Assistant Director of Instruction & Faculty Development

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

The Goddard School® located in Fairfield, NJ is looking for a motivated, self-starter for our Assistant Director of Instruction & Faculty Development role with the hours of 845pm to 545pm Monday through Friday. This position works alongside our Executive Director and another Assistant Director. The Assistant Director of Instruction & Faculty Development is a completely hands-on leadership role focused on strengthening instructional quality, curriculum implementation, and classroom practices across the school.

This position works side-by-side with teachers in classrooms to support lesson plan implementation, effective use of curriculum, early childhood best practices, and positive classroom management strategies. The coach serves as a mentor, model, and thought partner—helping teachers grow in confidence and skill while ensuring alignment with school expectations, curriculum standards, and quality assurance practices. While the majority of the role is classroom-based, dedicated time is also spent collaborating with faculty and leadership outside the classroom to ensure consistency, communication, and shared goals.

• Observe classroom instruction and lesson plan implementation to ensure alignment with curriculum expectations and developmental appropriateness
• Coach teachers on effective curriculum implementation, including planning, pacing, differentiation, and engagement strategies
• Model instructional strategies, learning centers, transitions, and classroom routines as needed
• Support teachers in translating lesson plans into meaningful, intentional classroom experiences

• Build positive, trusting relationships with teachers to support professional growth and confidence
• Provide real-time coaching, feedback, and problem-solving support within the classroom
• Assist teachers in reflecting on instructional practices and identifying areas for growth
• Support new and developing teachers through mentorship, modeling, and guided practice

• Coach teachers through classroom management situations using developmentally appropriate, positive guidance strategies
• Support teachers in addressing challenging behaviors with consistency, empathy, and best practices
• Model calm, effective responses during classroom challenges
• Collaborate with leadership and teachers on proactive behavior supports and classroom structure

• Promote early childhood education best practices aligned with licensing requirements, curriculum standards, and quality assurance expectations
• Support consistent implementation of school-wide instructional and behavioral expectations
• Identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement across classrooms and share insights with leadership
• Assist in maintaining high standards of instructional quality across all age groups

• Participate in out-of-classroom meetings with faculty and leadership to ensure alignment on goals, expectations, and instructional priorities
• Collaborate with leadership on professional development needs and coaching focus areas
• Support school-wide initiatives related to curriculum, assessment, and instructional improvement
• Serve as a bridge between classroom teachers and leadership to promote clarity, consistency, and shared understanding

• Majority of the day spent actively working in classrooms alongside teachers
• Scheduled time for coaching meetings, planning, reflection, and collaboration with leadership
• Flexible and responsive role based on classroom needs and school priorities

• Instructional leader who coaches rather than evaluates
• Relationship-driven and supportive
• Highly observant, reflective, and proactive
• Comfortable working directly in classrooms and navigating real-time situations
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional growth for themselves and others
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and systems-focused
• Strong communication and…