Director of Elementary Education; PK

Position: Director of Elementary Education (PK-5) ($139,848+)
Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for a dynamic instructional leader to serve as the Director of Elementary Education. Under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Student Supports, the Director of Elementary Education oversees all aspects of teaching and learning from PK-5). 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 Elementary 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 elementary 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 PK-5 instructional program, including core academics, enrichment disciplines, and specialized instructional supports, ensuring all students experience 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 PK-5 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment program.

* Ensure vertical alignment of curriculum from PK-5 with smooth transitions to secondary programs.

* 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 initiatives, early numeracy development, and disciplinary literacy (PK-5).

* Monitor the fidelity of curriculum implementation across all elementary 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, gifted and talented services, and instructional technology are intentionally aligned to the PK-5 curriculum and implemented as part of a cohesive, well-rounded instructional program.

* Collaborate with school leaders, instructional coaches, and department chairs to integrate enrichment and specialized instructional areas into core instruction in ways that enhance student engagement, creativity, literacy development, and overall academic success.

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.

* Ensure alignment of PK-3 readiness initiatives, early intervention processes, and early childhood articulation.

Coaching System & Educator Growth

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

* Provide strategic leadership for the district's elementary instructional coaching program (12 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…