Director of Social-Emotional Learning
The Director of Social Emotional Learning is responsible for developing and fostering the effective implementation of Two Rivers’ social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program. The Director will collaborate with leaders and teachers to continuously and consistently implement research-based SEL practices and build collective knowledge of effective social-Emotional Learning practices, ensuring Two Rivers continues to lead the way in character development. The Director of Social Emotional Learning is an effective program manager with deep expertise in elementary and middle school SEL practices. The Director of Social Emotional Learning is a 12-month position, will report to the Chief Academic Officer, and work with school-based administrators and other content directors to help Two Rivers succeed in its mission and champion our network-wide commitment to engaging with and addressing issues of inequity.
Responsibilities
Program Implementation
- Work closely with the Chief Academic Officer, Principals, Assistant Principals, Senior Director of Student Support, and other content directors to implement and lead our network-wide social-emotional and character development structures, such as Responsive Classroom, Crew, Scholarly Habits, and Second Step
- Design a progression of SEL standards to ensure students a strong progression of character development from preschool through 8th grade
- Support instructional leaders in utilizing grade-level structures to monitor and use student and teacher data to inform and direct actions, including social-emotional interventions
- Create a system to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of our social-Emotional Learning program
- Work with school and network leaders to design and implement developmentally appropriate responses to behavior concerns and positive incentives in alignment with Two Rivers’ mission and District of Columbia law
- Support in the planning and implementation of the summer bridge program for incoming 6th grade students
- Step in, as necessary, during emergency long-term absences for leadership staff
Data Management
- Monitor character and social-emotional data across the network
- Work with school-based leadership teams to create an ongoing system of data analysis, progress monitoring, and action planning
Teacher Development and Observation
- Observe classroom instruction, including crew, across the network to support our leaders in prioritizing the next steps for teachers to design and cultivate strong classroom learning environments
- In collaboration with school leadership, engage in coaching cycles with teachers focused on classroom management and social-Emotional Learning
- Collaborate with our school-based leadership teams to organize learning walks
- Lead team meetings (eg. common planning, vertical teams, data meetings) as needed to support teachers’ ability to plan for and implement positive and productive learning environments
Professional Development
- Serve as lead network trainer for Responsive Classroom and crisis intervention models
- Specifically, train teachers, dedicated aides, and assistant teachers in an integrated multi-tiered support system and a social-Emotional Learning approach.
- Participate in national and local educational community discussions and conferences to stay current with educational issues
- Present at conferences and meetings to establish Two Rivers’ voice in education
- Support school-based leadership teams with determining responses to student needs within the social-emotional Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
- In collaboration with school leadership, plan and facilitate culture-based professional development
- Support with implementation of new teacher cohort
- Facilitate learning for Two Rivers families regarding our educational model through content-specific nights as directed
- Other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Ideal candidates will possess the following qualities/skills:
Skills and Characteristics
- Passionate belief in the Two Rivers mission and educational model
- Curiosity, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to reflection
- Demonstrated ability to lead adults by nurturing their growth and investing in their success
- Proven track record of leading teams to meet extremely high standards for student achievement and success
- Strong teaching ability and a passion for leading professional development
- Understanding of organizational growth and development
- Excellent communication, public relations, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational skills; extremely careful attention to detail and follow-through
- Expertise in education from early childhood to middle school
Educational Background and Work Experience
- At least two years of successful experience as a school, network, or district leader
- At least five years of combined experience as a leader and teacher in an urban area with a track record of high student achievement
- Significant experience planning, facilitating, and leading adult learning, including teacher coaching
- A master’s degree in a relevant field is highly preferred
- Experience implementing and/or leading the implementation of Responsive Classroom or restorative practices