Managing Director of Academics

The Managing Director of Academics at Alpha Public Schools is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of the network's academic initiatives. This includes developing comprehensive TK-12 academic strategies, supervising the academic team, analyzing achievement data, and ensuring effective implementation of instructional materials across all grade levels and content areas. The role involves collaboration with school leaders and external partners to set expectations, drive instructional improvement, and foster a community-centric learning environment.

To be a successful Managing Director of Academics at Alpha Public Schools, applicants should have at least a Bachelor's Degree, with a Graduate Degree preferred. Experience spanning five years in progressively responsible roles within various content areas, especially within California's educational framework, is essential. Familiarity with the California Common Core Standards and state assessments, excellent communication skills, robust people management experience, and a proven track record in leading change management initiatives are also critical for this role.

The Managing Director of Academics plays a pivotal role in enhancing student success at Alpha Public Schools by implementing high-quality instructional strategies, ensuring consistent alignment and support across schools. By analyzing academic data and developing aligned action plans, they identify root causes of performance gaps, facilitating targeted interventions. This leadership ensures that all students receive an inclusive and effective educational experience, aligned with our mission to prepare them for college and careers.

The salary range for the Managing Director of Academics position at Alpha Public Schools varies between $137,338.00 and $154,854.00, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The role also comes with a competitive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to attracting top talent dedicated to transforming education in East San José.

At Alpha Public Schools, professional development for educators is tailored to strengthen instructional practices and content expertise. The Managing Director of Academics will collaborate with leadership to design and execute comprehensive professional learning strategies aligned with identified needs. This includes facilitating workshops and training sessions for school leaders and teachers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement through collaboration and best practices that enhance overall student learning outcomes.

To develop a comprehensive academic strategy, I would first conduct a thorough analysis of the current instructional practices and achievement data within the network. Collaborating with key stakeholders, including school leaders and educators, I would identify areas for improvement and set specific, measurable goals. By aligning the strategy with the California Common Core Standards and considering the diverse needs of our student population, I would create an actionable plan that incorporates ongoing assessment and feedback loops for continuous enhancement.

In my previous roles, I’ve successfully implemented change management processes by first establishing a clear vision and rationale for the change. I prioritized communication with all stakeholders to foster buy-in and address concerns. I developed detailed training and support structures to ensure smooth transitions, regularly checking in on progress and gathering feedback to adjust strategies as needed. This process helped cultivate a sense of ownership among educators, ultimately leading to more effective adoption of new initiatives.

I employ a mix of quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Quantitatively, I look into standard assessments, benchmark scores, and state accountability metrics, while qualitatively, I review observational data and feedback from educators. This dual approach allows me to identify trends and root causes of challenges accurately and to devise targeted strategies that enhance student learning outcomes.

I prioritize resources by first assessing the specific needs of our students and alignment with our academic goals. This includes evaluating instructional materials, professional development needs, and personnel allocations. Collaborating closely with my academic team and school leaders, I ensure that resources are allocated to the areas with the greatest need and potential for impact, keeping a keen eye on data to continually refine and optimize our efforts.

Building a collaborative team environment starts with fostering open communication and mutual respect among team members. I encourage regular discussions around instructional strategies and feedback, creating opportunities for collaborative problem-solving. By involving my team in decision-making processes and professional development opportunities, I empower them to contribute their expertise and insights, resulting in a culture of shared ownership and commitment to our students’ success.

I ensure alignment with the California Common Core Standards by conducting regular reviews of instructional materials and practices, collaborating with educators to provide targeted training, and monitoring implementation fidelity. Additionally, I promote data-driven decision-making, ensuring that assessments and learning objectives reflect core standards throughout the academic strategy, thus fostering an environment where educators are well-prepared to deliver aligned instruction.

Supporting diverse learners involves implementing differentiated instruction and creating inclusive curricular approaches. I utilize formative assessments to understand individual needs and adapt teaching methods accordingly. Collaborating closely with special education teams and utilizing culturally responsive teaching practices ensures that we meet all students where they are and empower them to achieve their academic goals.

In situations of disagreement, I facilitate open dialogue among the staff to understand different perspectives. I encourage a focus on evidence-based practices and steer the conversation towards the common goal of student success. By fostering a safe environment for discussions, I help the team collaboratively assess the benefits and challenges of various strategies, ultimately guiding them towards a consensus rooted in research and best practices.

Professional development is a cornerstone of my vision as Managing Director of Academics. It empowers educators to refine their instructional practices and stay up-to-date with educational research. By developing targeted professional development initiatives that address specific needs and priorities of our educators, I ensure that they are well-equipped to create impactful learning experiences, thus directly contributing to the overall mission of Alpha Public Schools.

Community engagement is vital in education because it builds trust, support, and collaboration between schools and the families we serve. Engaging the community creates a shared investment in students’ success and fosters an inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. It leads to enriched educational experiences and ensures that our programs are responsive to the real needs of our students and their families.