Director of Pre K-5 STEM Curriculum and Instruction

Director of Pre K-5 Stem Curriculum and Instruction (Internal and External)

Revise the Vertically Aligned Curriculum Framework. Review the curriculum map from PreK through Grade 5 in literacy, science, social studies, and math to ensure intentional skill progression. Students entering kindergarten from PreK should have predictable foundational learning experiences, and students leaving Grade 5 should possess the knowledge, skills, and learning habits needed to thrive in Grade
6. Consider adopting or adapting a scope and sequence that explicitly bridges the NYS Early Learning Guidelines to the K–5 Next Generation Learning Standards and intentionally aligns Grade 5 and Grade 6 expectations to create a seamless transition into middle school.

Align PreK–5 science and engineering instruction with the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS), ensuring that PreK exploratory/inquiry experiences intentionally build toward K-5 science and engineering practices.

Conduct a STEM materials and equipment audit across all 8 elementary schools to ensure equitable access to hands-on science kits, manipulatives, and maker/STEM lab resources, prioritizing buildings with identified gaps

Manage teams to review instructional practices, curriculum, and feedback, with a focus on STEM, in collaboration with the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, the Director of Special Education, and the Evaluation Officer.

Design and facilitate PreK-5 professional learning on inquiry-based, phenomena-driven STEM instruction, including the engineering design process, to build teacher capacity and confidence in delivering hands-on science.

Serve as the project manager for grants (Project Innovation, Title, Universal PreK, and Head Start) in collaboration with the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance.

Enhance current early childhood programming throughout all 8 elementary schools in collaboration with building administrators.

Location(s):
District Office

Anticipated

Start Date:

9/1/2026

Posting Dates: 7/24/2026- until filled

Number of Vacancies: 1

FTE:1.0

Application Requirements:
Resume/CV, Cover Letter, Proof of Certification (or pending certification), Three (3) Letters of Reference (required for external candidates), Mandatory Writing Sample (see prompt below)

The Ithaca City School District values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, people with disabilities, and those with lived experiences.

Mandatory Writing Sample A writing sample is required for the application to be complete. Please upload your writing sample separately or with your cover letter.

How do you see yourself serving as an instructional administrative leader in the Ithaca City School District to meet the diverse needs of all students, faculty, staff, and community? Please refer to specific actions you would take. Describe a typical day as an instructional administrative leader to help us understand how your practices will fulfill our district's equity goals. Include interventions, and collaborative approaches in meeting all stakeholder groups;

needs.

Required Qualifications:

The Ithaca City School District is committed to eliminating race, class, and disability as predictors of academic performance, co-curricular participation, and discipline. Qualified candidates will demonstrate a basic awareness of these commitments and a strong willingness to support these efforts.

NYS Building/District Leader Certification

Desired Characteristics:
An educational leader whose competency, energy, and commitment will help ensure that students thrive;
Proven ability to interact effectively with students and their families who represent cultures that are diverse in terms of race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics in order to build an effective and collaborative school community

Salary Range: $99,500 Commensurate with education and experience

The Ithaca City School District does not unlawfully discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military status, veteran status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or other federal/state protected status.