Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning

Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning

FLSA Status: Exempt

Grade: U17

Scale Type: Unified

Revision Date: November 5, 2026

Location: Central Office

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Academic Officer, the position leads the development, implementation, monitoring, and improvement of curriculum, assessment, instructional programs, and professional learning for grades 6–12 and assigned K–12 programs. The director partners with school leaders and instructional staff to strengthen teaching, increase measurable student achievement and growth, reduce achievement gaps, and advance college and career readiness. The position aligns secondary teaching and learning with the division strategic plan, Teaching and Learning Framework, and Profile of a Learner.

Duties and Responsibilities

Direct, monitor, and evaluate the division-wide secondary instructional program, establishing annual priorities, implementation milestones, and measures of student success.

Collaborate with the Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning and K–12 program leaders to ensure coherent curriculum, assessment, instructional practices, and transitions across elementary, middle, and high school.

Coordinate the development, implementation, and regular revision of secondary curriculum, pacing guidance, and assessments to reflect the content and cognitive demands of current Virginia Standards of Learning and applicable VDOE curriculum and assessment guidance.

Evaluate instructional methods and programs using student learning evidence, implementation data, and research; recommend improvements and monitor whether changes produce stronger outcomes.

Conduct regular school-based learning walks with principals and instructional staff to examine alignment of the written, taught, and assessed curriculum; provide actionable feedback, identify support needs, and monitor follow-through.

Recommend expansion, revision, or elimination of courses and programs using evidence of student need, access, outcomes, staffing capacity, and cost; coordinate the annual review and publication of the Program of Studies.

Provide instructional oversight for online and blended courses, ensuring standards alignment, appropriate rigor, accessibility, effective teacher facilitation, and evaluation of student learning.

Participate in instructional audits and academic reviews; partner with school leaders to translate findings into improvement actions, timelines, professional learning, and progress monitoring.

Monitor changes in applicable VDOE standards, assessment expectations, accreditation and accountability requirements, and graduation requirements; coordinate instructional responses and communicate implications to school leaders and staff.

Oversee dual enrollment and early college course development and implementation with higher education partners; collaborate with counseling and career and technical education leaders to strengthen academic and career pathways and monitor equitable participation and successful completion.

Collaborate with the Department of Human Resources to interview and recommend candidates to fill instructional coordinator positions; interview and recommend qualified candidates for instructional positions, as requested.

Collaborate with coordinators to prepare and monitor program budgets; align resource allocation with student needs, strategic priorities, implementation requirements, and evidence of effectiveness.

Lead the evaluation, selection, adoption, and implementation of textbooks and high-quality instructional materials in accordance with division policy and applicable state requirements; monitor classroom use and effectiveness.

Supervise the ordering, inventory, and distribution of materials and equipment for the secondary instructional program.

Supervise, coach, and evaluate assigned coordinators, specialists, and coaches; establish clear goals and service expectations, coordinate school-based support, and assess the impact of their work on instruction and student learning.

Coordinate meetings with teachers, administrators, and central office personnel to communicate instructional expectations, examine implementation evidence, solve problems, and share effective practices.

Collaborate with the Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning to develop the annual division professional learning plan, including priorities, timelines, communication, resources, and measures of impact.

Work collaboratively with instructional coordinators and specialists to design and deliver sustained professional learning, coaching, and collaborative planning that address identified instructional needs.

Partner with special education, specially designed instruction and inclusion, multi-lingual learner, and gifted education leaders to strengthen access to grade-level instruction, appropriate scaffolds and extensions, co-teaching, accommodations, and specialized supports.

Advance rigorous, authentic learning and performance assessments that develop the Profile of a Learner durable skills; guide purposeful, accessible use of instructional technology in collaboration with technology leaders.

Coordinate instructional design and evaluation of secondary summer and extended learning with the administrators responsible for program operations.

Prepare periodic reports for the Chief Academic Officer and as requested, the Superintendent and School Board on implementation, student outcomes, achievement gaps, program effectiveness, and recommended adjustments.

Manage assigned Title II, Part A and Title III, Part A grants and associated programs and personnel.

Represent the school division in educational projects and initiatives at the local, regional, state and national levels.

Model ethical practice, confidentiality, nondiscrimination, and effective collaboration; maintain current professional knowledge and comply with applicable policies and requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in educational administration, curriculum and instruction, or a related field, and a valid Virginia professional license with an Administration and Supervision preK–12 endorsement appropriate to central office instructional supervision are required; a doctoral degree is preferred.

At least five years of successful teaching experience, including secondary teaching, and at least three years of successful school administrative experience at the secondary level. Division-level curriculum or instructional leadership experience is preferred.

Demonstrated success leading curriculum implementation, instructional improvement, professional learning, and measurable gains in student achievement or growth, including improvement for historically underserved student groups.

Comprehensive knowledge of secondary curriculum, evidence-based instruction, adolescent literacy, mathematics instruction, assessment literacy, intervention, and college and career pathways.

Working knowledge of current Virginia Standards of Learning, applicable VDOE instructional guidance, the Virginia Literacy Act as it applies to assigned grades, graduation requirements, accreditation and accountability expectations, and relevant local, state, and federal requirements.

Demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate data; lead improvement and implementation processes; coach adult learners; supervise and evaluate professional staff; and manage budgets, grants, and competing priorities.

Ability to demonstrate excellent oral and written communications skills and establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, administrators, teachers, staff and associates.

Supervision Exercised

Supervises and evaluates assigned Teaching & Learning coordinators, instructional specialists, and coaches, consistent with the approved organizational chart.

Supervision Received

Performs duties under the supervision of the Chief Academic Officer. Collaborates closely with the Assistant Superintendent, Secondary to align instructional support and school improvement.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in office and school settings and requires regular travel among division schools, classroom visits, meetings, and occasional evening events. Essential functions include communicating with staff and the public; reviewing print and digital information; using standard office technology; and accessing school and classroom settings. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Evaluation

Performance is evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and applicable administrative procedures, using evidence of agreed annual goals, quality of implementation and support, and multiple measures of student academic progress within the position’s assigned responsibilities.