Oskaloosa Community Schools
Human Resources and Capital
TITLE: Director of Teaching and Learning
DEPARTMENT: District-Wide
REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools
RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Core Leadership Team
BASIC FUNCTION (BF1):The Director of Teaching and Learning shall serve as the chief academic officer of the school district. They shall provide strategic and operational leadership for the entire organization in the area of teaching, learning, instruction, and curriculum. The director shall be responsible for the daily operations and effectiveness for successful academic outcomes for students. The director shall also be responsible for the general administration and leadership of the academic operations of the organization and adhere to the Iowa Standards for School Leaders. (ISSL) This position requires continuous use of independent judgment.
SKILLS AND JOB FUNCTIONS (For all Oskaloosa Community Schools Positions SJF1-13)
Demonstrated Experience or Willing to Acquire Skills:
- Exhibits essential dispositions and ownership of the district mission of “Engaging all Students to Embrace the Power of Learning.”
- Exhibits essential dispositions and ownership of the district vision of “Believe, Achieve, and Create with Pride”
- Exhibits essential dispositions and ownership of the district core values
- Exhibits essential dispositions of being a collaborative leader and colleague who is empathic, motivated, and humble
- Exhibits effective communications skills
- Effective outcomes in providing students behavioral and socio-emotional support
- Exhibits patience, tolerance, persistence, and flexibility for effective outcomes for students
- Exhibits organization, growth mindset, grit, and enthusiasm for effective outcomes for students
- Prompt and regular attendance
- Animated hospitality approach to students, parents, colleagues, and stakeholders
- Demonstrate confidentiality as needed and required
- Success in the area of cultural competency and working with students from diverse backgrounds
- Comply with Oskaloosa Community Schools Board Policy/Regulations and Handbook Policy
HIRING SPECIFICATIONS (HS1-51):
Demonstrated Experience or Willingness to Acquire Skills
- Serves as the chief academic officer of the school district; is responsible, either directly or through leadership and delegation, for all programs and systems that engage the organization's primary mission and vision of successful academic achievement
- Provides leadership in defining and implementing an instructional framework that supports the learning of all students, leads to equitable student outcomes, and honors the identity of each student
- Responsible for all organizational academic assessments, including program organization, oversight, and reporting
- Leads and empowers teacher leadership throughout the organization for effective outcomes
- Leads as a leader of leaders who empowers and grows capacity for effective outcome
- Serves as a chief advisor to the superintendent, board of directors, and core leadership team
- Leads in the area of effective change and transformational leadership in complex organizations
- Leads in the area of maintaining effective employee engagement and healthy culture while advancing the mission and vision of the organization
- Leads and provides direction for curriculum improvement based upon research, analysis of district data and community needs in conjunction with the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan
- Responsible for continuous learning to remain informed and competent in best-practice research on the changing nature of the effective academic strategies, programs, and approaches
- Leads and participates in discussions on evolving demands and expectations and the impact on organization programs and systems
- Uses forecasting tools and strategies to predict future needs
- Provides leadership to development of a comprehensive professional development program for all instructional staff, including ongoing administrative professional development and support in enhancing academic instructional practices
- Responsible for fiscally responsible strategies that are effective and sustainable, including making recommendations to the superintendent and board on appropriate FTE allocations
- Collaborates, coaches, and directs administrators, teachers, instructional coaches and other departments leaders to identify best practices and to improve academic practice
- Responsible for the development of effective instructional support methods, including instructional coaching, probationary teacher professional development and District sponsored university courses.
- Leads and collaborates with administrators, teachers, and instructional coaches in selecting, developing, and aligning curriculum consistent with state academic standards and district philosophy and goals.
- Responsible for the effective articulation of curriculum across the PK-12 system
- Reviews district instructional and curricular programs for cultural responsiveness that lead to equitable outcomes for all students
- Collaborates with all relevant stakeholders to continually improve the inclusivity of instructional methods and curriculum
- Responsible for compliance with all local, state, and national law, regulations, and code in the area of instruction and academics
- Directs and supervises the study and selection of all instructional material and resources in accordance with district policies and regulations related to CSIP.
- Collaborates with the leadership team in developing the academic vision and strategic plan for the organization
- Responsible for analyzing, developing, reviewing, recommending, and implementing policy and regulations in the area of academics for the organization
- Oversees organizational management in all assigned areas as designated by the superintendent and board
- Develops and implements effective systems and structures for the efficient operations of the academic programs of the organization; responsible for the effective outcomes of these systems
- Recruits and assigns staff based on qualification and strengths and ensures they possess and practice the values necessary to achieving the level of program delivery and customer service that is essential to a highly effective organization
- Assesses, evaluates, and provides for training and professional development of direct reports and other staff as assigned and needed
- Leads in the area of effective communication to all stakeholders for clarity of the vision and strategy
- Cultivates a collaborative environment where discourse and sharing of ideas is encouraged, effective, and leads to improved academic outcomes for students
- Collaborates and leads in the evaluation of designated personnel and makes recommendations regarding employment assignment and salary
- Establishes and maintains effective systems of data collection and analysis that provides for continuous assessment of academic program effectiveness and/or changing needs
- Responsible for annual review and evaluations of the effectiveness of all programs and strategies in the area of student academic achievement
- Leads in the area of creating reports and communications to the staff, students,leadership team, superintendent, board, and stakeholders on the current progress of all academic programs and strategies
- Serves as a visible leaders by being constantly present in classrooms, schools, teacher meetings, professional learning, and other events that are relevant or assigned
- Provides continuous feedback and coaching to direct reports and other staff as needed and directed
- Attends such conventions and conferences as are necessary to keep informed of the latest educational trends.
- Lead in the area of advancing the interests of the school district at the local, state, and national level
- Assist with other duties as may be assigned
- Demonstrate consistent progress on meeting and exceeding the ten Iowa Standards for School Leaders
ABILITIES (A1):
This position will require physical demands that include constant standing, walking, reaching, pushing/pulling, lifting under 70 pounds, and carrying items at least 35 feet. There will be frequent climbing of stairs and manual dexterity tasks. There will be occasional sitting and vehicle driving. The working conditions will be constantly inside/outside with extremes of temperature and humidity.
KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION (KE1-2 and KED1-3):
Required:
- Master's Degree in Educational Leadership
- Iowa Administrative Certification with evaluator approval
- Demonstrated successful experience as a classroom teacher (at least 3 years)
Desired:
- Specialist or Doctorate Degree
- Knowledge and experience in leading transformational change
- Demonstrated and successful experience in school administration and/or educational leadership
POSITION INVENTORY: Certified
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
FT/PT: FT
All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job skills and functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Learn More About Oskaloosa Schools:
Welcome to Oskaloosa Schools! We are delighted for your interest in the opportunity to join our staff in our mission of Engaging All Students to Embrace the Power of Learning. Our passionate team is #AllIn on our mission to engage in bold strategies of reaching and improving our world—one student at a time.
Oskaloosa Schools enjoy incredibly strong community support. Our more than 2,000 students are served in state-of-the-art, air-conditioned facilities, which were recently updated in a $14 million construction project thanks to overwhelming citizen support for a local option sales tax.
Elementary students receive the benefits of learning in one comprehensive facility serving K-5 grade students. Oskaloosa Middle School (grades 6-8) and Oskaloosa High School (grades 9-12) are located on a single campus. They are split by George Daily Auditorium, a 695-seat facility for student and community use. Eight professional off-Broadway productions, the Oskaloosa Schools Performing & Fine Arts programs, and a year-round children’s theater program are all supported by this venue, which averages over 200 annual events.
Oskaloosa Schools is a leader in offering big-city options in a small-town environment. Even with elementary class sizes averaging 18:1 and secondary classes averaging 16:1, we pride ourselves on delivering a range of innovative and flexible learning choices for students. These include robust career and technical readiness classes through Indian Hills Community College, Home School Assistance, and an accredited Virtual Academy. College readiness is highlighted through our Advanced Placement coursework and unique partnerships with William Penn University.
We are also proud to offer a free 4-year-old preschool program to prepare our youngest students for academia in a new, state-of-the-art Early Childhood Education Center, connected to a recreation center constructed by the City of Oskaloosa in 2021. Oskaloosa Schools remains a leader in education in Iowa and is quickly becoming the school district of choice for our outstanding options and small class sizes. See for yourself what makes Oskaloosa an incredible place to work, live, and thrive!
Learn More About the Oskaloosa Community:
Oskaloosa is the #NewIowa, where big-city opportunities meet a small-town atmosphere and value. Our community maintains a reputation as an economic leader in advanced technology manufacturing, higher education, and healthcare.
We are the headquarters for a number of multinational industries that are advanced manufacturing leaders and provide solutions for global customers. This strong economic growth has led to tremendous development and community sustainability growth that ensure we have world-class recreation, arts, and social opportunities for people from all walks of life. A high-speed fiber optic system delivers world-class gigabit communication solutions capable of growing with the changes and demands of our schools, businesses, and families.
Our historic downtown is a hub for shopping, dining, live music, and seasonal events. It has been voted one of America’s Most Beautiful Downtowns by Travel & Leisure magazine and named an Iowa Great Place. The George Daily Auditorium hosts more than 200 performing arts events annually, including professional national tours.
Our community takes great pride in its efforts to enhance the local environment, the area arts community, and the traditions of our Native American history. Wellness and learning are priorities, as evidenced by our state-of-the-art hospital and recreation facilities. Walkers and bikers enjoy our 15-mile trail, and with more than 200 acres of sports facilities, all you need is a bat or ball to get into the game! Come find out why Oskaloosa is a wonderful place to live.
To learn more or schedule a tour, please contact us:
● Learn more about our careers www.oskyjobs.org
● Email: careers@oskycsd.org
● Phone: 641 673-8345
● We look forward to meeting you!
