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ABOUT THE KAUFFMAN SCHOOL
The Ewing Marion Kauffman School is a free, public charter school serving 1000 students in 5th through 12th grades. Focused on student achievement and strong character, the Kauffman School’s mission is to support students in maximizing their opportunities for post-secondary success. The school serves a student population of which 87% qualify for free and reduced lunch and 90% identify as students of color. Students are accepted by a lottery that prioritizes the six highest-need zip codes within the district. More than 70% of our students identify as first in their families to attend college. From serving as certified doulas to attending graduate school to starting their own local small businesses, our alumni are shaping their post-secondary paths and we are incredibly proud of their determination and drive.
We believe that choosing to teach is choosing to commit oneself to challenging, joyful, enriching work that breaks down systemic barriers that have impacted marginalized students. Educators at the Kauffman School embrace challenges and choose to be part of an organization committed to academic growth for students who deserve choice and opportunity in their lives. The Kauffman School seeks results-driven and culturally-responsive educators to join its team. We are anchored to guiding principles in our work:
- Belief and Connection: We build connections and relationships with each student AND provide excellent, rigorous content in order to value the individual child and show the belief we have in their intellectual goals and pursuits.
- Clear is Kind: We show care through direct and clear communication of our high expectations rather than allowing students to ‘slip through the cracks’ by assuming they will know how to meet our standards without telling them. We also know that one of our roles is preparing our children for a world as college students/graduates that might play by different “rules” than they have previously experienced and it is our job to help them understand how to navigate, challenge the norms of, and dismantle that world.
- Intent and Impact: All of our actions are executed with the purpose and intent to empower every student to reach their full potential. We also believe that as educators, we are called to assess the impact of our actions and adjust course if they are not meeting the intent.
- Cultural Context + Critical Thinking: We approach rigorous learning as an activity that is responsive to students’ cultural contexts and pushes them to think critically.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Kauffman School is currently seeking a strategic and dynamic STEM Dean Instruction. Reporting to the Principal or Assistant Principal, the STEM Dean of Instruction will work closely with the Instructional Leadership Team to rapidly learn how to best coach and support educators in leading strong instruction, how to guide teachers in making data-driven decisions for their classrooms, and how to further develop systems and protocols to ensure that academic achievement and school culture consistently reflects the Kauffman School’s values and goals.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teacher Development and Evaluation
- Model best instructional practices and coach teachers on best practices and interventions to raise achievement for struggling students
- Advise, support, and mentor individual teachers to improve instruction through:
- Daily classroom coaching and feedback
- Curriculum, unit, and lesson collaborative planning and review
- Continuous, high-quality assessment preparation
- Comprehensive and evolving professional development programming
Student Achievement
- Set ambitious goals for student achievement and performance and hold staff accountable for achieving results
- Research, design, and align scope and sequence, and curriculum with Missouri and Common Core standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- In partnership with the Principal, Assistant Principal, and Data and Assessment Team, evaluate school performance data to make holistic and individual recommendations for improving instructional practices
- Facilitate data-driven discussions with instructional staff regarding student performance
Management and Leadership
- Embody and advocate the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the Kauffman School
- Adhere to the policies, standards, and school-wide responsibilities described in the school “Personnel Policies Handbook”
- Model the school’s PREP (Perseverance, Results, Empathy, Passion) values and set the standard for professional behavior
- Coordinate all academically-oriented clubs and extracurricular activities
- Work with parents and the community to achieve maximum involvement in and support of student performance
- Coordinate summer staff orientation and summer curriculum development
- Participate in staff recruitment
- Serve as a key member of the Kauffman School Leadership Team, representing the school to a variety of audiences and supporting all necessary functions for school management and success
- Other duties as assigned by manager
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred
- At least 3 years of experience teaching low-income, minority, or historically underachieving students, with a record of exemplary results
- History of effectively coaching/mentoring both new and experienced teachers
- Significant experience with curriculum development and instructional methodology in science
- Commitment and complete belief in the Kauffman School’s mission and organizational success
- Ability to take feedback well and implement changes immediately
- Entrepreneurial energy and ambition
- Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in the face of competing demands and external pressures
- Ability to be a team player and comfortable planning with others to achieve a common vision
- Acute attention to detail coupled with the ability to think and act strategically
- Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
- Strong written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues, and community members
- Excellent computer skills, especially Microsoft Office and Power School
- Personal qualities of maturity, humility, strong work ethic, and “whatever it takes” attitude
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The Kauffman School offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with relevant experience and anticipated duties and responsibilities, including comprehensive health benefits.
TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should complete a formal application through the Kauffman School Careers page at . Your cover letter should address your interest in the Kauffman School STEM Dean of Instruction and prior experiences that make you a uniquely qualified candidate:
- Share significant academic gains you have led teachers to achieve with students, citing specific evidence and/or data. Explain how your coaching led the teacher to successful results
- Highlight your experience working with low-income, minority, or historically underachieving students
- Provide specific evidence of your alignment with the Kauffman School’s mission of “creating college graduates” and/or the Kauffman School’s Student Core Values
The Kauffman School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming people to flourish in an open and inclusive work environment. A diverse pool of candidates is welcomed and encouraged.
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