Job Description
The Executive Director of Teaching and Learning serves as a senior district leader responsible for establishing and advancing a coherent, equitable, and high-quality Pre-K -12 instructional system. Reporting to the Senior Executive Academic Officer, this role provides strategic leadership for curriculum design, instructional practice, assessment alignment, and professional learning to ensure all students experience rigorous, culturally responsive, and engaging learning. The Executive Director leads the development and implementation of a shared instructional vision grounded in equity, evidence-based practices, and continuous improvement. This position partners closely with school leaders, instructional staff, and central office departments to align systems, build capacity, and drive measurable improvements in student outcomes in accordance with the district's strategic priorities.
About the Role
The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties:
Responsibilities
• Provide dynamic leadership that leads to scaled deep implementation efforts across SPPS.
• Lead the development, alignment, and continuous improvement of the district's Pre-K-12 curriculum to ensure rigor, coherence, and alignment with state and federal standards.
• Establish and champion a shared instructional vision that centers student achievement, equity, and culturally responsive pedagogy across all schools and programs.
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders and school and district leaders to translate curriculum frameworks into high-quality classroom practice.
• Direct the selection, adoption, and evaluation of instructional materials, resources, and programs.
• Use student achievement data and research-based practices to inform instructional decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Design and oversee a systemic, job-embedded professional learning framework aligned to district priorities and the needs of a diverse PreK-12 student population.
• Support the growth and sustainability of professional learning communities across all district schools and programs.
• Ensure professional development activities are aligned with the district's strategic plan, accountability systems, and federal and state education requirements.
• Develop and implement training in cultural proficiency, diversity and inclusion, and data-driven instructional practice.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of professional learning activities and recommend improvements based on evidence of impact on student outcomes.
• Partner to provide leadership for the district's equity initiatives, ensuring equitable access to high-quality instruction for all students, including those from historically underserved communities.
• Oversee the integration of personalized learning and instructional technology to support individualized student pathways.
• Partner with the Office of Equity and other departments to embed equity-centered practices throughout teaching, learning, and professional development systems.
• Develop and monitor the Teaching and Learning department budget; ensure responsible stewardship of resources in support of instructional priorities.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support direct reports; build a high-performing, collaborative team culture.
• Oversee the implementation of grants and federal/state program reporting related to teaching and learning in collaboration with the Office of Research, Evaluation and Assessment.
• Develop and maintain a district-wide professional development calendar in coordination with school and district calendars.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, higher education institutions, and community partners to advance instructional innovation and secure resources for district initiatives.
• Provide ongoing communication to district staff and building administrators regarding instructional priorities and professional learning opportunities.
• Contribute to the district's strategic planning efforts by partnering with colleagues to promote student achievement and alignment of resources.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Executive Academic Officer.
Qualifications
• Master's degree in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in curriculum, instruction, or instructional leadership in a PreK-12 educational setting.
• Minimum of five (5) years of teaching experience in a K-12 school setting.
• Minimum of three (3) years of administrative experience in a K-12 setting with diverse student populations, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and evaluating educators and/or instructional leaders.
• Demonstrated success leading systemic equity initiatives that closed opportunity and achievement gaps for historically underserved student populations.
• Demonstrated experience using student achievement data to inform instructional decision-making and improve outcomes.
• Valid Minnesota principal or superintendent license issued by the Minnesota Department of Education, or eligibility to obtain such licensure.
Required Skills
• Thorough knowledge of Pre-K-12 curriculum development, instructional design, standards alignment, and evidence-based pedagogy, including MTSS, differentiated instruction, and personalized learning approaches.
• Thorough knowledge of professional learning systems, including adult learning theory, job-embedded coaching, and leadership development practices.
• Considerable knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy, equity frameworks, and strategies for identifying and eliminating systemic barriers to student achievement.
• Considerable knowledge of assessment systems, data use practices, and continuous improvement models to drive instructional effectiveness and student outcomes.
• Considerable knowledge of instructional technology, digital learning tools, and strategies for effective integration across diverse learning environments.
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local education laws, regulations, and accountability systems.
• Considerable knowledge of public sector budgeting, grant management, and resource allocation processes.
Preferred Skills
• Doctoral or specialist degree in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a related field.
• Experience leading district-level curriculum, professional learning, and/or instructional initiatives in an urban school district, including curriculum adoption processes and instructional frameworks.
• Minimum of three (3) years of district-level or central office leadership experience in curriculum, instruction, or instructional leadership.
• Experience developing and implementing professional learning systems grounded in adult learning theory and job-embedded coaching.
• Experience overseeing instructional technology integration or personalized learning initiatives.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs and working collaboratively with state and federal agencies.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and building alignment across departments and stakeholder groups.
Pay range and compensation package
Pay range for this position is: $141,834 - $191,476. Benefit information for this position can be found at this