Reports to: Chief Academic Officer

Organizational Overview:

Grow Academy, founded by the Grimm Family Education Foundation opened its doors in August 2011. Located in Arvin, California, Grow Academy is an independent public charter school where health and wellness is at the center of student success. Grow Academy implements a rigorous blended learning model where students actively engage in a unique, diversified learning environment.

In 2016, Grow Public Schools was established as the Charter Management Organization (CMO) responsible for support and oversight of the academies. Today, Grow Public Schools is redefining academic excellence in Kern County as a multi-campus charter school operator. Grow Public Schools operates Grow Academy Arvin and Grow Academy Shafter, both K-8 schools with over 750 students enrolled at each campus. We hold high expectations for our students, parents, teachers, and staff to ensure a supportive and successful learning environment to close the achievement gap in the highest need communities in California.

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the CAO of Grow Public Schools (GPS), the Director of Learning and Innovation (DLI) will provide leadership, planning, coordination, and management to support the development of infrastructure that creates the conditions for student academic excellence and wellness. The Director of Learning and Innovation is responsible for coordinating and implementing high impact professional learning for all employees across the GPS network with an aim to ensure college and life success for all GPS scholars. The DLI will also oversee the implementation of the organization’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports model in service of maintaining a culture of achievement, scholar excellence and overall well-being. Finally, the Director of Learning and Innovation will be responsible for the execution of an Expanded Learning Opportunity program aligned to the Grow Public Schools core model.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the CAO, and in collaboration with principals, the DLI is responsible for:

Development of Engaging Adult Learning Experiences

• Design and supervise the development of professional learning aligned to network priorities and GPS’ academic cornerstones including:
  • Differentiated teacher professional learning experiences designed in collaboration with school leaders and the network Instructional Leadership Team
  • Small group instructor professional development
  • Teacher induction and leadership opportunities
  • Support all organizational directors and managers in the development engaging adult learning experiences
• Supervise the Coordinator of Teacher Residency and participate in the recruitment and selection of teacher candidates, residents, and small group instructors
• Supervise the New Teacher Mentor and facilitate discussion on the growth of new teachers and areas for support
• Support the facilitation and development of the Instructional Leadership Team in alignment with organizational priorities
• Identify and collaborate on procuring funding sources for teacher development programs, including public and private grants and philanthropy

Implementation of Grow Public School’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Model

• Organize the management of programs and a system of resource alignment to assist GPS in providing community relevant and responsive intervention, prevention, postvention, and student support which integrates special and general education services - including but not limited to the Coordination of Services Team (COST), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Positive Behavior and Intervention Systems (PBIS), restorative behavioral approaches, and trauma-informed practices
• Promote network participation in the design and development of a comprehensive system of transformational programs to meet student needs to ensure equity and access through the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)
• Collaborate with the CMO, school leadership, and other local and national SEL leaders to develop and achieve the goals and objectives of the GPS Network, with a central focus on ensuring all students have opportunities to build SEL skills and receive an assets-based educational experience that is personalized, culturally, and community relevant and responsive.
• Implement practices that build on the existing strengths of students, educators, families, and communities.
• Research and provide SEL and trauma-informed education, technical expertise, and training for staff, parents, and the broader school community.

Execution of an aligned Expanded Learning Opportunity Program

• In collaboration with the CAO, principals, and ELOP (Expanded Learning Opportunities Program) Site Leads, the DLI is responsible for developing and implementing the supplemental (before and after school) expanded learning program for GPS across multiple sites.
• Develop Fall, Spring, Winter, and Spring intercessions to include academic intervention and enrichment, recreational and structured play, enrichment opportunities (i.e. music, robotics, clubs, etc.), as well as off-campus experiences

In addition, the DLI will work in collaboration with the home office team to support school leaders in the implementation of student information systems; academic achievement and assessment data; regulatory and authorizer compliance; LCAP; ELOP/ASES program reporting; and data systems.

Qualifications

Desired Attributes

• Experience with implementing MTSS.
• An Asset-based approach to problem-solving.
• Work with changing priorities, regulations, and deadlines.
• Analyze situations accurately and recommend necessary actions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrate skills in collaborating with administrators, teachers, community representatives, students, and their families.
• Enthusiasm for the role and required tasks.
• Belief that education transforms lives and that every student deserves the opportunity to go to college.
• Enthusiasm for GPS mission and vision.

Knowledge of

• Current research and evidence-based teaching and pedagogical practices including but not limited to: blended learning, project-based learning, and co-teaching.
• Context of public schooling including the California adopted P-12 content standards, frameworks, and accountability systems.
• California’s SEL Guiding Principles
• PBIS
• SEL research, evaluation, strategies, theories, techniques, and methods of instruction
• Adult learning theory

Abilities & Skills

• Effective staff and public relations skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Planning and organizational techniques
• Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; high sense of urgency; demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects concurrently; ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with diplomacy and even-handedness and ability to work effectively with teammates of all levels.
• Proven leadership skills with exceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships.

Desired educational level:

• Master’s level degree in relevant field preferred.

Experience required:

• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, preferred experience in classroom teaching, evaluation, research, organizational structures and systems, strategic planning, change management, building the capacity of adults, leadership development, and coaching.
• Charter School experience is a plus.