Job Description

About Us

Born out of a desire to add meaning and understanding in the classroom, Learn And Explore Academy – a non-public, Gifted & Talented, Kindergarten through grade 8 elementary and middle school – makes learning relevant by placing academics within the context of issues and circumstances from the world around us. This contextual instructional approach is the driving force that empowers students to dig deep, ask questions, and develop an enthusiasm and a love of learning. Leveraging a curriculum that is multidisciplinary and integrated, we blur the boundaries between subject areas in a way that develops the skills necessary for success in the 21st-century. Additional details about our instructional program can be found here:

The Role

Learn And Explore Academy is looking for an incredible Director of Curriculum & Instruction (DCI) to join our team for the 2025-2026 school year! The DCI provides professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising, and evaluating a rigorous and creative school curriculum with programs that support the short- and long-term goals and vision of the Executive Director. Learn And Explore Academy's multidisciplinary, integrated approach inspires and develops a love of learning in students by having them solve exciting problems and work on projects that link their academic and technical classes to authentic real-world themes. 

What’s Expected

In the same way that we hold our Explorers (what we call our students) to high expectations, so do we for our instructional staff. This is done in a very purposeful way with specific standards that we apply to all of our teachers and leaders:

• Works with staff to implement a coherent and rigorous curriculum aligned with state and national standards.
• Promotes use of consistent instructional framework and research-based strategies that are data-driven. 
• Builds capacity in teachers in creating lesson plans and units and assessment systems that are aligned with curriculum and instruction priorities.
• Ensures that human, financial, and material resources are aligned to support coherence and alignment by working with the Executive Director within budgetary guidelines.
• Designs, implements, and evaluates school staff development with the Administration Team and with the approval of the Executive Director.
• Trains and monitors teachers by modeling successful practices and strategies for developing and coaching new teachers. 
• Makes regular scheduled and unscheduled classroom observations to support instructional improvement by providing feedback to teachers regarding implementation issues.
• Coordinates with other departments, offices, and organizations to best serve the needs of all explorers.
• Participates in regular professional development to improve knowledge and skills and ensures that all teachers receive on-going professional development for skills improvement. 
• Communicates effectively the Executive Director’s goals and vision to the staff and teachers. 
• Serves as an instructional leader by ensuring that the philosophies of LAE Academy are implemented by all teachers as a focus in ensuring student success.
• Utilizes and promotes technology at all levels.
• Promotes a positive tone for collaborative school/community relations by articulating the mission, seeking community support, and fostering rapport while demonstrating an awareness of cultural activities.

Skills and Characteristics

• Strong instructional and classroom management skills.
• High level of personal organization and planning.
• Team player: maturity, humility, strong work ethic, follow-through, sense of humor, willingness to respond positively to feedback and a growth mindset.
• Strong belief in the Learn And Explore Academy mission and educational model.
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for subject matter.

Educational Background and Work Experience

• At least two years of classroom teaching experience with a proven record of high student achievement.
• At least one year in an administrative instructional leadership role
• Be NYS State Certified in Childhood Education
• Understanding of Integrated Curricula and its effective delivery
• Proficient in ELA best practices with an instructional skew towards developing writing skills
• Passionate about the development and well-being of children
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A proven track record in the use of a rich array of instructional methods, the analysis and use of data and technology to improve instruction and the ability to build professional relationships, solve problems, and plan collaboratively.
• Prepared ability to pass criminal background checks.
• Strong knowledge of educational technology tools.
• Effectively plan, organize and implement educational activities.
• Demonstrable record of making decisions on behalf of children with their well-being the top priority.

Compensation

Our salaries are highly competitive and based on an individual's skills and experiences relevant to the role. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. Starting DCI salaries range from $90,000-$100,000, based on experience.

Learn And Explore Academy is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Russian language proficiency is a plus.

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