Director of Social Studies and Civic Education

Providence Public Schools

  • Rhode Island
  • $120,894-129,075 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
JOB DESCRIPTIONThe Providence Public School District (PPSD) serves approximately 22,000 students (about the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) attending our 37 schools. PPSD employs more than 3,200 professionals who work in and provide support to our schools, which include 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 11 high schools, and 2 public district charter schools. Of our employees, about 2,000 are educators, and over 600 others directly support our schools' students and families.Our schools are diverse learning communities. Approximately 68% of our students are Latinx, 15% Black, 7% White, 4% Asian, 5.5% Multi-racial and 1% Native American. Approximately 40% of students are multilingual, and about 16% receive special education services. Approximately 55% of students come from homes where English is not the primary language spoken. Our students and families speak more than 55 languages and hail from 91 countries of origin.
The Director of K-12 Social Studies & Civic Education coordinates and provides leadership for the development and implementation of social studies and civics curriculum, instruction, and assessment in elementary, middle, and high schools and monitors this implementation through school visits, data analysis, and collaboration with other content area supervisors and departments within our district. The supervisor provides leadership for delivering professional learning to administrators, instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and classroom teachers, as well as evaluating and selecting research-based curricula and resources. The Director communicates the goals and aims of the program to the district leaders, staff, and community. They are responsible for increasing social studies achievement throughout the district for all groups of students. The Director also develops and supervises a world-class civic education program that is scaffolded across grade spans - elementary, middle, and high - to develop civic-minded and critically conscious students who are well-versed in their civic rights and responsibilities. They work with district supervisors of other content areas, network leaders, school leadership teams, teachers, and community members to create interdisciplinary opportunities that guide students to become productive and strategic-minded agents of positive change who can advocate for their communities, nation, and world.Works under the general direction of the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, with latitude for exercising independent judgment in the performance of assignments. Work is subject to judgment in the performance of assignments. It is also subject to review based on results obtained and for conformance to laws, regulations, policies, rules, and defined goals and objectives. The Director also plans, directs, and coordinates the work of subordinate employees assigned to the Director of Social Studies & Civic Education.EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCERIDE Requirements:Rhode Island District Level Administrator Certificate - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and/or Building Level Administrator and one or more of the following:RI Elem. KG-6 or Elem. 1-6 with MS Social Studies Ext. 5-8, orRI MS Social Studies Ext. 5-8, orRI Sec. Social Studies 7-12 with MS Social Studies Ext. 5-8, orRI Sec. Social Studies 7-12 CertificationRight to Read Proficiency within one year of hireMaster's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in the areas of social studies, curriculum and instruction, or administration/educational leadership required;5 years of outstanding teaching or related experience in social studiesESL PreferredBilingual or Multilingual preferredDESCRIPTION OF DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND CURRICULAR LINKAGESThis role is an exciting opportunity to serve as a leader within a diverse and dynamic team committed to transforming public education in the Providence Public School District (PPSD). We are hiring someone who believes in all students' capacity to achieve at high levels and can work collaboratively with a diverse set of partners and stakeholders to drive transformative change within and outside of the organization.We're looking for someone to:?
  • Provide leadership for district-wide social studies programming inclusive of standards-based curriculum development, resource selection, and staff development including summer and after school programs.
  • Meet regularly with social studies department and teacher leaders to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation of curriculum and instructional vision.
  • Play a leadership role in the design and implementation of a multi-tiered system of support.
  • Coordinate proven, research-based methods and strategies for curriculum reform; collect and analyze data to improve products and services delivered to schools to support student achievement; provide leadership in designing and developing new programs and initiatives to meet identified needs.
  • Coordinate the design, support, and implementation of quality professional development programs in social studies and civic education for principals, coaches, teachers, and support staff consistent with district and national professional learning standards.
  • Monitor the quality of implementation of the social studies and civic education programs and instruction in classrooms.
  • Examines student and school data and provides recommendations and action plans to ensure high achievement for all learners.
  • Establish collaborative relationships with other divisions in PPSD and the RI Department of Education that support the department's mission.
  • Collaborate with network staff to identify and coordinate targeted school-based support to improve social studies and civic education.
  • Ensure that District initiatives comply with state standards and federal guidelines.
  • Develop and present information and programs to professional staff groups and community groups; work with community and school groups to build knowledge of effective curriculum and instruction practices; articulate PPSD vision and goals to various audiences and stakeholders.
  • Assist in the development and management of budgets to support and maintain quality district social studies programs and civic studies initiatives Pre-K-12.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with partners to support social studies and civic studies work in the district, in partnership with the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
  • Provide professional learning, training, and general oversight of the work of district library media specialists, specifically in social studies and civics instruction and research.
  • Collaborate closely with Transformation Officers and Principals to integrate social studies and civic education into school performance plans and strategies aimed at elevating student achievement.
  • Conduct regular classroom visits to observe social studies and civic education instruction, providing actionable feedback to educators to enhance instructional practices and student engagement.
  • Collaborate with the Office of Special Populations and Multilingual Learners to ensure the curriculum and pedagogical practices support the acceleration of learning for all learners.
  • Experience in orchestrating cross-departmental initiatives to foster interdisciplinary opportunities that promote social studies and civic engagement among students.
  • Adept at engaging in and navigating difficult conversations with sensitivity and professionalism, ensuring constructive outcomes that benefit the educational environment.
  • Proficient in reporting program developments, challenges, and successes up to the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction and down to educators, ensuring effective communication and alignment with program goals.
  • Achievement Focus: Sets challenging goals, demonstrates persistence, and overcomes obstacles to achieve goals.
  • Equity: Exhibits a commitment to equity and creates a sense of urgency to close achievement gaps.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS STANDARDSAdministrative or supervisory experience desirable.Successful recent leadership experiences in assessing program needs, curriculum development, program implementation, and staff training or other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.Experience in test development, curriculum development, and grant writing desirable.Experience with computers and instructional technology applications.Experience using instructional technology to support teaching and learning, curriculum development, staff training, and program and student accountability.5 years of successful leadership experience (building leader/principal, assistant principal, and/or instructional coach).Significant K-12 urban leadership experience in assessing program needs, curriculum development, program implementation and staff training; or other combinations of applicable education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.Knowledge of research-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills.Provide site level observation, feedback, model lessons, coaching, and support in continuous improvement strategies relative to social studies curriculum and instruction regularly.Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change quickly and meet deadlines.A proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative.Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one's work.Commitment to the belief that all students can learn, to educational equity, and to the PPSD vision.Please submit the following with your application:1. A cover letter detailing your interest in Providence Public Schools and how your professional experience has prepared you for this role is recommended, but not required. The priority deadline for applying is one week from the posting date. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your application through Government Jobs.2. A Written Prompt: Explain your educational vision and philosophy (300 words or less). Include the following sentence starters:I (do/do not) believe that all students can learn at high levels because...I (do/do not) believe in holding people accountable for high expectations and high standards in instruction and curriculum by...Based on your statements, provide a theory of action for each area. (each 250 words or less).We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, holidays, and Personal Time Off (PTO).AgencyProvidence SchoolsDepartmentChief Academic OfficeAddress797 Westminster StreetProvidence, 2903Phone4014569100Website

Providence Public Schools