The Kerner Family Director of Teaching and Learning The Whitfield School

Job Description

The Kerner Family Director of Teaching and Learning (DTL) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the high quality of the Whitfield academic experience. This position is responsible for fostering professional growth among faculty by designing, coordinating, and implementing formative programs that promote reflection and integrate current research and best practices into pedagogy and curricula. Through these efforts, the DTL supports a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the School’s teaching practices. Complementing this work, the DTL oversees the School’s academic support program. This involves coordinating and supervising the work of learning specialists, and in-house, private tutors. By managing these programs and resources, the DTL ensures that students receive the individualized academic support necessary for their success.

The Director of Teaching and Learning is central to both the ongoing development of faculty and the educational support structures that empower students to thrive. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of pedagogy, a commitment to fostering professional excellence, and a dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

The Director of Teaching and Learning reports to the assistant head of school, and is a member of the administrative leadership team and the academic leadership team. The DTL works closely with the assistant head of school and two division directors in supervising the academic department chairs, supporting their work as curricular and pedagogical leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Faculty and Staff Professional Learning

Articulate and disseminate current research, fostering the integration and adoption of research-based best practices in instructional practice
Collaborate with division directors, department chairs, and grade-level coordinators to evaluate instructional practices and implement targeted improvements
Maintain high quality instructional resources that provide teachers the tools they need to deliver a college-preparatory curriculum
Design and lead professional development initiatives aligned with strategic goals and tailored to the needs of faculty and staff
Lead the Academic Leadership Team in the collection, documentation, analysis, and use of student learning data, both internal and external, to ensure student learning
Partner with division directors to ensure accurate and effective assessment of student learning
Collaborate with department chairs on quality improvement processes that enhance the design and planning of curricula, course delivery, learning environments, and faculty development
Work collaboratively with the director of technology to support faculty and students with the use of technology that enhances academic differentiation and personalized learning.

Student Learning

Oversee the School’s academic support programs ensuring all students have access to resources on, and the ability to improve their skills in, executive functioning, metacognitive strategies, and self-advocacy
Lead student support team meetings, and manage learning specialists and in-house tutors, including determining schedules for intervention, overseeing learning plans, implementation, and parent communication
Launch and oversee the School’s new specialized learning program to offer best-in-class individualized support for the students in the program
Work in 1-on-1 and small group settings with students to
- model, teach, and practice cognitive strategies and executive function skills and
- support students’ understanding of their cognitive profiles
Attend grade level team meetings to discuss student status / progress
Conduct student observations in classrooms, implement formal observation protocols, and provide feedback to support growth
Collaborate and coordinate with outside interventionists to maximize skill transfer and student growth
Coordinate and facilitate meetings with parents, faculty, and other professionals (including on-campus tutors), as necessary
Support the college counseling department with standardized student accommodations
Partner with division directors to organize and implement appropriate data collection and ensure the delivery of standardized testing accommodations

Serve on the admission committee and provide feedback on best fit and institutional limitations

Administration

Contribute to school leadership as a member of both the administrative and academic leadership teams
Supervise and support learning specialists / Evergreen coaches, in order to review student progress, refine coaching strategies, and assess the effectiveness of interventions
In collaboration with the division directors, supervise and lead department chairs to design and support the School’s grades 6-12 curriculum
Collaborate with division directors to support the development of curriculum within their division
Facilitate a systematic cycle of curriculum review and documentation both within sections and across disciplines to ensure vertical alignment of the program and horizontal coordination of the program and student experience
Be a visible presence in the school

Qualities and alignment to Whitfield’s mission, vision, and values:

The ideal candidate for this position possesses a deep understanding of and belief in the power of independent school education. They have a broad background in educational best practices and a clear-eyed and empathetic understanding of adolescents. They will have demonstrated the ability to lead with strength and grace while also setting high standards and expectations for excellence. The ideal candidate is optimistic, reflective, enterprising, creative, and solutions-oriented.

In addition, the strongest candidates will possess or demonstrate the following:

Characteristics, competencies, and dispositions:

Integrity, sound judgment, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and an ability to balance multiple perspectives.
A deep understanding, appreciation, and affection for middle and upper school students.
High emotional intelligence, strong cultural competence, and a demonstrated belief in the value of a diverse and multicultural community.
Inspiring leadership with curiosity, positivity, and a talent for building consensus.
Superior organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Resilience, flexibility, energy, and enthusiasm to work simultaneously on multiple projects and manage competing priorities.
Proficiency and comfort with academic technology.

Qualifications and experience:

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in school psychology, reading instruction, special education, curriculum and instruction, or a related field preferred
Specialized training in student-centered pedagogy, learning strategies, data-informed practices, and student support systems would be highly desirable
A minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role, such as department chair, instructional coach, learning specialist, curriculum coordinator, or academic administrator
A strong track record of designing and implementing professional development initiatives for faculty
Strong proficiency with academic technology and tools used to support teaching, learning, and data collection
Demonstrated success setting expectations for professionalism, accountability, and collegiality
Exceptional written and oral communication skills

Interested candidates should submit the Whitfield Application for Employment form (click he re), which includes submitting two PDF files through the application:

Cover letter outlining your interest in the position
Resume detailing experiences and qualifications

Whitfield actively seeks to forward the equity and diversity of our community in our admissions, programming, policies, and hiring. We do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, age, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, disability status, protected veteran status, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Whitfield School is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all candidates to apply.