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 provides leadership for the Teaching and Learning Department in partnership with the Deputy Superintendent of Student and Instructional Services. The Director oversees programs and initiatives, ensuring effective management, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with program requirements. The role supports department planning, staff development, and continuous improvement while advancing NWESD’s Vision, Mission, and Values. The Director also anticipates regional and state priorities and develops programs and services that strengthen student learning and instructional success.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(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.

• 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. Anticipates departmental staffing needs. Provide backup for personnel on day-to-day tasks as necessary.
• Manage and oversee multiple initiatives and programs within the department that are state funded, federally funded, locally funded, or a combination of funding sources.
• Serve as support for the activities associated with the Coordinated Service Agreements (CSAs), partnership agreements, contracts, 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.
• 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, charter and tribal compact schools.
• 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.
• 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 and skill in personnel management and development.
• 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 develop, test, and bring new programs and/or services to fruition in a highly competitive and changing market.
• 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 budgets.
• Skill in the use of technology applications specific to improving student learning 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 technical writing and ability deliver effective teaching and training techniques for adults.
• Demonstrated success in conference planning and execution at a management level.
• Demonstrated success in organizational development, task management, planning, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to secure funding for innovative programs at an expert level.
• Ability to respond to state-wide mandates and to anticipate program needs and services desired by member districts.
• Knowledge and skill in implementing school reform efforts, strategic planning, and instructional assessment and ability to improve student achievement using data-driven continuous improvement processes.
• Ability to implement and evaluate service delivery models and recommend restructuring or alternative program designs to improve 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 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 required. Master’s Degree preferred. A minimum of five years of experience in a public-school setting, two years 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.

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. This position may be telecommute-eligible per Policy 5225.

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

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.