Posted 2 months ago

Associate Director of STEM

WashingtonOn-siteFull-time

AI Summary

The Associate Director of STEM provides instructional leadership and coaching to three DC schools, strengthening mathematics and science instruction and improving student outcomes through program implementation, data-driven decisions, and collaboration with regional and school teams.

About this role

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description

The Rocketship DC regional team is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Associate Director of STEM to support high-quality, rigorous, and equitable mathematics and science instruction across Rocketship DC schools. This role partners closely with DC regional and school leaders to strengthen instructional practice and improve student outcomes in STEM.

The Associate Director of STEM provides direct instructional leadership and coaching support to three (3) DC schools, ensuring strong implementation of Rocketship’s STEM instructional vision and core programs. This role works in close collaboration with regional leadership and school-based instructional teams and reports to the Director of Schools.

Essential Functions

Coaching & Leader Development

Build instructional capacity among DC school leaders and instructional leaders through targeted coaching and development in STEM instruction.

Provide direct coaching to school leaders and instructional leaders focused on math instruction, teacher development, and content knowledge

Observe classroom instruction and planning, delivering actionable feedback aligned to Rocketship’s STEM instructional vision and core competencies

Mentor leaders to strengthen their ability to coach teachers and improve STEM outcomes across supported schools.

Program Implementation & Fidelity

Ensure strong implementation of Rocketship’s STEM curriculum and instructional model across supported DC schools.

Support schools in implementing core STEM programs with fidelity to instructional design and pacing expectations

Develop and adapt pacing guidance aligned to DC school calendars and regional priorities

Curate and share instructional resources, exemplars, and tools to support effective planning and execution by teachers and leaders

Progress Monitoring & Instructional Effectiveness

Monitor the effectiveness of STEM program implementation and student outcomes across supported DC schools.

Support the use of assessments and instructional data aligned to grade-level standards and curricular materials

Analyze priority student achievement and implementation data to identify trends and areas for targeted support

Share clear insights and recommendations with DC regional leaders to inform coaching, planning, and instructional decision-making

Regional Collaboration, Vision, and Goal-Setting

Partner with DC regional leadership to align on STEM instructional vision, priorities, and goals.

Collaborate with regional leaders to define and refine the DC STEM instructional vision and success metrics

Support schools in setting instructional goals and monitoring progress toward shared outcomes

Partner with the national academics team and other regional ADs to ensure alignment with Rocketship’s Core Model and instructional priorities

Professional Development & Regional Learning

Design and facilitate professional learning experiences aligned to DC’s instructional priorities in STEM.

Design and lead engaging professional development forDC teachers, school leaders, and instructional staff.

Identify regional professional learning priorities using qualitative and quantitative data

Core Characteristics

Successful candidates will demonstrate Rocketship’s core characteristics in their leadership and instructional practice:

Pursuit of Excellence – Continuously improves outcomes through data analysis, feedback, reflective practice, and a commitment to instructional excellence.

Authenticity – Leads with transparency, humility, professionalism, and alignment to Rocketship’s mission and values.

Community – Builds strong relationships with staff, students, families, and stakeholders while valuing collaboration and collective impact across schools and teams.

Tenacity – Relentlessly pursues ambitious instructional goals and solutions in service of student achievement and equitable outcomes.

Innovation – Challenges the status quo, embraces continuous improvement, and takes responsible risks to strengthen STEM instruction and student learning experiences.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree required.

Master’s degree preferred in Education or a related field.

Experience

3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, school administration, or a related field.

At least 3 years of lead teaching experience in a core content area, with K–5 math or science experience preferred, and a demonstrated track record of strong student outcomes.

At least 1 year of experience coaching and leading adults in a school-based or instructional leadership role.

Experience implementing, managing, and coaching high-quality STEM instructional programs preferred.

Experience with instructional planning, data analysis, and school-based operational systems preferred.

Skills

Strong instructional coaching and adult learning facilitation skills.

Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive instructional decisions and continuous improvement.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail and accountability.

Experience supervising staff, supporting performance development, and fostering collaborative team culture preferred.

Proficiency with Google Workspace required.

Commitment to educational equity and alignment to Rocketship’s mission and values.

Skills

Assessment DataCoach Professional DevelopmentData AnalysisGoogle WorkspaceInstructional CoachingPacing GuidesProfessional Learning DesignProgress MonitoringSTEM Curriculum