Cognitive Sciences Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT FLAMA 

At the Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music & Arts (FLAMA)-a Pre-K through 8th grade open-enrollment charter school located in Houston's 2nd Ward-our mission is to inspire a joy for learning in every student through the fusion of academic rigor, cognitive science, and the arts. We believe the arts aren't just enrichment-they are essential pathways for learning.

FLAMA's innovative model rests on three pillars and we are seeking educators with both a track record of success and a commitment to FLAMA's three design elements: (1) music and art education, (2) executive function skills development and (3) instructional methods rooted in the cognitive sciences.  FLAMA faculty must demonstrate a strong interest in professional growth and a desire to have such learning guide their instructional methods.

FLAMA will open to students in August of 2027 in a state-of-the-art campus located in Houston's revitalized East End, housed within the historic Folger's Coffee Factory. Designed to bring exceptional music, arts, and academically rigorous learning to students from Houston's 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Wards, FLAMA is rooted in Frank Liu Jr.'s visionary dream to create a school where creativity becomes a pathway to opportunity. Frank understood the transformative power of music and art to expand imagination, deepen learning, and strengthen community. His legacy shapes FLAMA's mission and guides the work of every educator who joins our founding team. To learn more visit www.flama.org.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Founding Director of Academics serves as a key instructional leader responsible for ensuring excellence in teaching and learning across all Pre-K-8 academic programs. Working in close collaboration with the Superintendent, Director of Music & Arts, and instructional teams, this position advances FLAMA's mission to integrate academic rigor, music, and the arts within a nurturing environment that cultivates curiosity, technical fluency, and creative expression. The Founding Director of Academics drives the alignment of curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices across grade levels, ensuring that faculty development, student support systems, and community partnerships reflect FLAMA's commitment to the science of learning and arts-infused education.

AREAS OF OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES

Curriculum Design & Instructional Leadership

• Collaborates with the Superintendent on the design, selection, and implementation of high-quality curricula aligned with FLAMA's mission and state standards.
• Integrates insights from cognitive science and educational research into instructional design and teacher practice.
• Ensures horizontal and vertical alignment of curriculum in ELA, mathematics, science, social studies, and enrichment courses.
• Oversees integration of arts-based learning strategies in partnership with the Director of Music & Arts.
• Leads internal curriculum reviews to ensure academic rigor, cultural relevance, and cross-
  disciplinary connections.

Teacher Coaching and Professional Growth

• Observes classroom instruction regularly and provides actionable feedback to faculty.
• Guides teachers in applying data-driven practices, differentiated instruction, and the MTSS
  framework.
• Designs and implements ongoing professional learning aligned to campus goals and best
  practices.
• Conducts formal performance evaluations, manages improvement plans, and fosters a growth-oriented faculty culture.
• Models instructional excellence by teaching as possible to remain grounded in classroom
  realities.
• Leads professional learning that helps faculty connect arts integration with the science of
  learning and whole-child development.

Data-Driven Instruction & Continuous Improvement

• Synthesizes data from assessments, benchmarks, and formative tools to drive schoolwide
  improvement.
• Promotes data literacy among teachers and transparency with students and families.
• Collaborates with the Special Populations Coordinator to leverage data to inform interventions and support for at-risk, bilingual, and special education students.
• Coordinates with instructional coaches to ensure fidelity in progress monitoring and data-based decision-making.

Leadership & Culture

• Serves as a visible leader who models professionalism, engagement, and ethical practice.
• Builds a school culture grounded in belonging, respect, and community partnership.
• Collaborates with families and local organizations to enhance academic and enrichment
  opportunities.
• Participates in community outreach, student recruitment, and events that promote FLAMA's mission.
• Participated in external professional development opportunities to build capacity and grow
  skillset.

Behavioral Systems & Student Support

• Works with faculty, counselors, and families to address academic and behavioral challenges through restorative and skill-building approaches.
• Supports implementation of FLAMA's Code of Conduct and Executive Function curriculum.
• Coordinates with the Superintendent on student discipline and, when delegated, serves as the acting administrator for behavioral interventions and family communication.

Operational & Strategic Leadership

• Contributes to the development of the annual academic budget.
• Assists in staffing, scheduling, and faculty assignments in coordination with administrative
  leadership.
• Serves on the Superintendent's Leadership Team to advance strategic goals, charter renewal, and long-term planning.
• Leads the academic charter renewal and ensures compliance with applicable state and charter regulations.

Requirements

Education

• Master's degree or Ph.D./Ed.D. in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or equivalent required.
• Texas Teaching certificate required and Principal certification preferred (or equivalent in another state).

Experience

• Minimum five years of successful experience in teaching and instructional leadership.
• Proven expertise in faculty development, coaching, and supervision.
• Demonstrated success implementing MTSS and supporting SPED, EB, and at-risk populations.
• Experience with integrated or arts-based learning models preferred.

Professional Competencies

• Deep understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and cognitive science research.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with an eye for detail and alignment.
• Proficiency with instructional technology platforms and data systems.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, foster innovation, and maintain a culture of excellence.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are strongly preferred but not required.
• A teacher at heart who leads with empathy and academic rigor.
• A life-long learner dedicated to continuous improvement.
• Values the intersection of academics, music, and the arts as pathways to student success.
• Committed to access for all learners.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $80,000 - $100,000. More details can be provided upon request.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/E4F7186888.

All Texas public school employee applicants must undergo a mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history check and submit a pre-employment affidavit, in accordance with requirements under the Texas Education Code, prior to employment.

FLAMA is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required.