Job Description

About Teaching Cleveland

Teaching Cleveland is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering transformative place-based education and experiences for residents from across Northeast Ohio. Our unique approach engages young people and adults in deepening their understanding of their local community and empowering them to contribute positively to their surroundings. We envision communities brimming with engaged, informed, and passionate individuals collaborating towards a brighter future for all. Our mission is to cultivate powerful connections between people and their place, inspiring impactful contributions across civic, economic, environmental, and social spheres.

Position Overview

Teaching Cleveland is seeking a dynamic and innovative Curriculum Director to lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs aimed at centering individuals and their experiences and engaging them in place-based learning experiences. The Curriculum Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's educational offerings, ensuring alignment with our mission to inspire active participation in community betterment. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of place-based education and drive positive change within the Cleveland community and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Curriculum Development: Design and oversee the development of comprehensive, interdisciplinary curricular materials that integrate place-based learning principles, educational standards, and innovative pedagogical approaches. Ensure that curriculum materials are culturally responsive, inclusive, and relevant to the diverse needs and backgrounds of learners.
2. Program Implementation: Lead the implementation of Teaching Cleveland programs, including the Teaching Cleveland Institute (TCI), the Teaching Cleveland Student Challenge (TCSC), the Fresh Water Institute Fellowship Program, as well as other educational programs, including tours, corporate Lunch & Learns, seminars, professional development sessions, and community events that may arise. Collaborate and coordinate with educators, community partners, and stakeholders to facilitate engaging learning experiences that foster deep connections between individuals and their place.
3. Professional Development Creation and Implementation: Develop with facilitators curricula as part of professional development offerings in schools and other education institutions. Ensure that these offerings are aligned with the organization's mission and goals, and provide educators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively engage in place-based education practices. Create a plan for follow-up engagement with teachers and leaders who participate in Teaching Cleveland professional development programs.
4. Facilitator Support and Training: Provide guidance, resources, and support to facilitators involved in delivering Teaching Cleveland programs. Develop and deliver training sessions to enhance educators' capacity to effectively incorporate place-based education strategies into their teaching practices.
5. Assessment and Evaluation: Utilize evaluation frameworks and assessment tools to measure the impact and effectiveness of Teaching Cleveland programs, including both qualitative and quantitative measures. Collect and analyze data to inform program improvements, assess participant outcomes, and demonstrate the organization's impact on community engagement and empowerment.
6. Partnership Development: Cultivate and maintain relationships with educational institutions, community organizations and corporations, and other stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of Teaching Cleveland's educational initiatives. Collaborate on joint projects, initiatives, and grant proposals to support the organization's mission and goals. Oversee curriculum development for community partners, ensuring alignment with Teaching Cleveland's educational goals and principles.
7. Research and Innovation: Stay abreast of current trends, research findings, and best practices in place-based education, curriculum development, and related fields. Identify opportunities for innovation and experimentation to enhance Teaching Cleveland's educational offerings and address emerging needs and challenges.

Teaching Cleveland is a young, dynamic organization with an entrepreneurial culture. As such, your job responsibilities will change periodically to adapt to the changing needs of our team. Occasional weekends and evening sessions are a part of the job.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of classroom teaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and program management, preferably in the context of place-based education or community engagement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of state educational standards, pedagogical approaches, and learning theories relevant to K-12 education.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including educators, community members, and organizational partners.
• Proven ability to lead and facilitate professional development sessions, workshops, and training activities for educators and other audiences.
• Experience in program evaluation, data analysis, and assessment methodologies to measure program impact and outcomes.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, with the ability to integrate culturally responsive practices into curriculum development and program implementation.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other educational technology tools for curriculum development and program delivery.

Occupational Considerations

• Must have a valid drivers license and a vehicle
• Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds up and down stairs
• Must be able to pass a BCI/FBI background check to work with students

Salary and Benefits

Pay will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurance; and contributions to a 401(k).

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references to ***email_hidden***. Please include "Curriculum Director Application: Teaching Cleveland" in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Teaching Cleveland is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

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