Director of Elementary Education (PK-5)

Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for a dynamic instructional leader to serve as the Director of Elementary Education. Under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Student Supports the Director of Elementary Education oversees all aspects of teaching and learning from PK-5). Dorchester County Public Schools is in the midst of dramatic systemwide improvement and is entering the first year of implementation of our ambitious Believe in Us: Advancing Our Potential Together Strategic Plan. This is a unique opportunity to help lead transformational work from the ground up as part of a creative results-focused leadership team.

The Director of Elementary Education will thrive in a fast-paced innovative environment partnering closely with principals instructional coaches and central office leaders to strengthen teaching and learning in every elementary classroom. The ideal candidate possesses an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at the highest levels and is energized by leading bold student-centered change that turns that belief into measurable outcomes for every child.

The Director provides visionary and transformative leadership for a cohesive aligned and high-quality PK5 instructional program including core academics enrichment disciplines and specialized instructional supports ensuring all students experience rigorous curriculum highly effective instruction and a comprehensive data-driven system of assessment. This role ensures consistent implementation of the DCPS Instructional Process strengthens principal instructional leadership elevates teacher capacity through the district coaching model and drives continuous improvement aligned with the Believe in Us Strategic Plan and the Maryland Instructional Leadership Framework.

DUTIES:

Curriculum Instruction & Assessment Leadership

• Lead the design implementation monitoring and continuous revision of a coherent PK5 Curriculum Instruction and Assessment program.
• Ensure vertical alignment of curriculum from PK5 with smooth transitions to secondary programs.
• Oversee development selection and implementation of instructional materials textbooks digital resources and assessments.
• Coordinate development and implementation of the comprehensive assessment system including formative and interim assessments.
• Ensure curriculum and instruction reflect current research evidence-based practices and Maryland standards.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional stakeholder committees and task forcesincluding teachers building leaders content specialists and district staffto guide shared decision-making in curriculum instructional practices and assessment selection and implementation.
• Provide leadership and oversight for literacy initiatives early numeracy development and disciplinary literacy (PK5).
• Monitor the fidelity of curriculum implementation across all elementary schools using district-developed walkthrough tools observation protocols and data review processes aligned to shared instructional expectations.
• Ensure that library media fine arts physical education health education gifted and talented services and instructional technology are intentionally aligned to the PK5 curriculum and implemented as part of a cohesive well-rounded instructional program.
• Collaborate with school leaders instructional coaches and department chairs to integrate enrichment and specialized instructional areas into core instruction in ways that enhance student engagement creativity literacy development and overall academic success.

School Leadership Support & MTSS

• Support principals and school leadership teams in implementing district instructional expectations.
• Provide guidance on the use of data for school improvement planning PLC work and MTSS structures.
• Monitor building-level implementation of School Improvement Plans.
• Ensure alignment of PK3 readiness initiatives early intervention processes and early childhood articulation.

Coaching System & Educator Growth

• Supervise and evaluate the Coordinator of Educator Growth & Development Elementary.
• Provide strategic leadership for the districts elementary instructional coaching program (12 coaches) ensuring alignment with district instructional priorities.
• Ensure instructional coaches are implementing the district coaching model with fidelity focusing on supporting high-quality curriculum delivery evidence-based instructional practices and data-informed instructional improvement.
• Establish and maintain clear expectations for coaching roles responsibilities and scope of work to ensure coaches function as instructional coaches and are not assigned non-coaching duties.
• Develop and oversee expectations for coaching cycles feedback structures (FAST) and walkthrough processes aligned to continuous improvement.
• Oversee and facilitate professional learning and ongoing development for instructional coaches and building-level instructional staff.

Early Childhood Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight of early childhood programs (PK3K) to ensure alignment with district instructional priorities.
• Collaborate with the Supervisor of Early Childhood to support implementation of curriculum instruction assessment and family engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Supervisor in partnership with Head Start Judy Center and community-based providers.
• Review early childhood readiness data (e.g. R4K/KRA) with the Supervisor to inform district planning.
• Ensure alignment of early childhood initiatives with PK5 instructional goals and MTSS structures.

Professional Learning

• Lead the creation and implementation of a PK5 professional learning system aligned to district priorities.
• Provide and coordinate PD for administrators teachers and staff related to curriculum instruction and assessment.
• Ensure PD is differentiated evidence-based and aligned to adult learning principles.

Data Accountability & Reporting

• Analyze MCAP benchmark early literacy and other district data to recommend instructional responses.
• Prepare reports for MSDE AIB grant agencies and the Superintendent.
• Lead PK5 instructional data reviews with principals and district staff.

Grants & Budget Oversight

• Develop and manage budgets for PK5 instructional programs early childhood Title I elementary components (as applicable) and federal/state grants.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with all federal/state regulations.

Community & Agency Collaboration

• Coordinate with the Supervisor of Early Childhood who serves as the liaison to community providers and partner agencies.
• Collaborate with Student Services Special Education and CTE to ensure PK5 instructional alignment and smooth transitions.
• Support district-level partnerships that strengthen elementary instructional programs.

Other Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team and School Improvement monitoring committee.
• Attend local state and federal meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Eligible for and hold prior to appointment the Maryland State Department of Education Licensure for Administrator I/II in accordance with COMAR 13A.12.05.05.
• A minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching.
• A minimum of three (3) years of school principalship. Elementary Title I experience is preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years as a supervisor with district level leadership preferred.
• Demonstrate expertise in curriculum development instructional planning and assessment systems.
• Have experience leading Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.
• Possess knowledge of Maryland College and Career Ready Standards COMAR requirements MSDE initiatives and the Blueprint for Marylands Future.
• Demonstrate knowledge of effective literacy and mathematics instruction PK5.
• Show evidence of successful leadership in professional development and adult learning models.
• Demonstrate skill in data analysis to support instructional decision-making.
• Exhibit strong communication interpersonal and team-building skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to build collaborative relationships with central office school-based leadership community partners and external agencies.
• Have experience supervising staff and evaluating personnel.
• Be proficient with technology and digital instructional tools.
• Maintain regular on-time attendance and the ability to fulfill the essential functions of the job.
• Must be willing to work outside of general working hours occasionally.

Please Note:

• Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. Internal candidates will be considered alongside external applicants and only those whose qualifications most closely match the needs of the position will be contacted for an interview.
• This position begins July 1 2026.

SALARY: Exempt and confidential position. This is a twelve (12) month benefited
position. This is a senior leadership position and salary determined by the
Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education.

Required Experience:

Director