Director of Teaching and Learning

Full Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

The Director of Teaching and Learning (Public Service Manager 2) is the strategic architect of instruction and assessment at the Iowa School for the Deaf.

This leader is responsible for ensuring a seamless, rigorous, and bilingual (ASL & English) educational experience for students from Preschool through the 4PLUS transition program.

Moving beyond traditional curriculum management, this Director will drive the implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), ensure compliance with Iowa’s Literacy (HF 2618) and Math Counts laws, and oversee a comprehensive assessment system.

The Director serves as the bridge between state mandates and classroom reality, ensuring that all legislative requirements are adapted to meet the unique linguistic and cognitive needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) learners.

Position Type: Full-time, 12-month administration

Supervises: Literacy Specialist, ASL Teachers, Librarian/Assessment Coordinator, 4PLUS transition staff

Example of Duties:

Curriculum & Compliance Strategy

• HQIM Implementation: Lead the vetting, adoption, and adaptation of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) for K-12 Literacy and Math. Ensure all adopted materials align with Bilingual (ASL/English) pedagogy and are accessible to visual learners.
• Vertical Alignment (PreK – 4PLUS): Design and maintain a cohesive scope and sequence that connects K-12 academic standards with the 4PLUS program, ensuring transition goals (employment, independent living) are supported by foundational academic skills.
• Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC): Oversee the integration of ECC standards—specifically Self-Determination, Career Education, and Social-Emotional Skills—into daily instruction across all grade levels.
• Legislative Compliance: Serve as the district lead for House File 2618 (Literacy) and the Math Counts Act. Ensure all required screeners, parent notifications, and personalized learning plans are executed with fidelity and legal accuracy.

Instructional Leadership & Pedagogy

• Instructional Framework: Define and sustain "The ISD Way" of teaching—ensuring that classroom instruction consistently reflects evidence-based practices for D/HH students (e.g., visual scaffolding, explicit vocabulary instruction, bridging between ASL and English print).
• Supervision & Coaching: Directly supervise and evaluate Instructional Specialists and Faculty. Shift the culture from "observation for compliance" to "observation for growth," providing actionable feedback to staff.
• Professional Development: Design a year-long PD arc that supports staff in mastering new HQIM curricula and state-mandated interventions without losing sight of D/HH best practices. Leads schoolwide mentoring and induction for new teachers in collaboration with the building principal.

Assessment & Data Architecture

• Assessment Ecosystem: Manage the logistics and validity of all district and state assessments, including ISASP, DLM, ELPA-21, FAST (Literacy), and MAP Growth.
• Data-Driven Cycles: Establish and lead "Data Teams" that meet regularly to analyze student progress. Move the district from collecting data to acting on it—using results to group students for MTSS support, 4PLUS tracks, or immediate classroom interventions.
• Data Dissemination: Regularly provide cross sectional and longitudinal student performance data to faculty members in a timely manner.
• Data Literacy: Provides information to faculty members on basic assessment measurement instruments and how to select techniques that will help teachers best understand their students’ performance. Assists staff members with the interpretation and analysis of data.
• Specialized Metrics: Oversee the collection of ASL Receptive/Expressive skills data to ensure students are growing in both languages (ASL and English).

4PLUS & transition Leadership

• Ensure the 4PLUS Program is not a silo but a capstone. Collaborate with the 4PLUS team to ensure their curriculum is rigorous, age-appropriate, and directly aligned to post-secondary outcomes (workforce, college, or vocational training).

Desired Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• Master’s degree in education, Educational Administration, or Curriculum & Instruction.
• Iowa Teacher licensure upon hire.
• Iowa School Administrator License (or ability to obtain upon hire) – Evaluator Approval required
• Minimum 5 years of successful teaching experience in a Deaf Education or Special Education setting.
• ASL proficiency: Advanced proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) is highly preferred; willingness to reach proficiency is required.
• Data literacy: An understanding of the mathematical concepts and measurement techniques needed to transform data into information.
• Leadership: Proven track record of leading adult learners, managing complex projects (like curriculum adoptions), and using data to improve school-wide outcomes.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications