Dean of Academics & Instruction K-5

Dean of Academics & Instruction K-5 Infinite Potential Learning Academy Saint Petersburg, FL Job Details Full-time From $58,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Employee assistance program Career development plan Employee discount Professional development assistance Qualifications Training program design for professional development School experience Professional development facilitation in schools Team leadership Teacher training Job-specific skills training (staff training program) Teacher mentoring for professional development Student performance data analysis Adult education instructional development Math Education Teacher coaching Literacy education Leading team collaboration initiatives Lesson planning Elementary school teaching Working with elementary school students Full Job Description About IPLA Infinite Potential Learning Academy (IPLA) is a private school serving students from pre-K through fifth grade in St. Petersburg, Florida. At IPLA, each child is recognized as an individual with unique strengths, interests, and boundless potential. As we grow, we are deepening our commitment to high-quality, evidence-based instruction across all grade levels. We are seeking a hands-on instructional leader who believes rigorous, engaging, and culturally-affirming teaching is the most powerful lever for scholar success. Position Summary The Dean of Academics & Instruction is IPLA's lead academic systems leader and primary driver of teacher development. This individual is responsible for curriculum implementation across grades K-5, teacher coaching and professional learning, and a school-wide culture of data-informed instruction. The Dean partners closely with school leadership and instructional staff to ensure every scholar receives excellent teaching every day. This role is designed for a flexible, organized leader who can build systems in a growing small-school environment while remaining visible and hands-on in classrooms. Key Responsibilities Instructional Coaching & Teacher Development Conduct frequent, structured classroom observations using consistent walk-through tools and look-fors aligned to IPLA's instructional vision. Provide immediate, specific, actionable feedback to teachers following observations, anchored in evidence and student impact. Design and lead one-on-one coaching cycles with teachers, setting clear growth goals and monitoring progress over time. Model effective instructional strategies through co-teaching, demonstration lessons, and side-by-side coaching. Review lesson plans and instructional materials for alignment to standards, pacing, curriculum expectations, and student needs. Build a school culture where feedback is welcomed, vulnerability is valued, and continuous growth is expected of everyone. Curriculum Implementation & Fidelity Lead implementation of IPLA's adopted core curricular programs with fidelity and coherence across all K-5 classrooms. Support teachers in understanding curriculum design, lesson structure, instructional routines, and embedded assessments. Identify gaps in curriculum alignment, pacing, and coverage; support high-leverage adjustments without sacrificing rigor. Stay current on best practices related to literacy, mathematics, and elementary instruction and translate research into practical guidance. Oversee vertical alignment of curriculum across grade levels, ensuring coherent scope, sequence, and progression of skills. Formative Assessment & Data-Driven Instruction Guide teachers in the design and use of formative assessments that provide real-time insight into student understanding. Lead the use of DIBELS or similar literacy assessment data to monitor foundational literacy and guide intervention decisions. Support teachers in using math running records or number-sense checks to identify gaps in mathematical reasoning. Oversee

NWEA MAP

Growth or comparable assessment administration and lead data analysis sessions that translate results into instructional priorities. Develop teacher capacity to connect whole-class trends with individual student profiles for effective differentiation. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Design and facilitate a structured PLC model grounded in learning goals, assessment, intervention, and enrichment. Coach grade-level team leaders in facilitating planning sessions with clear agendas, norms, and accountability structures. Ensure PLCs are driven by student work and data rather than logistics, and that collaborative time changes teaching practice. Maintain documentation of PLC work to surface patterns, celebrate growth, and identify support needs. School Leadership & Year-One Priorities Serve as an active member of the leadership team, contributing to staffing, scheduling, academic programming, and school improvement. Collaborate with the Dean of Students to ensure students with IEPs, service plans, accommodations, and behavior plans receive rigorous instruction. Lead teacher onboarding related to curriculum, instructional expectations, lesson planning, assessments, and school-wide academic routines. During year one, prioritize consistent lesson plan implementation, weekly coaching, curriculum pacing, student data tracking, and measurable reading and math growth.

Preferred Curricular Experience:

Candidates with experience implementing Eureka Math Squared, Amplify

CKLA, UFLI

Foundations, or similar evidence-based K-5 literacy and math programs are strongly preferred. Familiarity with strong instructional routines, lesson structures, and assessments will allow the incoming Dean to coach teachers from day one. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Education or a closely related field required; master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Literacy, or related field strongly preferred. Minimum 4 years of successful experience as a full-time K-5 classroom teacher with strong student achievement outcomes. Minimum 2 years of experience in a formal instructional leadership role, such as Instructional Coach, Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Principal, or Lead Teacher with dedicated coaching responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to observe instruction, analyze teaching practice, and provide coaching that leads to measurable improvement. Proven experience designing and leading professional learning for adult learners. Strong knowledge of K-5 literacy and mathematics instruction, including foundational skills, structured literacy, and mathematical reasoning. Experience facilitating PLCs using a data-driven, collaborative inquiry model. Ability to lead in a small school environment where leaders must be hands-on, flexible, organized, and solutions-oriented. Preferred Familiarity with Eureka Math Squared or similar standards-aligned math curriculum. Experience implementing Amplify CKLA or similar knowledge-building literacy curriculum. Training in UFLI Foundations, Orton-Gillingham-aligned instruction, or another structured literacy program. Proficiency with DIBELS or similar foundational literacy assessments and intervention groupings. Familiarity with

NWEA MAP

Growth or comparable assessment platforms. Experience in a private school, charter school, nonprofit school, or growing school environment.

Core Competencies Instructional expertise:

Possesses deep, practical knowledge of effective elementary teaching across literacy and mathematics.

Coaching mindset:

Approaches every teacher as a learner with potential and builds trust before building accountability.

Data fluency:

Reads and interprets multiple data sources and translates them into clear, actionable guidance for teachers.

Organized and systematic:

Manages curriculum, coaching, PLCs, lesson plans, and assessment cycles without losing sight of any thread.

Cultural humility:

Brings an equity lens to instructional decisions and culturally-affirming pedagogy for IPLA scholars.

Collaborative and hands-on leadership:

Leads through influence and stays present in classrooms, planning meetings, and teacher development spaces. Compensation & Benefits IPLA offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Salary range:

Starting at $58K annually.

Start date:

July/August 2026 or earlier based on school need. Dedicated professional development time and access to training in IPLA's core curricular programs. A mission-driven school culture with committed leadership and a team invested in long-term growth. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit the following to IPLA's Human Resources team at : Cover letter describing your instructional philosophy, coaching experience, and familiarity with IPLA's preferred curricular programs. Current resume or curriculum vitae. Three professional references, at least two of whom have directly observed your coaching or leadership practice. Any student achievement or teacher growth data you are able to share that reflects your impact as an instructional leader. IPLA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse faculty that reflects the community we serve, and we strongly encourage candidates of color to apply.

Pay:

From $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Employee discount Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person