Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Chandler Unified School District Names Best School District in AZ 2026

AZ Big Media's Ranking Arizona names Chandler Unified School District #1 School District in 2026

Job Goal:

The Executive Director of PK-8 Curriculum and Instruction provides leadership, management, and oversight for the implementation and continuous improvement of curriculum, instruction, assessment, intervention systems, and professional learning across the district's preschool through eighth-grade programs. Reporting to the Assistant Superintendent of PreK-12 Teaching and Learning, the Executive Director ensures the effective execution of district instructional priorities and supports schools in achieving high levels of student learning and academic growth.

The Executive Director leads the coordination and implementation of PK-8 curriculum and instructional programs in literacy, mathematics, science, and career readiness while ensuring alignment among curriculum, assessment, intervention, and professional learning systems. This position works collaboratively with principals, instructional leaders, and district departments to strengthen instructional practices, improve student outcomes, and ensure equitable access to rigorous learning opportunities for all students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree required in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, Literacy, or related field.
• Doctorate preferred.
• Valid Arizona Administrative Certificate.
• Reading endorsement or advanced literacy credentials preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of successful educational leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success supporting instructional improvement initiatives resulting in measurable gains in student achievement.
• Experience leading curriculum implementation, professional learning, and instructional support systems.
• Experience supervising instructional leaders, teachers, and academic coaches.
• Demonstrated success working with diverse student populations and school communities.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of curriculum development, instructional practices, and assessment systems.
• Expertise in Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Knowledge of effective mathematics and science instructional practices.
• Understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and intervention frameworks.
• Strong data analysis and continuous improvement skills.
• Effective communication, collaboration, leadership, and organizational skills.

Core

Job Functions:

Curriculum and Instruction Leadership:

• Lead the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of district PK-8 curriculum and instructional programs.
• Ensure alignment among curriculum, instruction, assessment, intervention, and professional learning systems.
• Support implementation of district academic priorities established by the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.
• Monitor instructional program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on student performance data and instructional needs.
• Support schools in implementing high-quality instructional practices with fidelity.

Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Career Readiness:

• Coordinate district-wide implementation of literacy, mathematics, science, and career readiness initiatives.
• Support implementation of evidence-based literacy practices aligned to Science of Reading research.
• Ensure instructional programs promote critical thinking, problem-solving, inquiry, and student engagement.
• Monitor student achievement and growth data to identify trends and support instructional improvements.
• Collaborate with schools to strengthen instructional practices that increase student proficiency and advanced performance levels.
• Support the integration of STEM, career awareness, and future readiness skills within PK-8 instructional programs.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Data-Driven Improvement:

• Lead the implementation of standards-based instructional practices and ensure benchmark and formative assessment data are used to improve student achievement and accelerate learning.
• Build the capacity of principals, instructional leaders, and teachers to analyze student performance data, identify learning gaps, and implement timely, targeted interventions.
• Develop and monitor systems that support data-informed decision-making, progress monitoring, and continuous improvement at the classroom, school, and district levels.
• Collaborate with district and school leaders to evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum, instructional programs, and intervention strategies, using student achievement and growth data to inform recommendations and action plans.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS):

• Oversee implementation of district MTSS frameworks and intervention systems.
• Support schools…