Director of Teaching & Learning

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Teaching and Learning Director is responsible for providing leadership for the Teaching and Learning Department in partnership with the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. Duties include management and oversight of multiple initiatives and programs within the department, with varied and/or  multiple funding sources. The Director of Teaching and Learning will provide direct support with department meetings, goal setting for individuals and the department, budget oversight, compliance with applicable programs and funding, and ensure consistent alignment with the NWESD Vision, Mission and Values. Duties also include ongoing analysis and development of new programs and services through a comprehensive understanding of regional expectations, state mandates and anticipation of upcoming needs.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Work directly with the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning to provide leadership and vision for the Teaching and Learning Department.
• Share in the leadership of executing departmental priorities on behalf of the NWESD Mission and Vision.
• Support the NWESD and department equity goals to ensure equitable experiences and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging that embraces the contributions of all team members through learning, advocating, and participating in equity-related initiatives.
• Advocate for equitable supports and services within the NWESD and in partnership with regional districts.
• Stay informed and interpret laws, regulations, rules, audit requirements and policies affecting the NWESD and its member districts.
• Supervise staff which includes scheduling, planning and initiating strategies for performance; assigning and directing work; administering disciplinary measures; formally reviewing performance; and resolving complaints. Approves personnel travel, expenses, leave reports.
• Manage and oversee multiple initiatives and programs within the department that are state funded, federally funded, locally funded, or a combination of two or more funding sources.
• Serve as support for the activities associated with the Coordinated Service Agreements (CSAs), contracts and agreements, including development of budgets and work plans, implementation of the agreements, attendance at meetings, leadership and in-house coordination, and other activities as necessary.
• Anticipate needed services and research revenue resources. Assist in the development and analysis of new cooperative ideas, services, and/or strategies for modifying, improving, or extending services provided to local school districts, OSPI and collaborative efforts.
• Implement strategies for improving and maintaining positive communication and public relations with districts, OSPI, colleges/universities, ESDs, other agencies, and professional organizations.
• Provide planning assistance, technical assistance and support requested by regional district, building and NWESD staff members.
• Organize, direct and facilitate the accumulation/dissemination of information (e.g., Washington State Learning Goals and Standards, WA School Improvement Network, curriculum development, “best practices” instruction and assessment, professional development) for all educational employees for thirty-five member school districts.
• Consult with local school districts on interpretation of Washington State Learning Goals/Standards, curriculum, best practices for instruction and assessment, and works with local school officials to promote academic excellence and improved student achievement for all learners.
• Assist curriculum directors, principals, superintendents, and classroom teachers with strategies for making use of professional learning to improve student achievement.
• Anticipate departmental staffing needs. Create job descriptions as necessary. Provide backup for personnel on day-to-day tasks as necessary.
• Provide sound fiscal management including detailed budget preparation and management, authorizing purchase orders and contracts, time and effort reporting, and grant administration within the Teaching and Learning Department.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Understanding and commitment to the NWESD mission, vision, values, and goals and a general
• understanding of the various departments/components of an ESD.
• Knowledge of Washington State’s K-12 public school system.
• Knowledge and skill in fiscal management, planning, and forecasting.
• Knowledge of effective leadership and supervisory techniques.
• Skill in personnel management, development, scheduling, and evaluations.
• Ability to stay current in technical knowledge of information systems as well as the ability to identify, nurture, and direct technical skills of departmental staff.
• Ability to facilitate stakeholder groups.
• Ability to develop, test, and bring new programs and/or services to fruition in a highly competitive and changing market.
• Ability to work effectively within budget.
• Ability to successfully demonstrate, model, and reinforce human relation and customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to improve student achievement using data-driven continuous improvement processes.
• Skill in group facilitation and knowledge of systems analysis.
• Working understanding of the Washington State Learning Goals and Standards, State Assessment System and State Accountability System, curriculum, instruction, and assessment research validated best practices, technology integration, educational reform initiatives and change processes.
• Working understanding of specific program requirements including pertinent RCW/WAC regulations and the ability to interpret and implement and communicate such.
• Working knowledge of pertinent state and federal requirements and regulations related to grants management and oversight.
• Skill in administering programs, including the management and monitoring of program budgets.
• Knowledge of effective leadership and supervisory techniques, models, and research findings with skill in delegation, as well as the ability to motivate, direct, and mentor department staff.
• Knowledge of and ability to deliver effective teaching and training techniques for adults..
• Knowledge of relevant employment law in an educational establishment.
• Skill in the use of technology applications specific to improving student learning through data driven decisions as well as in word processing, databases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, interactive video equipment, audio-visual equipment.
• Knowledge and understanding of laws regarding copyright.
• Superior written and oral communication skills including skill in technical writing with effective outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in conference planning and execution at a management level.
• Demonstrated success in organizational development, task management, planning, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to apply data-driven continuous improvement processes as the guiding method of providing services and contributing to the NWESD.
• Ability to secure funding for innovative programs at an expert level.
• Ability to respond to state-wide mandates.
• Knowledge and skill in implementing school reform efforts, strategic planning, and instructional assessment.
• Ability to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a service delivery model and ability to make recommendations for restructuring or for alternative program design to promote increased success.
• Ability to anticipate program needs and services desired by member districts.
• Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other NWESD departments, local education association personnel, OSPI/ESD staff, professional organization members, workshop/conference presenters, vendors, and the public.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field is required. Master’s Degree preferred. A minimum of five years of experience within a public-school setting, two years of which must be as a project leader with supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, routine travel is required to visit local school districts as well as for workshops, committee representation, or conferences.  Sitting for extended periods of time working at a computer terminal is common.  Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Those present in a typical office environment; no known significant hazards.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.  Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status or physical or mental disability.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.