Academic Rigor and Curriculum Lead

Excel Prep is a neurodiverse-inclusive private school that integrates Direct Instruction, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Precision Teaching to accelerate learner outcomes. The Curriculum and Academic Rigor Lead ensures that Excel Prep’s academic programming meets the highest standards of instructional excellence, alignment with student learning goals, and fidelity to evidence-based practice.

This leader will coach, develop, and evaluate teachers and interventionists while guiding the academic and instructional design across subjects and grade levels.

• Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of Excel Prep’s academic and instructional frameworks.
• Ensure all curriculum aligns with Excel Prep’s mission of equity, precision, and neurodiverse inclusion.
• Evaluate and adapt curriculum sequences using Direct Instruction (DI) and complementary instructional models.
• Develop pacing guides, progress monitoring systems, and mastery-based data reviews.

• Provide weekly observation, feedback, and coaching cycles for teachers and interventionists.
• Model high-fidelity instructional delivery using DI, fluency-based instruction, and explicit teaching principles.
• Create and facilitate ongoing professional development in data-based decision making, instructional design, and learner engagement.
• Support new staff onboarding and DI skill acquisition through training and guided practice.

• Lead data review meetings with staff to analyze student performance trends and identify acceleration opportunities.
• Establish measurable academic targets and monitor fidelity of implementation across classrooms.
• Collaborate with BCBAs and clinical teams to ensure academic programming integrates behavioral and communication goals.
• Develop performance rubrics and academic rigor standards that align with Excel Prep’s outcome metrics.

• Serve on the School Leadership Team and advise on instructional priorities, curriculum purchases, and assessment tools.
• Partner with the Clinical Director and Head of School to maintain consistency between academic and therapeutic models.
• Foster a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and evidence-based excellence.

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
• Minimum 3 years teaching or instructional leadership experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in Direct Instruction (DI) methodologies
• Deep understanding of evidence-based interventions, progress monitoring, and individualized instruction

• Experience working with neurodiverse learners (autism, ADHD, learning disabilities)
• Familiarity with ABA and Precision Teaching principles
• Experience training or supervising educators and intervention staff
• Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field

• Instructional design expertise
• Strong data analysis and coaching skills
• Leadership presence and cultural competence
• Commitment to inclusion, equity, and high expectations
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Opportunity to shape a growing, innovative educational model in Chicago