Director of Education

Don Watson Academy, Lancaster, MASalary Range: $90,000 - $94,000Who We SeekWe seek an experienced education administrator and proven instructional leader to serve as the Director of Education for Don Watson Academy (DWA). This role is the primary driver of instructional excellence and curricular fidelity. You will lead the design of rigorous and responsive educational programming that is deeply rooted in instructional best practices and a therapeutic framework.DWA is a year-round, state-approved special education day and residential school program that proudly serves students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities using a trauma-responsive approach. Our team focuses on developing student attitudes and actions that promote problem-solving, independence, and academic achievement. We are committed to a learning environment that has an academically challenging curriculum, a philosophy of teaching that focuses on individual student strengths, and an emphasis on seeing students succeed.ResponsibilitiesInstructional Leadership & Educator DevelopmentServe as a deeply empathetic and collaborative leader who actively seeks out and incorporates input from staff, students, and caregivers to drive a shared, inclusive vision for DWA.Cultivate instructional excellence by coaching, mentoring, and guiding all education staff to refine their practice and achieve mastery as professionals.Champion and model research-based best practices in the classroom, providing demonstration lessons and facilitating job-embedded professional learning focused on instructional effectiveness and collaborative planning.Conduct regular observations and implement targeted supervision and coaching to provide staff with timely, reflective feedback and individualized support.Design and deliver comprehensive professional learning, ensuring all staff are trained in a trauma-informed approach to education and effective instructional strategies that integrate clinical and social emotional supports throughout the milieu.Supervise, support, and formally evaluate teachers in accordance with RFK Community Alliance standards.Curriculum Design, Fidelity, and AssessmentServe as a curriculum specialist, strategically overseeing the selection, design, implementation, and evaluation of a high-quality, research-based curriculum and associated instructional materials aligned with student needs and state standards.Lead the instructional design process, including comprehensive curriculum mapping and the alignment of all learning objectives, materials, and formative/summative assessments to ensure curricular fidelity.Drive data-informed instruction by leading teachers in the analysis of student data to identify instructional needs, adjust curricular approaches, and measure program effectiveness.Ensure instructional programs are highly differentiated to support the development and implementation of robust, goal-driven Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).Strategic and Organizational Leadership (New Section)Serve as a vital member of the DWA and RFKCA leadership team, contributing to high-level operational and instructional decisions, the integration of the Lower School’s goals with the organization's strategic plan, and the articulation of a cohesive therapeutic and academic vision across the entire campus and K-12 continuum.Act as a critical liaison and colleague between the other RFK Community Alliance 766 schools, fostering interdepartmental collaboration and resource alignment to advance the holistic, therapeutic mission of the agency.QualificationsRequired:Master's DegreeMinimum of 3-5 years of experience working in a 5-12 school, with a proven track record of positively impacting instructional outcomesDESE Educator LicensureDESE School Administrator Licensure for Principal or Special Education Administrator (or eligibility for initial licensure)Valid Massachusetts driver’s license is requiredPreferred:Advanced degree in Educational Leadership, Teaching and Learning, or Curriculum and Instructional DesignExtensive experience in leading curriculum development, instructional coaching, and assessment designSpecial education classroom teaching experienceExperience providing trauma-informed care and working with students with disabilitiesWho We AreRFK Community Alliance provides high-quality care and support to people and families facing complicated challenges. As a multi-service agency, we offer a wide range of programs serving a variety of needs across all ages, from infants to seniors. We are team players when it comes to caring. We work with the people we serve, their families, schools, and other community partners to develop a network of support. We provide opportunities to build skills and confidence. We nurture strength, determination, and resilience.How We Promote Equity, Cultivate Leaders, and Grow TogetherAt RFK Community Alliance, we’re dedicated to a culture where everyone can show up to work as their full authentic selves. Diversity and inclusion doesn’t happen by accident, it’s by design. Together we are the designers. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger. We care about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. Which is why we’re committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on our team, in our clientele and within our community. Our team must reflect our community and vice versa. We value, respect, and support all types of diversity across all identities including, but not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, LGBTQIA, age religion and abilities. We take responsibility for the community we’re creating here at RFK Community Alliance, and we’re here to contribute to the progression of our society to a more inclusive and equitable one.Why You’ll Love UsIn addition to being a part of a supportive team, we offer amazing employee benefits, including:Health InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceGenerous paid time offHoliday PayEducational AssistanceEmployer paid life insuranceEmployer paid Short- & Long-Term DisabilityRetirement Plan with generous employer matchTuition ReimbursementComprehensive Employee Assistance ProgramTo apply for this position please click on →Director of Education. RFKCA offers a compassionate, inclusive company culture and excellent work environment. RFKCA is deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. EOE/AA