Director of Secondary Education

Position: Director of Secondary Education (6-12) ($139,848+)
Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for a dynamic instructional leader to serve as the Director of Secondary Education. Under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Student Supports, the Director of Secondary Education oversees all aspects of teaching and learning from grades 6-12. Dorchester County Public Schools is in the midst of dramatic, systemwide improvement and is entering the first year of implementation of our ambitious Believe in Us:
Advancing Our Potential Together Strategic Plan. This is a unique opportunity to help lead transformational work from the ground up as part of a creative, results-focused leadership team.

The Director of Secondary Education will thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment, partnering closely with principals, instructional coaches, and central office leaders to strengthen teaching and learning in every secondary classroom. The ideal candidate possesses an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at the highest levels and is energized by leading bold, student-centered change that turns that belief into measurable outcomes for every child.

The Director provides visionary and transformative leadership for a cohesive, aligned, and high-quality 6-12 instructional program, including core academics, enrichment disciplines, and specialized instructional supports, ensuring all students graduate prepared for college, career, and life through rigorous curriculum, highly effective instruction, and a comprehensive, data-driven system of assessment. This role ensures consistent implementation of the DCPS Instructional Process, strengthens principal instructional leadership, elevates teacher capacity through the district coaching model, and drives continuous improvement aligned with the Believe in Us Strategic Plan and the Maryland Instructional Leadership Framework.

DUTIES:

Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Leadership

* Lead the design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous revision of a coherent 6-12 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment program.

* Ensure vertical alignment of curriculum from 6-12.

* Oversee development, selection, and implementation of instructional materials, textbooks, digital resources, and assessments.

* Coordinate development and implementation of the comprehensive assessment system, including formative and interim assessments.

* Ensure curriculum and instruction reflect current research, evidence-based practices, and Maryland standards.

* Lead and facilitate cross-functional stakeholder committees and task forces-including teachers, building leaders, content specialists, and district staff-to guide shared decision-making in curriculum, instructional practices, and assessment selection and implementation.

* Provide leadership and oversight for literacy, numeracy, and disciplinary literacy 6-12).

* Monitor fidelity of curriculum implementation across all secondary schools using district-developed walkthrough tools, observation protocols, and data review processes aligned to shared instructional expectations.

* Ensure that library media, fine arts, physical education, health education, world languages, gifted and talented services, and instructional technology are aligned to the Grades 6-12 curriculum and function as integral components of a coherent, well-rounded secondary instructional program.

* Collaborate with school leaders and department chairs to integrate enrichment and specialized instructional areas into secondary instruction in ways that support disciplinary learning, student engagement, global competencies, wellness, and college and career readiness.

School Leadership Support & MTSS

* Support principals and school leadership teams in implementing district instructional expectations.

* Provide guidance on the use of data for school improvement planning, PLC work, and MTSS structures.

* Monitor building-level implementation of School Improvement Plans.

Coaching System & Educator Growth

* Supervise and evaluate the Coordinator of Educator Growth & Development - Secondary.

* Provide strategic leadership for the district's secondary instructional coaching program (7 coaches), ensuring alignment with district instructional priorities.

* Ensure instructional coaches are implementing the district coaching model with fidelity, focusing on supporting high-quality curriculum delivery, evidence-based instructional practices, and data-informed instructional improvement.

* Establish and maintain clear expectations for coaching roles, responsibilities, and scope of work to ensure coaches function as instructional coaches and are not assigned non-coaching duties.

* Develop and oversee expectations for coaching cycles, feedback structures (FAST), and walkthrough processes aligned to continuous improvement.

* Oversee and facilitate professional learning and ongoing development for instructional coaches and building-level instructional staff.

College, Career, & Postsecondary Readiness Leadership

* Provide…