Metro

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.

Reporting Relationship

Report to the Senior Executive Academic Officer.

Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties:

Instructional Leadership & Curriculum
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.

Professional Learning & Staff Development
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.
Equity & Personalized Learning
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.

Operational & Administrative Leadership
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
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
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.
Skills
Highly proficient strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to translate vision into aligned systems, initiatives, and measurable outcomes.
Highly proficient data analysis, interpretation, and application skills to inform instructional decisions and continuous improvement efforts.
Highly proficient communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to clearly convey complex ideas to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
Highly proficient leadership and supervision skills, including coaching, performance management, and capacity-building of leaders and staff.
Highly proficient organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and large-scale initiatives simultaneously.
Highly proficient budgeting and resource management skills aligned to strategic priorities and equitable outcomes.
Strong facilitation, presentation, and collaboration skills to lead professional learning, engage diverse stakeholders, and foster shared ownership.
Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills grounded in equity, inclusion, and organizational effectiveness.

Demonstrated Ability
Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, systemwide instructional improvement efforts and develop, articulate, and sustain a shared vision for teaching and learning centered on equity and student success.
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
Demonstrated ability to apply an equity lens to decision-making, resource allocation, and program design to ensure inclusive and equitable outcomes across diverse cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and socioeconomic communities.
Demonstrated ability to navigate and influence complex organizational systems, interpret policy, translate requirements into actionable practices, and drive sustainable change.
Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, adapt to changing priorities, and operate effectively in a dynamic environment.
Leadership Competencies
1. Strategic & Instructional Leadership
Develops and communicates a clear, equity-centered vision for teaching and learning aligned to district goals and strategic priorities.
Aligns curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning systems to drive measurable improvement in student outcomes.
Demonstrates deep instructional expertise and guides the implementation of rigorous, standards-based, and evidence-based instructional practices.
Anticipates challenges, identifies opportunities, and leads proactive, solution-oriented responses to sustain continuous improvement.
Maintains a consistent focus on results and ensures accountability for individual, team, and organizational performance.
2. Equity-Centered Leadership
Champions equitable access, opportunity, and outcomes for all students by embedding equity into all instructional and operational systems.
Promotes culturally responsive, inclusive practices that reflect and support diverse student and community identities.
Uses data disaggregated by student groups to identify disparities and drive targeted improvement efforts.
Builds organizational awareness and commitment to eliminating systemic barriers to student success.
3. Talent Development & Team Leadership
Builds, leads, and sustains high-performing, collaborative teams through effective hiring, coaching, delegation, and performance management.
Develops leadership capacity at all levels of the organization, including principals, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders.
Provides ongoing feedback, professional growth opportunities, and structured support to improve individual and collective effectiveness.
Models integrity, professionalism, and strong personal ethics, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
4. Data-Driven Continuous Improvement
Uses multiple data sources (student achievement, formative assessment, program evaluation, and qualitative feedback) to inform decision-making.
Establishes and maintains systems for continuous improvement, progress monitoring, and accountability.
Translates complex data into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholder groups.
Ensures data is used ethically and effectively to guide instructional and organizational improvement.
5. Systems Thinking & Change Leadership
Understands and navigates complex educational systems, ensuring coherence across initiatives, departments, and schools.
Leads and manages change effectively, building buy-in and sustaining momentum for systemwide improvement efforts.
Ensures alignment of resources, initiatives, and practices to reduce fragmentation and increase impact.
Applies sound judgment and resourcefulness to maximize the effectiveness of available resources.
6. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Communicates a compelling, clear, and consistent vision to internal and external stakeholders.
Builds and sustains strong, collaborative relationships across schools, departments, families, and community partners.
Facilitates engagement processes that promote shared ownership, trust, and collective accountability.
Manages competing stakeholder interests diplomatically, transparently, and effectively.
7. Operational & Organizational Effectiveness
Ensures effective management of budgets, staffing, resources, and timelines in alignment with strategic priorities.
Implements systems and processes that promote efficiency, consistency, and accountability across the organization.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Monitors implementation fidelity and adjusts systems to improve effectiveness and impact.

Physical and Mental Requirements
The physical and mental demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of sitting, with frequent standing, and walking.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, tablets, and communication devices.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and via telephone, including delivering presentations to small and large groups.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written and electronic documents, reports, and data.
Ability to travel between district sites, schools, and external meetings as required.
Occasional lifting and carrying of materials weighing up to 20 pounds (e.g., documents, instructional materials, or equipment).
Ability to attend and actively participate in meetings, trainings, and events that may occur during evenings or weekends.
Mental Requirements
Ability to think strategically and analytically in a complex, fast-paced organizational environment.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and high-level projects simultaneously with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and data to inform decision-making and organizational direction.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making in high-stakes and time-sensitive situations.
Ability to lead change initiatives and navigate ambiguity while maintaining focus on long-term goals and outcomes.
Ability to engage in continuous improvement, reflection, and adaptive leadership practices.
Ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and facilitate understanding among diverse stakeholders.
Ability to manage stress, maintain professionalism, and respond constructively in challenging or sensitive situations.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office and school-based environment.  Regular interaction with district leadership, school administrators, educators, students, families, and community partners. Regular travel between district sites and occasional travel to regional or state meetings, conferences, or trainings.
Work schedule may include evenings and weekends to attend board meetings, community events, and professional obligations. May be required to respond to urgent situations or district needs outside of standard working hours.
Fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and evolving demands. High level of responsibility and accountability for districtwide instructional outcomes and compliance requirements. Exposure to confidential information requiring a high degree of discretion and professionalism.