Managing Director of Teaching and Learning

Position: Managing Director of Teaching and Learning (26-27)
Description

Managing Director of Teaching and Learning

Mission:

The Managing Director of Teaching and Learning (MDT&L) sets the systemwide vision and strategy for high-quality instruction at IDEA Public Schools-anchored in the Science of Learning and coherent across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports-so that all students access rigorous, grade-level content and achieve at the highest levels. The MDT&L leads the design of instructional practice frameworks, develops leaders at scale, and ensures alignment across IDEA's Multi-tiered Systems of Support among Teaching & Learning, Advanced Academics, and Intervention so that research-based pedagogy, strong curriculum implementation, and responsive supports translate to measurable student impact across regions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct reports:
  Director of Advanced Academics;
  Director of Intervention.
• Dotted line leadership:
  District & Regional Content/Program Coaches (in partnership with Schools/Regions).
• Key partnerships:
  Managing Directors of Curriculum; VPs of Schools;
  Assessment;
  Talent Development;
  Academic Services leaders.

Location:

This is a full-time position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

Up to 25%. Weekly in-region travel to school for observations;
Travel across regions approximately 10 times per year for strategic collaboration, training facilitation, and/or required program observations. Commercial air travel may be required.

What You'll Do - Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Ensure Tier 1 excellence by partnering with Managing Directors of Curriculum on pedagogical guidance, implementation "look fors," calibration tools, and PLC structures that reinforce standards-aligned, rigorous, accessible instruction.
• Oversee MTSS/Intervention strategy in collaboration with the Managing Directors of Curriculum and the Director of Intervention, aligning diagnostics, screeners, progress monitoring, and coaching routines to accelerate gap closure without lowering grade-level expectations.
• Elevate Advanced Academics by setting vision and quality bar for Advanced Academic pathways and enrichment models, ensuring alignment with core instruction and equitable access to advanced opportunities.
• Use data, evidence, and research to evaluate instructional program effectiveness, monitor implementation fidelity, and prioritize supports; regularly brief executive and regional leaders on progress and next actions.
• Drive the strategic vision for teacher and instructional leader training programs, supporting the alignment of instructional practices with IDEA's academic vision, MTSS framework, and college-readiness goals, championing the integration of the Science of Learning-including cognitive psychology, educational psychology, and cognitive neuroscience-into curriculum design and pedagogical practices across IDEA Public Schools.
• Design and lead professional development for the Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) Team focused on the Science of Learning and its application to Tier 1 instruction.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging trends in learning science and pedagogy to inform strategic planning and innovation and facilitate internal workshops, webinars, or learning circles to share insights from recent trainings, conferences, or research.

Additional

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional alignment with Assessment, Talent Development, Schools Teams, Academic Services, and partner HQ teams to ensure coherence between instruction, evaluation, scheduling, staffing, and PD systems.
• Represent Teaching & Learning on network strategy committees; surface research and emerging trends in cognitive science, pedagogy, and implementation science to inform multi year planning.
• Sponsor the design and continuous improvement of district wide training (onboarding and in service) for instructional leaders and C&I team members; champion reflective practice and calibration.
• Facilitate cross-regional collaboration and learning networks; model observation, feedback, and transfer-to-practice strategies in partnership with regional leaders.
• Oversee risk management and change management for major instructional initiatives (adoptions, launches, assessment shifts), coordinating communications, milestones, and readiness checks.
• Engage with academic institutions, professional organizations, and thought leaders to deepen expertise and expand professional networks
• Evaluate and pilot new approaches or tools, documenting outcomes and recommending scalable practices
• Use student performance data and instructional feedback to identify areas for professional growth.
• Collaborate with data teams to interpret trends and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
• Promote a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and lifelong learning within the team.

Knowledge and Skills - Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions:
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