Dean of Academics at Maya Angelou Academy (DoC) SY 24 -25

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed – they will thrive!

If you would like to learn more about Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation, please visit Seeforever.org.

The Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful, and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Position Overview

The Dean of Academics works school-wide to actively support and coach instructional staff in order to ensure that all scholars are able to meet and exceed their instructional goals. This role helps teachers navigate and assess scholar data and master the foundations of successful curriculum development and teaching. The worksite and tour of duty for this position are located in the DC Jail which is an adult correctional facility.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

Talent Development Coaching Cycle

• Support the teacher observation and feedback cycle by:

1. Conducting observations and evaluations of teachers within the school
2. Engaging with teachers around specific, actionable feedback on the lessons that were observed or rated
3. Directing teachers to professional development resources that can help them improve their practice in the areas that they need improvement or support
4. Sharing results with building leadership as needed for additional professional development planning for teachers

• Model and/or co-teach lessons for a specific purpose, targeted skill
• Collect, review, and provide meaningful and reflective feedback on curriculum documents (syllabi, weekly lesson plans, scope, and sequence) to guide teachers toward a logically sequenced, well-paced, and relevant scope and sequence throughout the semester and school year

Professional Development

• Plan and execute professional development opportunities for teachers, including workshops on interpreting data, curriculum mapping, vertical alignment, and other external professional development opportunities
• Facilitate collaboration and sharing among teachers, including peer observations, coaching and mentorship, and joint planning sessions
• Professional development aligned to new teacher needs (example: lunch and learn, morning sessions)
• Differentiate facilitation needs all teachers need to cover the four questions:

1. What do we want our students to know?
2. How will we know they have learned it?
3. What will we do if they know it?
4. What will we do if they don't know it?

Data-Driven Practices

• Use data to drive decision-making and appropriate interventions
• Analyzes student work weekly/bi-weekly to identify trends in mastery and student misconceptions/errors
• Prepares for and leads weekly/bi-weekly data meetings building teacher capacity to analyze and respond to student data
• Work with the Testing administration team to develop interim assessments for all classes as well as train and collaborate with teachers to review student performance plus plan action steps to directly impact improved outcomes

Administrative Responsibilities

• Implementing and advising on creating tools and protocols in areas related to teacher effectiveness, including effective feedback, time management, scheduling, observation, and student assessment protocols
• Model and coach professionalism and ethical practices
• Foster positive, authentic relationships that are results-oriented among staff and students
• Performing other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (required)
• A Master’s degree in education, educational leadership, or content area being taught (preferred)
• 3+ years of experience as a teacher of record in an urban high school setting (preferred)
• 2+ years of teacher leadership in an urban elementary school setting: grade-level chair, department chair, instructional coach, etc. (preferred)
• Experience working in juvenile detention/secure facilities is preferred, but not mandatory
• Must have strong skills in documenting efforts and interventions
• Must have a commitment to working from a strength-based and/or youth development perspective

Site Description

The DC Jail is the adult correctional facility located in DC. Maya Angelou PCS Academy at DC Jail works with incarcerated men and women ages 18-22 who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The school is located on the Central Treatment Facility (CTF), however, it serves students on the Central Detention Facility (CDF) side as well.

Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and mutually respectful environment that motivates and prepares each student to fulfill his academic or career potential. With the support of a wide circle of caring adults, students will develop the skills they need to make sound decisions and lead rewarding lives.

Salary and Benefits

Our salaries are comparable to those of other public schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, See Forever offers a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, student loan refinancing options, and the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.