Job Description

Who We Are

RePublic Schools is a network of high-performing public charter schools based in Nashville, TN and Jackson, MS with a mission to reimagine public education in the South and prepare all of our scholars to graduate from college. In addition to providing a world-class traditional academic curriculum, we empower our students to be change-makers by teaching them to code – starting in the 5^th grade.

Despite the fact that our scholars come from traditionally underserved communities (approximately 85% identify as low-income, and nearly 95% as students of color), we have seen them defy the odds to achieve outstanding results. RePublic’s schools have scored in the top 5% of all open-enrollment public schools across the state of Tennessee for both student growth and absolute achievement – making ours the first (and only) charter schools in state history to achieve this dual distinction.

At RePublic, we cultivate a cohesive community of families, staff, and scholars committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure our scholars succeed. We are looking for a dynamic, determined Director of Literacy to lock arms with our school teams in Nashville, TN. Candidates must share our unwavering belief that all children can achieve at high levels and change the world. Sound like you?

What You’ll Do

Overview

A passion for reading is at the core of everything we do at RePublic Schools. The Director of Literacywill lead our efforts to ensure our actions reflect our beliefs by building and promoting a true and deep culture of reading.  

Responsibilities

The Director of Literacy will:

• Create a culture of reading at RePublic Schools. To accomplish this goal, the Director will:
  • get adults and children excited about literature,
  • present new books to children and adults (teachers, leaders, and parents) through passionate book talks,
  • collaborate with teachers and leaders to make a culture of reading come alive across schools,
  • curate RePublic book lists and develop resources to integrate newly published children’s literature into the curriculum,
  • design network-wide initiatives to promote love of reading across every classroom in every RePublic middle school,
  • introduce F&P as our reading leveling system in 5^th and 6^th grades, and
  • tirelessly advocate for the power of great books!
• Design a visionary, engaging and rigorous literacy curriculum that inspires intellectual curiosity and a love of reading. The curriculum will be driven by a deep understanding of literature, kid writing, and the most effective teaching practices. To accomplish this goal, the Director will:
  • lead a redesign of the 5^th and 6^th grade literacy curriculum to emphasize independent reading, guided reading, close reading, and writing in response to literature,
  • collaborate with leaders and teachers to urgently address the needs of scholars that are reading below grade level, and
  • use 7^th and 8^th grade literacy classes to prepare scholars for success in RePublic High School through an emphasis on the whole class book (whether fiction or non-fiction), high-quality discussion, and a deep understanding of argument, both written and oral.
• Lead a team of two literacy associates, who are primarily responsible for the creation of high-quality literacy curriculum and training across grades 5-8 that meets the Director’s vision for excellence. To accomplish this goal, the Director will manage a lower middle school and an upper middle school literacy associate, who will produce unit and lesson plans, create literacy assessments, curate an anthology of high-quality short texts for use during close reading, lead professional development for middle school teachers, and analyze reading and assessment data.
• Collaborate with and train RePublic leaders to become expert managers of middle school literacy instruction. To accomplish this goal, the Director will:
  • regularly co-observe literacy instruction in RePublic Schools with school leaders,
  • lead planning meetings with leaders that focus on analysis of literature and student writing,
  • establish a trajectory of leader development around literacy that deepens leaders’ skills as instructional managers over the school year, and
  • coach leaders around quality literacy instruction that meets our high standards.
• Develop a reputation as a thought leader in the regional and national conversation about middle school literacy instruction. To accomplish this goal, the Director will:
  • travel to regional and national conferences and trainings to learn about best practices and to share RePublic’s vision for literacy instruction, and
  • write, speak and blog about children’s literature and our continuing efforts to create a deep culture of reading on our campuses.

Who You Are

Our ideal Director of Literacy will have an unwavering belief that our students can achieve at an exceptionally high level.  Beyond that, a successful candidate will have:

• At least 3 years of experience developing deep expertisein children’s and young adult literature — from the classics to the latest trends;
• At least 2 years teaching experience preferred with demonstrated track record of high student achievement;
• At least 2 years of experience in a management or leadership capacity;
• Experience managing a team of high-performing leaders through setting goals, communicating clear expectations, and providing timely feedback and support;
• Proven ability to coach others towards becoming superb managers of their own teams;
• Demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly, succinctly and persuasively such that expectations are clear, timelines are delineated, and excellence is defined;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities from a variety of sources, organizing and prioritizing effectively to impact areas of greatest need;
• Experience organizing and running effective meetings across an organization;
• Ability to deconstruct complex problems and develop coherent, actionable strategies;
• A bachelor’s degree with a preference for a graduate degree in a related field.
• Sense of humility in the face of success; and
• Passionate belief in RePublic’s mission, values, and educational model.

Salary is competitive and commensurate based on experience. Compensation at RePublic includes a comprehensive benefits package.

 

How to Apply

Submit your resume and an optional cover letter online: http://grnh.se/8k4hoq Questions? We’re happy to chat. Contact us: careers@republiccharterschools.org.

Bureaus: Tennessee. Job Categories: Full-Time. Job Types: School Network Staff.