Director of Science, Allentown School District

About the role

Allentown School District (ASD), one of the largest K-12 districts in Pennsylvania with about 16,700 students across 25 schools, is recruiting a Director of Science. Reporting to the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, the Director leads district-wide science and STEM initiatives so that curriculum and instruction align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and PA STEELS standards. The position is advertised by Alma Advisory Group.

Key responsibilities

• Oversight of district-wide science curricula and continuous improvement, aligned with NGSS and PA STEELS standards.
• Work with the Director of Mathematics to build a unified STEM philosophy and integrate STEM programming across grades.
• Partner with all departments so that science instruction, curriculum, assessment and educational technology are integrated from kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Plan and oversee professional development in science, including pre-service and in-service workshops at district and school levels.
• Coordinate with the Office of Talent Management on hiring science and STEM staff.
• Lead grant proposals and funding applications for science and STEM programming.
• Prepare and present status reports to teachers, administrators, district staff and the Board of School Directors.
• Collaborate with the Directors of Literacy and Mathematics on supervising and evaluating Supervisors of Instruction.
• Assist the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning with science budget line items and equitable resource distribution.
• Maintain relationships with state and local education agencies and serve on advisory committees.

Required profile

• Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership or a related field; doctorate preferred.
• Valid and current Pennsylvania Principal or Supervisory Certificate.
• At least five years of successful teaching experience.
• STEM program development and implementation experience, including knowledge of NGSS and PA STEELS.
• Building-level administration experience (principal, assistant principal, supervisor of curriculum and instruction) preferred.
• Satisfactory work record and clearances under Acts 34, 114 and 151.

Required skills

• Instructional leadership and deep knowledge of K-12 science curriculum and NGSS.
• Developing and delivering professional development.
• Analyzing student performance data to refine curriculum and instruction.
• Budget management and clear, persuasive communication with diverse audiences.

What we offer

• Salary range of $109,000 - $153,000, commensurate with prior experience.
• A comprehensive benefits package included in the offer for the sole finalist.