Overview
Overview
The director of lower school mathematics adapts, curates, creates, and paces research-based lower school math curricula, which support inquiry-based learning. We seek a professional who is fired up about our liberal arts program, positive approach to discipline, and commitment to serve all students.
The director will create and refine assessments; support instructional leaders with the implementation of curricula; develop materials for and lead network-wide professional development in these curricula and pedagogy; assist with school-based professional development throughout the school year; and, in collaboration with other members of the math team as well as the data and analytics team, use academic data to adjust and focus instruction.
Ascend Public Charter Schools
Ascend is a network of K-12 public charter schools serving 5,700 students in 15 schools across Brooklyn—New York’s most populous borough. Our undertaking is to lead our students on a great intellectual adventure, provide them with an exceptional college preparatory education, and place them firmly on the path to success in college and beyond.
We guide our students to think critically and independently and to enjoy education as an end in itself. We teach a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that nurtures students’ natural curiosity about the world. We foster a positive, non-punitive school culture where students feel connected, empowered, and safe to take academic risks. Even our school buildings are designed to reflect our high aspirations for teaching and learning and the notable accomplishments that occur within our walls.
To create this kind of vibrant learning community, we invest heavily in our faculty by providing ongoing professional training and support, and encourage our educators to collaborate closely and push each other to achieve great outcomes. Leading at Ascend means growing deeply in your career, expressing your voice, and playing a defining role in the future of your students, your school, and the Ascend network.
Ascend is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist (DEIA) community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.
Learn more about the Ascend approach by visiting our website.
Responsibilities
The director of lower school mathematics will create, refine, curate, and pace commercial and “Ascend-developed” math programs that form the basis of the three-part Ascend math program: math workshop, math routines, and number stories (CGI). Additionally, the director will:
- Develop pacing charts, unit guides, and associated materials for all units in grades K-4
- Create assessment items or select items from commercial sources to design formative assessments
- Develop materials for professional development on the curricula to instructional leaders and math teachers
- Support with the facilitation of professional development sessions at the annual Leader Institute and Teacher Institute, and throughout the school year
- Support school-based professional development
- In collaboration with other members of the math team and the data and analytics team, use academic data to adjust and focus instruction
- As directed, participate in curriculum walk-throughs and implementation visits with the curriculum and instruction team, the schools team, and school-based leadership team members
- Continuously research and study developments in mathematics education and best practices being implemented in excellent schools
- Build positive and efficient working relations with the Ascend central schools team and with the leadership teams of each school
Reporting relationships and teams
The director of lower school math shall report to Ascend’s chief curriculum and instruction officer. The director will also collaborate closely with other math team members, members of the curriculum team, principals at each school, Ascend’s director of data and analytics, and other members of Ascend’s schools team.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree strongly preferred
- A sustained record of outstanding academic results as a math teacher in the elementary grades
- Experience coaching teachers in math instruction and preparing and delivering outstanding professional development
- A deep understanding of the Common Core and New York’s Common Core-aligned state assessments in grades K-4
- Broad familiarity with math pedagogies and programs and effective practice
- Expertise in the principles of math teaching and research findings and instruction
- Superb organizational, project management, self-management skills, and problem-solving skills
- Passion and commitment to teaching scholars in underserved areas and to closing the achievement gap
- Relentless drive to set and achieve ambitious goals
- Strong collaboration and teamwork skills
- Growth mindset and ability to use feedback to improve practice
- Insistence on academic excellence and rigor
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
Diversity at Ascend
Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.
Compensation
Ascend offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Please visit www.ascendschools.org/careers to learn more about the benefits of working at Ascend.
Ascend’s Vaccination Policy Statement
To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and protect the health and safety of staff, students, family members, interns, volunteers, and visitors to Ascend’s premises from COVID-19 infection, Ascend requires all staff to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated for the coronavirus. This policy is mandatory except for staff with a documented medical or religious reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
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