Dean of Instruction; Jackson, TN

Dean Of Instruction Fellowship

The Dean of Instruction Fellows program will support the Founding Jackson Deans in developing the skills and mindset necessary to lead a high-performing charter school. The fellowship will primarily be based in Memphis for the 2026-27 school year and will transition to a full time Deans role in Jackson, TN for the 2027-28 school year.

The Dean of Instruction fellowship at Gestalt Community Schools is designed to cultivate effective instructional leaders through a structured program grounded in the 8 Levers of Effective School Leadership. To successfully transition into a Dean of Instruction role, fellow must meet specific criteria, including:

• Successful Program Completion:
  Candidates must complete all required components of the fellowship, including instructional coaching cycles, data analysis, professional development facilitation, and mentorship experiences that build capacity to lead teaching and learning.
• Scoring "Effective" in All
  
  Competencies:
  
  Candidates are assessed using a Leadership Framework that outlines the competencies necessary for successful instructional leadership. To be eligible for a Dean of Instruction position, candidates must score "effective" or higher in each competency, demonstrating readiness to lead academic outcomes at the school level.

By fulfilling these requirements, candidates will be prepared to take on the responsibilities of a Dean of Instruction within the Gestalt Community Schools network, pending available opportunities.

Competencies

Lever 1:
Data-Driven Instruction

Drive Results Through Data:
Consistently use interim, formative, and summative assessment data to monitor student progress and ensure all scholars are on track to meet academic goals. Translate data into clear action steps that improve instructional outcomes.

Build a Data-Driven Culture:
Establish and reinforce systems and routines that ensure teachers regularly analyze student data, reflect on performance, and adjust instruction accordingly. Foster a culture where data is used proactively and consistently to drive decision-making.

Lead Effective Data Meetings:
Facilitate structured data meetings using a "See It, Name It, Do It" approach to identify trends, determine root causes, and develop targeted action plans. Ensure follow-through and accountability for implementation and results.

Lever 2:
Planning & Instructional Culture

Ensure Lesson Fidelity:
Ensure all teachers develop and execute high-quality, standards-aligned lesson plans that reflect curriculum expectations and rigor. Monitor and support consistent implementation across classrooms.

Drive Aggressive Monitoring:
Support teachers in actively monitoring student understanding during lessons through checks for understanding, questioning strategies, and real-time adjustments to instruction.

Strengthen Response to Data:
Ensure teachers effectively respond to student errors through targeted reteach, meaningful discourse, and consistent mastery checks to close learning gaps.

Build Strong Academic Habits:
Promote and reinforce school-wide expectations for writing, discussion, and academic language, ensuring scholars consistently engage in rigorous and structured learning experiences.

Lever 3:
Observation & Feedback

Implement the "See It, Name It, Do It" Coaching Model:
Conduct frequent classroom observations to identify high-leverage instructional gaps, provide clear and actionable feedback, and support teachers in practicing and implementing improvements.

Maximize Feedback Impact:
Increase the frequency, quality, and effectiveness of coaching by ensuring feedback is timely, specific, and directly tied to student outcomes, with consistent follow-up and accountability.

Lever 4:
Professional Development

Plan Purposeful Professional Development:
Design and support professional development aligned to school priorities, with clear objectives and a focus on improving instructional practice and student achievement.

Prioritize Practice:
Ensure professional development includes opportunities for teachers to practice key skills, receive feedback, and refine their instructional techniques in a supportive environment.

Ensure Follow-Through:
Build systems to monitor and support the implementation of professional development in classrooms, ensuring that learning translates into improved teaching and student outcomes.

Lever 5–6:
Student Culture & Staff Culture (Supporting/Developing)

Support Student and Staff Culture Systems:
Reinforce strong classroom culture by aligning instructional practices with school-wide expectations for behavior, engagement, and academic rigor. Support the development of a positive staff culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead Instructional Coaching Cycles:
  Conduct regular classroom observations and provide high-quality, actionable feedback to teachers. Lead coaching cycles that include observation, feedback, modeling, practice, and follow-up to ensure measurable…