IDEA Public Schools Careers

Managing Director of Teaching and Learning

Mission:

The Managing Director of Teaching and Learning (MDT&L) sets the systemwide vision and strategy for high-quality instruction at IDEA Public Schools—anchored in the Science of Learning and coherent across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports—so that all students access rigorous, grade-level content and achieve at the highest levels. The MDT&L leads the design of instructional practice frameworks, develops leaders at scale, and ensures alignment across IDEA’s Multi-tiered Systems of Support among Teaching & Learning, Advanced Academics, and Intervention so that research-based pedagogy, strong curriculum implementation, and responsive supports translate to measurable student impact across regions. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct reports: Director of Advanced Academics; Director of Intervention.
• Dotted line leadership: District & Regional Content/Program Coaches (in partnership with Schools/Regions).
• Key partnerships: Managing Directors of Curriculum; VPs of Schools; Assessment; Talent Development; Academic Services leaders.
   

Location:

This is a full-time position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:    

Up to 25%. Weekly in-region travel to school for observations; Travel across regions approximately 10 times per year for strategic collaboration, training facilitation, and/or required program observations.  Commercial air travel may be required. 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Ensure Tier 1 excellence by partnering with Managing Directors of Curriculum on pedagogical guidance, implementation “look fors,” calibration tools, and PLC structures that reinforce standards-aligned, rigorous, accessible instruction.
• Oversee MTSS/Intervention strategy in collaboration with the Managing Directors of Curriculum and the Director of Intervention, aligning diagnostics, screeners, progress monitoring, and coaching routines to accelerate gap closure without lowering grade-level expectations. 
• Elevate Advanced Academics by setting vision and quality bar for Advanced Academic pathways and enrichment models, ensuring alignment with core instruction and equitable access to advanced opportunities. 
• Use data, evidence, and research to evaluate instructional program effectiveness, monitor implementation fidelity, and prioritize supports; regularly brief executive and regional leaders on progress and next actions. 
• Drive the strategic vision for teacher and instructional leader training programs, supporting the alignment of instructional practices with IDEA’s academic vision, MTSS framework, and college-readiness goals, championing the integration of the Science of Learning—including cognitive psychology, educational psychology, and cognitive neuroscience—into curriculum design and pedagogical practices across IDEA Public Schools. 
• Design and lead professional development for the Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) Team focused on the Science of Learning and its application to Tier 1 instruction. 
• Provide thought leadership on emerging trends in learning science and pedagogy to inform strategic planning and innovation and facilitate internal workshops, webinars, or learning circles to share insights from recent trainings, conferences, or research. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional alignment with Assessment, Talent Development, Schools Teams, Academic Services, and partner HQ teams to ensure coherence between instruction, evaluation, scheduling, staffing, and PD systems.
• Represent Teaching & Learning on network strategy committees; surface research and emerging trends in cognitive science, pedagogy, and implementation science to inform multi year planning.
• Sponsor the design and continuous improvement of districtwide training (onboarding and in service) for instructional leaders and C&I team members; champion reflective practice and calibration.
• Facilitate cross-regional collaboration and learning networks; model observation, feedback, and transfer-to-practice strategies in partnership with regional leaders.
• Oversee risk management and change management for major instructional initiatives (adoptions, launches, assessment shifts), coordinating communications, milestones, and readiness checks.
• Engage with academic institutions, professional organizations, and thought leaders to deepen expertise and expand professional networks
• Evaluate and pilot new approaches or tools, documenting outcomes and recommending scalable practices
• Use student performance data and instructional feedback to identify areas for professional growth.
• Collaborate with data teams to interpret trends and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
• Promote a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and lifelong learning within the team.
   

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member fosters an inclusive decision-making environment by encouraging diverse perspectives, managing disagreements constructively, and creating space for all voices to be heard. They clearly communicate final decisions, providing context and anticipated impact—even when choices are difficult or unpopular.

• Manage Work and Teams: This team member builds and maintains systems to track progress toward team goals, ensuring clarity through defined roles and responsibilities. They implement structured processes that support smooth team operations and strategically allocate time and resources to drive goal achievement. 

• Grow Self and Others: This team member identifies development needs across multiple groups and integrates them into broader strategic plans. They create structures that support ongoing growth, engage in succession planning, and continuously refine development strategies based on outcomes and data. Through this work, they foster a culture where continuous learning is a core part of daily work and leadership. 

• Build a Culture of Trust:  This team member fosters a team culture where individuals genuinely care for one another both personally and professionally. They lead with transparency, encourage open communication, including healthy conflict—and promote reliability and consistency, while regularly seeking and responding to team feedback to enhance the collective experience. 

• Communicate Deliberately: This team member leads inclusive discussions that surface obstacles and drive actionable solutions, ensuring all voices are heard. They communicate key information clearly across multiple channels and establish feedback loops that promote open dialogue, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Additional Skills:

• Expertise in designing and implementing research-based, user-friendly curriculum materials that support strong Tier 1 instruction.
• Deep knowledge of state and national academic standards, assessment systems, and accountability frameworks (including STAAR, TELPAS, and AP).
• Experience leading MTSS/Intervention strategy at scale, including use of screeners, diagnostics, and coaching cycles that accelerate learning while preserving grade-level rigor.
• Ability to analyze and interpret student performance data to evaluate instructional effectiveness and guide leader and teacher coaching.
• Skill in creating leader-facing tools and frameworks (e.g., PLC protocols, walkthrough tools, calibration artifacts) that strengthen instruction and targeted supports.
• Strong communication skills, including clear, audience-specific writing and facilitation for executive, regional, and school-based stakeholders.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and cross-functional influence across Academic Services, HQ teams, and regional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborative interpersonal skills that foster strong relationships, constructive dialogue, and continuous improvement.
   

Required experience:

• Educator Certification; Bachelor’s Degree
• 7–10+ years progressive experience leading curriculum/instructional programs, including system-level leadership over senior managers/directors or multiteam initiatives.
• Demonstrated success improving instructional quality and student outcomes at scale through Tier 1 excellence and aligned intervention systems.
• Proven record designing and facilitating high-impact professional learning for instructional leaders.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and using insights to inform curriculum decisions and instructional strategy related to advanced academics (e.g. ACT, Advanced Placement, Dual Credit)
• Strong understanding of Texas state academic standards, accountability systems (e.g., STAAR, TELPAS), and assessment frameworks.
   

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree or advanced degree
• Experience managing direct reports, including hiring, talent development, and performance management
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives to influence academic results at scale
• Experience collaborating with regional and senior instructional leaders to inform policy, practice, and strategic planning
   

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds at times

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $119,000 and $142,800, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA 

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values