CT Academic Dean of STEM

Leading at Achievement First

As an Academic Dean at Achievement First, you will be at the center of this work— coaching our teachers and driving decisions that will benefit our scholars. You will be the driver of high‑quality coaching instruction that enables teachers to develop and deliver strong content and help our scholars develop a lifelong love of learning. You will work with teachers to champion students who believe all are capable of greatness.

You will demand excellence for yourself, your teachers and your students, and help create a vibrant school community where students have a powerful learning experience that fosters their best and most thoughtful work.

2026‑2027

At Achievement First, you will grow as a passionate and constant leader who thrives on feedback, enjoys regular one‑on‑one coaching with the principal, and nurtures a voracious appetite for professional development and consistent improvement. You will cultivate school‑wide classroom cultures built on strong structures, communication and lasting relationships. Every day, you will contribute to the education of children who will go on to become the next generation of leaders in our communities.

• Analyze school‑wide data to design responsive and effective student interventions.
• Develop highly effective instructional curriculum and schedule, in collaboration with the principal and Team Teaching & Learning in the Network Support office.
• Observe lessons regularly and deliver targeted feedback to teachers.
• Collaborate with grade/subject teams to plan units, lessons and assessments; regularly share feedback.
• Assist teachers in devising and monitoring high‑impact support plans for students.
• Model outstanding instruction for teachers.

• Coordinate and manage creative, inspiring professional development sessions in line with school goals and priorities.
• Direct the interim assessment process to ensure teachers are using current data to drive instruction; facilitate regular, meaningful interim assessment data debriefs with teachers.
• Lead staff trainings at the start and end of the school year and on professional development day.

• Analyze school‑wide data to design responsive student interventions.
• Track additional academic data (e.g., homework completion rates); communicate progress to students, teachers and parents.
• Participate in regular leadership team meetings.
• Work closely with the dean of students to support efforts in character development and positive school culture.
• Assist teacher leaders (e.g., coaches, grade team leaders) in developing leadership skills.

• Commitment to Achievement First’s mission and values:
  Leading for Racial Equity, Embrace Challenge, and Go Further Together.
• Exemplary instructional and classroom‑management skills, meeting extremely high standards for student achievement.
• Proven ability to proactively and effectively coach and manage adults and drive excellent student achievement through others.
• Superior personal organizational skills, ability to coach others to improve their organization and efficiency, and ability to “zoom out” to create and manage systems and projects requiring long‑range planning.
• People leadership: strong self‑awareness and awareness of others, and an exceptional warm‑demanding balance when leading adults.
• Growth mindset for self and others; willingness to seek out feedback and implement constructive feedback quickly and effectively.
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for subject matter.

• Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred.
• Certified as a school leader per state guidelines and requirements or ability to obtain necessary state certification in specific subject and grade level within first two months of employment.
• At least 3 years of K‑12 full‑time lead teaching experience with a record of high student achievement.
• At least 1 year of experience coaching and leading adults to obtain high student achievement.

• Competitive salary based on equity lens, skill, education and experience; dean salaries in CT range from $90,041 to $117,483.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 403(b) retirement benefit with match, and paid Family Leave.

Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..