Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Job DescriptionStart Date: July 1, 2026 Job Title: Director of Curriculum and InstructionReports To: Head of School FLSA Category: Exempt Employment Status: Full-time, Benefits Eligible Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000 Primary Purpose The Director of Curriculum and Instruction provides strategic leadership and oversight of Mounds Park Academy's PreK-12 academic program to ensure coherence, excellence, equity, and mission alignment across all divisions. Reporting directly to the head of school, the director is responsible for stewarding a rigorous, student-centered curriculum that reflects best practices in teaching and learning, supports faculty growth, and advances student academic success and wellbeing. Grounded in MPA's mission and motto, "Dream Big. Do Right." the director champions instructional innovation, inclusive teaching practices, and continuous improvement. As a thought leader and systems builder, the director ensures that curriculum design, instructional practice, assessment, and professional learning are aligned, sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the broader school community. Essential ResponsibilitiesCurriculum Leadership and Coherence Using the Mounds Park Academy's Competencies for Future Ready Learners, provide schoolwide leadership for the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the PreK-12 curriculum, ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment across divisions and disciplines. Establish and maintain clear curricular frameworks, learning outcomes, and benchmarks aligned with MPA's mission, strategic priorities, and college-preparatory goals. Lead curriculum mapping and review cycles to ensure coherence, relevance, and responsiveness to student needs and emerging educational research. Oversee the establishment and ongoing development of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning, ensuring it is embedded into curriculum planning and instructional practice. Ensure curriculum reflects inclusive practices, cultural competency, ethical reasoning, and global awareness. Instructional Leadership and Pedagogical Excellence Promote and model research-based instructional practices that support differentiation, engagement, inquiry, and deep learning for all students. Support high-quality instructional design, including interdisciplinary learning, experiential education, and real-world application. Collaborate with the director of academic technology to ensure purposeful, ethical, and effective integration of educational technology in support of learning goals. Faculty Development and Professional Learning Design, lead, and evaluate a comprehensive professional learning program aligned with schoolwide instructional priorities and faculty growth goals. Coach and support faculty through classroom observation, feedback, mentoring, and reflective practice, in collaboration with division directors. Lead department chairs in supporting curriculum development, instructional challenges, and innovation. Facilitate curriculum committees and cross-divisional professional learning communities. Lead workshops and learning sessions that keep faculty informed of current research, trends, and best practices in curriculum and instruction. Assessment, Data, and Academic Standards Provide leadership in ensuring the use of valid, equitable, and meaningful formative and summative assessment practices. Oversee schoolwide assessment systems, including standardized testing (e.g., MAP, FastBridge, AP), and guide the use of data to inform curriculum and instruction. Collaborate with division directors to ensure consistency and clarity in academic standards, grading practices, and parent reporting. Collaborate with division directors, DEIB leadership, and learning support staff to monitor student progress, particularly for students requiring additional academic or learning support. Use qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend adjustments to improve student outcomes and wellbeing. Use data to inform resource allocation decisions, advising spending on curriculum and instructional materials, to assist division directors and departments in staying within approved financial parameters. Strategic Leadership, Accreditation, and Governance Partner with the head of school and academic leadership team on strategic planning, academic initiatives, and long-term program development. Prepare reports on the state of curriculum and instruction for the head of school and Board of Trustees, as requested. Ensure curriculum and instructional practices meet NAIS principles, ISACS accreditation standards, and relevant state requirements. Stay current with national standards, educational research, and trends in independent school education, and apply this knowledge to ongoing school improvement efforts. Network with curriculum and academic leaders at other independent schools and professional organizations. Community Engagement and School Culture Communicate curricular vision, priorities, and changes clearly and effectively to faculty, families, and other stakeholders. Collaborate with admission and advancement teams to articulate MPA's academic program and support recruitment and retention efforts. Actively participate in the life of the school community, including meetings, events, and initiatives where academic leadership is relevant. Champion a culture of intellectual curiosity, joy, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement aligned with MPA's mission and values. Other Responsibilities Assume additional responsibilities and special projects assigned by the head of school. Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills Bachelor's degree required, master's degree or higher in education or a related field preferred. Significant experience as a classroom teacher and demonstrated success in curriculum design and instructional leadership. Experience leading professional development and coaching educators across multiple grade levels and disciplines. Strong understanding of inclusive teaching practices, differentiation, learning support integration, and neurodiverse learner needs. Demonstrated ability to lead change, build systems, and sustain long-term academic initiatives. Experience using data and assessment to inform instructional decision-making. Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex projects. Commitment to MPAs' mission, values, and motto of "Dream Big. Do Right." PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and/or hear, and/or use their hands to type, file, and write. The employee is frequently required to stand during social/ community events and to walk to various meetings throughout the day. Some other physical activities may include lifting, bending, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, and pulling. The environment is busy, fast paced, goal and deadline driven. WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Mounds Park Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Created: 2026-03-04