Network Director of English Language Arts (Grades 5-12)

Description

Organization Overview

Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.

At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.

About our Team

Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.

About the Role

The Director of English Language Arts (ELA) will drive the curricular and instructional vision and effectiveness of ELA instruction across all Excel schools serving grades 5 through 12. This individual will build the capacity of ELA teachers and instructional leaders to deliver rigorous, equity-driven, and standards-aligned instruction. The Director ensures a vertically aligned ELA experience across grades 5–12 and a horizontally aligned experience within each grade.

This role supports educators in implementing high-quality learning experiences grounded in evidence-based practices, the Common Core State Standards, and the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Director also leads the design and facilitation of professional development, manages curriculum and assessment systems, and partners closely with school leaders to use data to drive academic progress for all students.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in ELA instruction across grade spans, a track record of student achievement, and experience designing and leading ambitious curriculum and professional development systems in a college-preparatory setting.

This position reports directly to the Managing Director of Academic Leadership and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

Your Impact

Curriculum & Instruction

• Lead the vision, implementation, and continuous improvement of the ELA curriculum across grades 5–12.
• Ensure the ELA curriculum is vertically aligned across grade levels and horizontally aligned within grades to ensure coherence and rigor.
• Oversee the implementation of high-quality, standards-aligned instructional materials and practices that reflect Excel’s academic vision.
• Provide direct guidance and support to instructional leaders and Heads of School to ensure effective curriculum implementation across all campuses.
  
  

Assessment & Data

• Develop and manage a comprehensive ELA assessment strategy for grades 5–12, including auditing, developing, and/or revising quarterly, interim, and formative assessments.
• Support school leaders and instructional staff in analyzing student achievement data and using it to inform instruction and intervention.
• Collaborate with the Director of Student Supports to ensure assessments and instructional strategies meet the needs of diverse learners, including multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
  
  

Professional Development

• Design and lead robust professional learning experiences for ELA teachers and instructional leaders across the 5–12 continuum.
• Secure and coordinate external training as needed to build content expertise and pedagogical skill.
• Provide ongoing observation and feedback cycles for ELA teachers and their managers, ensuring alignment to instructional priorities and goals.
• Build tools, structures, and coaching supports that enhance teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
  
  

Leadership & Collaboration

• Establish and maintain a formal, detailed, and shared vertical vision for ELA instruction across grades 5–12.
• Partner with school-based instructional leaders to identify and respond to trends in student learning and teacher performance.
• Support instructional leaders in the development of school-based PD and coaching systems aligned to the network ELA vision.
• Collaborate across network academic teams to ensure consistency and integration of supports across subjects and schools.

Share best practices and exemplars across the network to support collective teacher growth and student success.

Mission Alignment

• You share a commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
• You are committed to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
• You work effectively in a team environment and have a willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
• You are open to change, are willing to problem-solve, and seek feedback for your own professional growth and improvement.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree in Education, English, Curriculum Development, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Teaching certification/license preferred.
  
  

Experience

• At least 5 years of successful ELA teaching experience in grades 5–12, including experience with diverse student populations.
• Demonstrated track record of student achievement and instructional excellence.
• Experience developing and implementing ELA curriculum and assessments in a college-preparatory environment.
• Previous leadership experience managing academic programs, coaching teachers, or overseeing ELA instruction across multiple grades.
  
  

Leadership & Instructional Expertise

• Proven ability to lead a shared instructional vision and manage change at the classroom, school, and/or network level.
• Experience delivering high-impact professional development and coaching to adult educators.
• Deep understanding of Common Core ELA standards, curriculum design, and effective teaching practices.
• Commitment to equity, anti-racism, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
  
  

Analytical & Communication Skills

• Strong data analysis skills to drive instruction and measure effectiveness.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to build relationships, provide strategic support, and influence change at all levels of the organization.

Excel Academy Charter Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language or prior academic achievement.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.