DCPS strategy and initiatives.
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Coordinates and executes the planning and implementation of Cornerstones, authentic experiences, and special events, in collaboration with content teams and partner organizations
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Helps manage the analysis and presentation of data and progress of data-driven initiatives for OTL senior leadership team and external audiences to determine which activities will have the greatest impact on school improvement, increased equity and student achievement.
- Interviews and surveys other colleagues and management teams to determine opportunities for improvement; researches specific issues; and develops detailed recommendations and implementation plans to resolve.
- Supports the management and distribution of materials, including onsite work in the warehouse as needed.
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Manages and systematizes processes for internal communications; and develops and strengthens resources for program support.
- Builds relationships and liaises with various internal departments to drive collaboration and project success; and interacts with and responds effectively to urgent requests from multiple internal and external DCPS stakeholders.
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Provides organizational and logistical support to key district initiatives.
- Responds effectively to requests from internal and external DCPS stakeholders.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree and 4-7 years of related work experience.
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Previous experience as a K-12 STEM educator.
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Experience with project and program management.
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Experience using qualitative and quantitative data to design and evaluate programs.
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Demonstrated experience working successfully with multiple stakeholders.
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Experience working with urban school reform strongly preferred.
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Experience with coordinating and planning events.
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Strong organizational skills, including keen attention to detail and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
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Outstanding strategic thinking skills.
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Strong data analysis skills.
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Ability to learn quickly, work in a fast-paced and evolving environment, and handle multiple priorities effectively.
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Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
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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].
