Overview The Network Director of Literacy (5-8) is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of Ascend’s Common Core-aligned curriculum and assessment across Ascend’s Middle Schools. The Director develops and delivers professional development and provides coaching to school leaders and teachers to ensure our curriculum and instruction is driving results for all students. Responsibilities The Director will champion Ascend’s inquiry-based English Language Arts curriculum and Common Core aligned assessments, with an emphasis on data-driven work, and deep capacity for professional development and training. Under the direction of the Network Director of Academics and in partnership with School Principals, the Director will: Continuously elevate and improve the Middle School Literacy program Create, refine, adapt, curate, and pace commercial and “Ascend-developed” products that form the basis of the inquiry-based literacy program with an emphasis on culturally responsive and anti-racist pedagogy for grades 5-8 In partnership with the school leadership team and network teams, develop materials and lead professional development for the middle school’s teaching staff, focusing on ELA content and the highest fidelity implementation of the curricula; Utilize academic data to adjust and focus on curricula, instruction, assessment, professional development, and ELA team goals; Develop and adapt Common Core-aligned formative and summative assessments in ELA Continuously research and study developments in Literacy education and integrate best practices of excellent schools into Ascend’s curriculum; Recommend annual refinements to the Literacy program based on network trends, feedback from school-based leadership, and research of best practices; In collaboration with other members of the Ascend network team and school-based leadership, participate in ELA content walkthroughs and implementation visits to monitor implementation of the 5-8 and K-12 program; Collect and analyze videos of exemplary teaching practices around strong implementation of ELA instruction and curate an initial body of exemplar annotated student work; Create action plans to address learning needs from ELA benchmarks and other achievement data. In collaboration with other members of the ELA team, ensure that all relevant stakeholders at middle schools and across Ascend network departments are aware and prepared to implement strong curriculum and assessments. Why work with Ascend? Empowering Students, Enriching Lives: Our deep commitment to high-quality instruction for all students and organization-wide priority of developing teachers in their first years of the profession sets us apart from the average school district. Cultivating a Thriving Community: Our strong school culture fosters respect, motivation, and restorative practices. We believe in equipping students with critical thinking skills and fostering responsible independence – a true liberal arts education for success in college and life. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree strongly preferred; Four or more years teaching experience with exceptional results in Middle School ELA instruction; Two or more years of experience developing teachers and delivering outstanding professional development; Deep understanding of the Common Core and New York’s Common Core-aligned state assessments, data-driven instruction (DDI), and the ability to execute DDI at scale; Extensive knowledge of Literacy pedagogies and programs and effective practice, culturally responsive and anti-racist Literacy curriculum and instruction; Superb organizational, project management, self-management skills, and problem-solving skills; Demonstrated ability to support, train, and coach middle school ELA educators; Passion and commitment to urban education and our ultimate goal of closing the opportunity gap; Insistence on academic excellence and rigor; Excellent communication skills (written and oral); A strong desire for continuous learning and improvement in one’s own practice; Alignment with the educational philosophy and core beliefs of Ascend Learning. Compensation Initial salary offers for this position range from $105,000-120,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.