Associate Dean of Instruction | STEM Focus | BTWA ES

Position Title: Associate Dean of Instruction (STEM Focus)

Location: Booker T. Washington Academy Elementary School |New Haven, CT

Reports To: School Principal

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Start Date: Immediate Start (SY26-27)

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000+, commensurate with experience

About Booker T. Washington Academy

Booker T. Washington Academies (BTWA) in New Haven, CT, serves K–4 scholars at its Elementary campus and grades 5–8 at its Middle School campus. Founded in 2014 around Booker T. Washington’s credo—“Excellence is doing common things in uncommon ways”—BTWA balances a rigorous academic program with the cultivation of morals, character, self-discipline, responsibility for one’s actions, lifestyle, work ethic, and educational uplift.

Scholars develop proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, discussion, and problem-solving to meet college and career goals, while embracing and demonstrating the morals, character, self-discipline, and work ethic to be leaders in life and community.

Recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2018 (Category 1) and again in 2024 (Category 2)—the only New Haven public school honored that year—BTWA equips graduates to work hard, harness the power of education, elevate themselves, and give back to their communities in a transformational way.

For more information about Booker T. Washington Academy, please visit www.btwanewhaven.org

About the Opportunity

BTWA Elementary School seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Associate Dean of Instruction (STEM Focus) to join our leadership team and shape our academic vision for mathematics, science, and STEM integration across K–4. In this pivotal instructional leadership role, you will spearhead the design and implementation of a rigorous, inquiry-driven, culturally relevant STEM curriculum that challenges scholars to excel while ensuring equity, inclusion, and joyful learning.

Working closely with classroom teachers, grade-level teams, and the School Principal, you will drive academic excellence in STEM by transforming instructional practices, leading direct coaching and classroom observations, and embedding data-driven decision-making throughout the school. You will lead targeted professional development, evaluate instructional strategies through interim assessments, and support teachers in designing, planning, and refining STEM curriculum and instruction.

This role requires a collaborative partner—working hand in hand with school leadership and the broader instructional team—to ensure that academic rigor in STEM is seamlessly integrated with our broader school culture and character development. This is an opportunity for a visionary, inspiring, growth-oriented leader who thrives on feedback, embraces continuous learning, and is dedicated to fostering a culture of high expectations and collaborative academic success.

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Key Responsibilities of the Role

As the Associate Dean of Instruction (STEM Focus) at BTWA ES, you will be primarily responsible for:

Instructional Leadership & STEM Curriculum Execution

Curricular Vision

• Develop and implement a rigorous, inquiry-based, culturally relevant STEM curriculum—spanning mathematics, science, engineering thinking, and integrated STEM experiences—that aligns with BTWA’s mission and prepares scholars for college and beyond.

• Ensure vertical alignment and coherence of STEM instruction across K–4 grade levels, building a strong foundation in conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and scientific thinking.

• Integrate diverse, real-world STEM applications and culturally responsive materials that affirm and reflect the identities and experiences of BTWA scholars.

Innovative Instruction

• Lead the adoption of innovative and differentiated STEM instructional practices, incorporating hands-on learning, digital tools, manipulatives, lab experiences, and personalized strategies that engage all learners.

• Champion a love of mathematics, scientific inquiry, experimentation, and engineering design as pathways for scholar curiosity, critical thinking, and academic identity development.

Direct Coaching & Observations

• Conduct regular, structured classroom observations and deliver targeted, actionable feedback to teachers to refine STEM instructional practices and maximize scholar engagement.

• Directly coach a caseload of teachers to further develop their instructional skills and their ability to support the learning and achievement of 100% of scholars.

• Model exemplary STEM instruction through co-teaching, demonstration lessons, lab facilitation, and in-the-moment coaching.

Data-Driven Improvement

• Utilize qualitative and quantitative data—including interim assessments, math fluency checks, science performance tasks, exit tickets, and progress monitoring—to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement in STEM.

• Lead data debrief cycles with grade-level teams, translating data into targeted instructional actions and support plans for all learners, including students with IEPs and English Learners.

Teacher & Staff Academic Development

Professional Growth

• Design, coordinate, and lead professional development sessions that empower educators to implement high-impact STEM curriculum and instructional practices, with an emphasis on conceptual understanding, inquiry, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

• Facilitate the use of research-based STEM frameworks and instructional models, building teacher expertise and confidence across grade levels.

Leadership Development

• Mentor teacher leaders, grade-level coaches, and content specialists in STEM, building their capacity to guide peers and manage classroom instruction effectively.

• Identify and cultivate emerging instructional leaders within the STEM team, creating pathways for professional growth and responsibility.

Collaborative Planning

• Facilitate collaboration among grade-level teams for planning units, lessons, and assessments in STEM, ensuring vertical alignment and consistency across the academic program.

• Partner with the BTWA ES instructional leadership team and Elevate’s academic team to ensure curricular coherence and alignment with school-wide and network-wide academic priorities.

Operational Leadership & Data-Informed Practices

Systems & Protocols

• Establish and refine systems and protocols that support the effective delivery of STEM academic programs, including teacher observations, data collection, and performance reviews.

• Manage the STEM instructional calendar, ensuring alignment of units, assessments, and professional development with the school’s academic priorities and schedule.

Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure that instructional strategies and curricular decisions in STEM comply with Connecticut academic standards (CT Core Standards) and BTWA’s high expectations.

• Monitor and support compliance with IEP accommodations, EL supports, and other mandated requirements as they relate to STEM instruction.

Continuous Monitoring

• Implement cycles of evaluation, regular data debriefs, and feedback loops to continually refine STEM academic strategies and reinforce a culture of accountability.

• Produce regular progress reports on STEM academic outcomes for school leadership and Elevate’s academic leadership team.

School-Wide Leadership & Programmatic Collaboration

• Serve as an active member of the school's instructional leadership team, contributing to school-wide priorities, initiatives, and decision-making that extend beyond the STEM program.

• Collaborate with and support the Principal and fellow leadership team colleagues in advancing the broader goals, culture, and programming of BTWA ES—including participation in school-wide events, committees, family engagement efforts, and other shared leadership responsibilities as directed.

• Approach the role with a “whole school” mindset, understanding that instructional leadership at BTWA ES is a shared, collective endeavor that requires flexibility, partnership, and investment beyond one’s primary content area.

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Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences.

Required Qualifications

• Education Level: Bachelor’s degree is required.

• Certification: Valid teaching certification or eligibility for certification upon employment (CT certification or eligibility for reciprocity required).

• Relevant Experience: At least 5–7 years of elementary teaching experience with a demonstrated record of strong academic growth and achievement in mathematics, science, or STEM; plus at least 1 year of experience coaching and/or leading adults to drive notable academic performance.

• Instructional Excellence: Deep knowledge of foundational and advanced mathematics instruction, scientific inquiry, engineering design processes, and STEM integration for elementary learners.

• STEM Expertise: Deep knowledge of foundational and advanced STEM learning, including conceptual mathematics development, scientific inquiry practices, engineering design principles, and hands‑on, discovery‑based learning aligned to elementary developmental needs. Skilled in translating complex STEM concepts into accessible, engaging experiences that build problem‑solving, reasoning, and real‑world application.

• Differentiation & Inclusive Instruction: Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction and apply a range of scaffolding strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all scholars—including MLLs, students with IEPs, and students with 504 plans—across varied instructional modalities.

• Data Proficiency: Proficient in using data to assess academic outcomes and inform strategic decisions, with experience developing and monitoring interim assessments and individualized support plans.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to inspire and influence educators and families

• School Leader Initiative & Readiness: Proven ability to lead school-wide and grade-level initiatives that drive academic excellence in STEM and foster a positive learning environment.

• Foundational Mission & Values Alignment: Deep alignment with the mission and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Booker T. Washington Academy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, STEM Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

• Valid school leadership certification or eligibility for certification upon employment (CT certification or eligibility for reciprocity required).

• Specialized training or certifications in STEM instruction, math content leadership, science pedagogy, inquiry-based learning, instructional coaching, or STEM curriculum design.

• Prior experience in a charter or high performing urban school environment is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with Connecticut Core Standards in Math and Science, and experience with widely-used STEM programs and assessment tools (e.g., Eureka Math, Illustrative Math, Amplify Science, FOSS, MAP Growth, or comparable curricula).

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Mindsets We Value

Our team is passionately committed to the vision and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Booker T. Washington Academy. The ideal candidate will have a positive mindset, a very strong work ethic, an inner drive for excellence and will thrive working in an entrepreneurial and results-driven environment

Additionally, we deeply value, and are actively seeking candidates who demonstrate, the following mindsets and beliefs:

• Mission-Driven: In addition to deeply aligning and embodying the mission and values of ECS and BTWA, you believe in the brilliance and promise of all students, particularly students of color, and want to be part of their success story.

• Growth-Oriented: You welcome feedback, are deeply reflective on your personal practices, and are constantly seeking to improve your craft.

• Entrepreneurial: You are flexible, solutions-focused, and energized by the opportunity to build something from the ground up.

• Collaborative: You thrive in a team-based culture and believe that collective effort drives school success.

• Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself, and others, to the highest of standards and have a student-centric, “whatever it takes” mentality to create a learning community where all students and stakeholders can grow and thrive.

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Compensation and Benefits

At Elevate Charter Schools, we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on the skills and qualifications required for the role. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role.

The salary range for the Associate Dean of Instruction (STEM Focus) is $70,000 to $85,000+, commensurate with experience and qualification, and reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position. Please note that the range for this role is set through an equity lens and closely aligns to our instructional/teaching salary scale. Final salary may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications.

In addition to competitive compensation, Elevate offers a range of comprehensive benefits packages to all regular, full-time employees at a competitive value.

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Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Mobility: Ability to move around the school building and classrooms, attend meetings, and participate in professional development activities.

• Vision: Clear vision to engage with students and stakeholders in a variety of settings and to monitor classrooms/school environments for student safety and well-being.

• Hearing: Ability to hear conversations and presentations in various settings.

• Communication: Clear speech to effectively communicate with teachers, staff, administrators, and families/caregivers.

• Occasional Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry light materials (such as books and documents), bend or reach to access files or materials, and stand for extended periods during meetings or presentations.

• Stamina: Ability to lead instruction across the school day with sustained energy and focus.

Elevate Charter Schools is committed to providing a supportive work environment and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Elevate is a non‑profit charter management organization serving public charter schools in Connecticut’s urban communities. Our scholars are 99% Black and Brown, and Elevate deeply values inclusion, representation, and diversity across our staff.

Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve.

If you have questions about the application process, experience any challenges, or need support completing your application, please reach out to our talent team at [email protected]. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for all candidates.