Associate Director of STEM

Job description

**At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential.**We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential. **Position Description** The Rocketship California Regional Team is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Associate Director of STEM to lead and drive high-quality, rigorous, and equitable mathematics and science instruction across Rocketship CA schools. This role owns regional STEM academic outcomes, serves as the primary expert and point of contact for all STEM-related matters in the CA region, and designs differentiated and outcomes driven professional development that builds deep content expertise in our teachers and school leaders. This role partners closely with CA regional and school leaders to strengthen instructional practice and improve student outcomes in STEM and related subjects. The Associate Director of STEM provides direct instructional leadership and coaching support to all CA schools, ensuring strong implementation of Rocketship’s STEM instructional vision and core programs. This role works in close collaboration with regional leadership and school-based instructional teams and reports to the Director of Schools. ### Essential Functions: **Regional STEM Academic Ownership** - Own and drive STEM outcomes across the region, including proficiency, growth, and equity metrics - Analyze and communicate regional and school based STEM data in order to determine trends and develop and execute data-driven instruction that accelerates student mastery and proficiency, ultimately closing the achievement gap - Serve as the primary point of contact and content expert for all STEM-related matters across the CA region. **Coaching & Leader Development** - Build instructional capacity among CA school leaders and instructional leaders through targeted coaching and development in STEM instruction. - Provide direct, in-the-moment coaching to school leaders and instructional leaders focused on math instruction, teacher development, and content knowledge - Observe classroom instruction and planning, delivering actionable feedback aligned to Rocketship’s STEM instructional vision and core competencies - Coach leaders to strengthen their ability to develop teachers and improve STEM outcomes across California schools **Program Implementation & Fidelity** - Ensure strong implementation of Rocketship’s STEM curriculum and instructional model across supported CA schools. - Support schools in implementing core STEM programs with fidelity to instructional design and pacing expectations - Develop and adapt pacing guidance aligned to CA school calendars and regional priorities - Curate and share instructional resources, exemplars, and tools to support effective planning and execution by teachers and leaders **Progress Monitoring & Instructional Effectiveness** - Monitor the effectiveness of STEM program implementation and student outcomes across supported CA schools. - Support the use of assessments and instructional data aligned to grade-level standards and curricular materials - Analyze priority student achievement and implementation data to identify trends and areas for targeted support - Share clear insights and recommendations with CA regional leaders to inform coaching, planning, and instructional decision-making **Regional Collaboration, Vision & Goal-Setting** - Partner with CA regional leadership to align on STEM instructional vision, priorities, and goals. - Collaborate with regional leaders to define and refine the CA STEM instructional vision and success metrics - Support schools in setting instructional goals and monitoring progress toward shared outcomes - Partner with the national academics team and other regional ADs to ensure alignment with Rocketship’s Core Model and instructional priorities **Professional Development & Regional Learning** - Design and facilitate professional learning experiences aligned to CA’s instructional priorities in STEM. - Design and lead engaging professional development for teachers, school leaders, and instructional staff - Identify regional professional learning priorities using qualitative and quantitative data - Support summer professional development and start-of-year learning experiences for CA schools ### Core Characteristics Successful candidates will demonstrate Rocketship’s core characteristics in their leadership and instructional practice: - **Pursuit of Excellence** – Continuously improves outcomes through data, feedback, and reflective practice - **Authenticity** – Leads with transparency, humility, and alignment to Rocketship’s values - **Community** – Builds strong relationships and values collective impact across schools and teams - **Tenacity** – Relentlessly pursues instructional goals in service of student success - **Innovation** – Challenges the status quo and takes responsible risks to improve instruction ### Qualifications **Experience** - 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, school administration, or related fields - At least 3 years of lead teaching experience in a core content area (K-5 Math or Science preferred) with evidence of strong student outcomes - At least 1 year of experience coaching and leading adults in a school or instructional leadership role - Experience implementing and coaching on high-quality STEM instructional programs preferred **Skills** - Strong instructional coaching and adult learning facilitation skills - Excellent organizational and project management skills - Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive instructional decisions - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment - Proficiency with Google Workspace **Education** - Bachelor’s degree required - Master’s degree preferred (Education or a related field)