Associate Dean of Instruction | STEM Focus | BTWA ES

Position Title: Associate Dean of Instruction (STEM Focus)

Location: Booker T. Washington Academy Elementary School New Haven CT

Reports To: School Principal

Employment Type: Full-time Exempt

Start Date: Immediate Start (SY26-27)

Salary Range: $70000 - $85000 commensurate with experience

About Booker T. Washington Academy

Booker T. Washington Academies (BTWA) in New Haven CT serves K4 scholars at its Elementary campus and grades 58 at its Middle School campus. Founded in 2014 around Booker T. Washingtons credoExcellence is doing common things in uncommon waysBTWA balances a rigorous academic program with the cultivation of morals character self-discipline responsibility for ones actions lifestyle work ethic and educational uplift.

Scholars develop proficiency in reading writing critical thinking discussion and problem-solving to meet college and career goals while embracing and demonstrating the morals character self-discipline and work ethic to be leaders in life and community.

Recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2018 (Category 1) and again in 2024 (Category 2)the only New Haven public school honored that yearBTWA equips graduates to work hard harness the power of education elevate themselves and give back to their communities in a transformational way.

For more information about Booker T. Washington Academy please visit

About the Opportunity

BTWA Elementary School seeks a dynamic mission-driven Associate Dean of Instruction (STEM Focus) to join our leadership team and shape our academic vision for mathematics science and STEM integration across this pivotal instructional leadership role you will spearhead the design and implementation of a rigorous inquiry-driven culturally relevant STEM curriculum that challenges scholars to excel while ensuring equity inclusion and joyful learning.

Working closely with classroom teachers grade-level teams and the School Principal you will drive academic excellence in STEM by transforming instructional practices leading direct coaching and classroom observations and embedding data-driven decision-making throughout the school. You will lead targeted professional development evaluate instructional strategies through interim assessments and support teachers in designing planning and refining STEM curriculum and instruction.

This role requires a collaborative partnerworking hand in hand with school leadership and the broader instructional teamto ensure that academic rigor in STEM is seamlessly integrated with our broader school culture and character development. This is an opportunity for a visionary inspiring growth-oriented leader who thrives on feedback embraces continuous learning and is dedicated to fostering a culture of high expectations and collaborative academic success.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

As the Associate Dean of Instruction (STEM Focus) at BTWA ES you will be primarily responsible for:

Instructional Leadership & STEM Curriculum Execution

Curricular Vision

• Develop and implement a rigorous inquiry-based culturally relevant STEM curriculumspanning mathematics science engineering thinking and integrated STEM experiencesthat aligns with BTWAs mission and prepares scholars for college and beyond.

• Ensure vertical alignment and coherence of STEM instruction across K4 grade levels building a strong foundation in conceptual understanding problem-solving and scientific thinking.

• Integrate diverse real-world STEM applications and culturally responsive materials that affirm and reflect the identities and experiences of BTWA scholars.

Innovative Instruction

• Lead the adoption of innovative and differentiated STEM instructional practices incorporating hands-on learning digital tools manipulatives lab experiences and personalized strategies that engage all learners.

• Champion a love of mathematics scientific inquiry experimentation and engineering design as pathways for scholar curiosity critical thinking and academic identity development.

Direct Coaching & Observations

• Conduct regular structured classroom observations and deliver targeted actionable feedback to teachers to refine STEM instructional practices and maximize scholar engagement.

• Directly coach a caseload of teachers to further develop their instructional skills and their ability to support the learning and achievement of 100% of scholars.

• Model exemplary STEM instruction through co-teaching demonstration lessons lab facilitation and in-the-moment coaching.

Data-Driven Improvement

• Utilize qualitative and quantitative dataincluding interim assessments math fluency checks science performance tasks exit tickets and progress monitoringto inform strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement in STEM.

• Lead data debrief cycles with grade-level teams translating data into targeted instructional actions and support plans for all learners including students with IEPs and English Learners.

Teacher & Staff Academic Development

Professional Growth

• Design coordinate and lead professional development sessions that empower educators to implement high-impact STEM curriculum and instructional practices with an emphasis on conceptual understanding inquiry and culturally responsive pedagogy.

• Facilitate the use of research-based STEM frameworks and instructional models building teacher expertise and confidence across grade levels.

Leadership Development

• Mentor teacher leaders grade-level coaches and content specialists in STEM building their capacity to guide peers and manage classroom instruction effectively.

• Identify and cultivate emerging instructional leaders within the STEM team creating pathways for professional growth and responsibility.

Collaborative Planning

• Facilitate collaboration among grade-level teams for planning units lessons and assessments in STEM ensuring vertical alignment and consistency across the academic program.

• Partner with the BTWA ES instructional leadership team and Elevates academic team to ensure curricular coherence and alignment with school-wide and network-wide academic priorities.

Operational Leadership & Data-Informed Practices

Systems & Protocols

• Establish and refine systems and protocols that support the effective delivery of STEM academic programs including teacher observations data collection and performance reviews.

• Manage the STEM instructional calendar ensuring alignment of units assessments and professional development with the schools academic priorities and schedule.

Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure that instructional strategies and curricular decisions in STEM comply with Connecticut academic standards (CT Core Standards) and BTWAs high expectations.

• Monitor and support compliance with IEP accommodations EL supports and other mandated requirements as they relate to STEM instruction.

Continuous Monitoring

• Implement cycles of evaluation regular data debriefs and feedback loops to continually refine STEM academic strategies and reinforce a culture of accountability.

• Produce regular progress reports on STEM academic outcomes for school leadership and Elevates academic leadership team.

School-Wide Leadership & Programmatic Collaboration

• Serve as an active member of the schools instructional leadership team contributing to school-wide priorities initiatives and decision-making that extend beyond the STEM program.

• Collaborate with and support the Principal and fellow leadership team colleagues in advancing the broader goals culture and programming of BTWA ESincluding participation in school-wide events committees family engagement efforts and other shared leadership responsibilities as directed.

• Approach the role with a whole school mindset understanding that instructional leadership at BTWA ES is a shared collective endeavor that requires flexibility partnership and investment beyond ones primary content area.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities attributes and experiences.

Required Qualifications

• Education Level: Bachelors degree is required.

• Certification: Valid teaching certification or eligibility for certification upon employment (CT certification or eligibility for reciprocity required).

• Relevant Experience: At least 57 years of elementary teaching experience with a demonstrated record of strong academic growth and achievement in mathematics science or STEM; plus at least 1 year of experience coaching and/or leading adults to drive notable academic performance.

• Instructional Excellence: Deep knowledge of foundational and advanced mathematics instruction scientific inquiry engineering design processes and STEM integration for elementary learners.

• STEM Expertise: Deep knowledge of foundational and advanced STEM learning including conceptual mathematics development scientific inquiry practices engineering design principles and handson discoverybased learning aligned to elementary developmental needs. Skilled in translating complex STEM concepts into accessible engaging experiences that build problemsolving reasoning and realworld application.

• Differentiation & Inclusive Instruction: Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction and apply a range of scaffolding strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all scholarsincluding MLLs students with IEPs and students with 504 plansacross varied instructional modalities.

• Data Proficiency: Proficient in using data to assess academic outcomes and inform strategic decisions with experience developing and monitoring interim assessments and individualized support plans.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal verbal and written communication skills with the ability to inspire and influence educators and families

• School Leader Initiative & Readiness: Proven ability to lead school-wide and grade-level initiatives that drive academic excellence in STEM and foster a positive learning environment.

• Foundational Mission & Values Alignment: Deep alignment with the mission and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Booker T. Washington Academy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree or higher in Education STEM Education Curriculum & Instruction Educational Leadership or a related field.

• Valid school leadership certification or eligibility for certification upon employment (CT certification or eligibility for reciprocity required).

• Specialized training or certifications in STEM instruction math content leadership science pedagogy inquiry-based learning instructional coaching or STEM curriculum design.

• Prior experience in a charter or high performing urban school environment is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with Connecticut Core Standards in Math and Science and experience with widely-used STEM programs and assessment tools (e.g. Eureka Math Illustrative Math Amplify Science FOSS MAP Growth or comparable curricula).

Mindsets We Value

Our team is passionately committed to the vision and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Booker T. Washington Academy. The ideal candidate will have a positive mindset a very strong work ethic an inner drive for excellence and will thrive working in an entrepreneurial and results-driven environment

Additionally we deeply value and are actively seeking candidates who demonstrate the following mindsets and beliefs:

• Mission-Driven: In addition to deeply aligning and embodying the mission and values of ECS and BTWA you believe in the brilliance and promise of all students particularly students of color and want to be part of their success story.

• Growth-Oriented: You welcome feedback are deeply reflective on your personal practices and are constantly seeking to improve your craft.

• Entrepreneurial: You are flexible solutions-focused and energized by the opportunity to build something from the ground up.

• Collaborative: You thrive in a team-based culture and believe that collective effort drives school success.

• Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself and others to the highest of standards and have a student-centric whatever it takes mentality to create a learning community where all students and stakeholders can grow and thrive.

Compensation and Benefits

At Elevate Charter Schools we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on the skills and qualifications required for the role. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity and based on an individuals skills education and years of experience relevant to the role.

The salary range for the Associate Dean of Instruction (STEM Focus) is $70000 to $85000 commensurate with experience and qualification and reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position. Please note that the range for this role is set through an equity lens and closely aligns to our instructional/teaching salary scale. Final salary may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications.

In addition to competitive compensation Elevate offers a range of comprehensive benefits packages to all regular full-time employees at a competitive value.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Mobility: Ability to move around the school building and classrooms attend meetings and participate in professional development activities.

• Vision: Clear vision to engage with students and stakeholders in a variety of settings and to monitor classrooms/school environments for student safety and well-being.

• Hearing: Ability to hear conversations and presentations in various settings.

• Communication: Clear speech to effectively communicate with teachers staff administrators and families/caregivers.

• Occasional Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry light materials (such as books and documents) bend or reach to access files or materials and stand for extended periods during meetings or presentations.

• Stamina: Ability to lead instruction across the school day with sustained energy and focus.

Elevate Charter Schools is committed to providing a supportive work environment and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Elevate is a nonprofit charter management organization serving public charter schools in Connecticuts urban communities. Our scholars are 99% Black and Brown and Elevate deeply values inclusion representation and diversity across our staff.

Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse inclusive and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve.

If you have questions about the application process experience any challenges or need support completing your application please reach out to our talent team at We are committed to ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for all candidates.

Required Experience:

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