Director of Instruction

Position Overview

At Prep Public Schools, we believe strong instruction, effective teacher development, and a commitment to meeting the needs of every student are essential to academic success. The Director of Instruction is a key member of the school leadership team responsible for driving student achievement through high-quality instructional coaching, daily analysis of student performance data, and oversight of Exceptional Education (ExEd) and English Language Learner (ELL) compliance. This role requires a strong instructional leader who can translate data into action, develop teachers through consistent coaching and feedback, and establish systems that ensure all students receive the instruction and support they need to succeed.

The ideal candidate is highly analytical, organized, and comfortable balancing instructional leadership with accountability for compliance. They understand that effective coaching is grounded in student outcomes and use data daily to identify priorities, adjust strategies, and measure progress.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Teacher Coaching

• Own and implement the school's instructional coaching model, ensuring teachers receive consistent, actionable feedback that improves classroom instruction and student outcomes.
• Conduct frequent classroom observations and lead observation-feedback cycles focused on specific, measurable improvements in teacher practice.
• Develop individualized coaching plans based on classroom observations, student performance data, and teacher development needs.
• Support teachers with lesson planning, curriculum implementation, content internalization, and standards-aligned instructional practices.
• Lead instructional planning meetings, professional development, and collaborative learning opportunities that strengthen teaching practices.
• Monitor the effectiveness of coaching strategies and adjust support based on evidence of teacher growth and student achievement.

Data-Driven Instruction & Academic Performance

• Use student achievement data daily to inform instructional coaching, identify learning gaps, and prioritize teacher support.
• Analyze formative assessments, interim assessments, benchmark results, and state assessment data to identify trends in student learning and instructional effectiveness.
• Lead regular data meetings with teachers to identify instructional gaps, develop targeted action plans, and monitor student progress.
• Establish clear systems for tracking student performance, instructional priorities, and progress toward academic goals.
• Support teachers in using assessment data to differentiate instruction, reteach essential standards, and provide targeted interventions.
• Partner with school leadership to evaluate instructional effectiveness and make timely adjustments to improve student outcomes.
• Build a culture in which data is consistently used to guide decisions, strengthen instruction, and measure results.

Exceptional Education & English Language Learner Compliance

• Own school-wide compliance systems for Exceptional Education (ExEd), English Language Learners (ELL), and Section 504, ensuring alignment with applicable federal, Tennessee Department of Education, and charter requirements.
• Oversee systems for timely evaluations, service delivery, documentation, reporting, and required student support plans.
• Monitor implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), language support services, accommodations, and other required supports.
• Conduct regular internal compliance reviews to identify gaps, ensure accurate documentation, and address concerns proactively.
• Establish and maintain clear compliance calendars, monitoring systems, and accountability structures.
• Partner with ExEd and ELL staff to ensure instructional practices appropriately support students with diverse learning needs.
• Provide training and guidance to teachers and staff on compliance requirements, accommodations, documentation, and effective instructional supports.
• Coordinate with school leadership and relevant staff to ensure accurate and timely completion of required state and federal reporting.

Leadership Team Collaboration & School Improvement

• Serve as a member of the school leadership team, contributing to instructional priorities, school improvement planning, and academic decision-making.
• Partner with the Principal/Director of Schools to establish instructional goals and monitor progress toward schoolwide academic outcomes.
• Collaborate with teachers, interventionists, and student support teams to align instructional practices and interventions.
• Communicate clearly with staff and families regarding academic progress and student support needs.
• Support a school culture grounded in high expectations, continuous improvement, and accountability for student success.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required; master's degree in education, instructional leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of successful classroom teaching experience, with demonstrated student achievement results.
• Prior instructional coaching, teacher leadership, or school administrative experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing student achievement data and translating findings into effective instructional strategies.
• Experience supporting ExEd and ELL programs, including knowledge of applicable compliance requirements, strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret multiple sources of student performance data and use findings to drive daily instructional decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop teachers through observation, feedback, modeling, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Strong understanding of standards-aligned instruction, curriculum planning, assessment practices, and differentiated instruction.
• Working knowledge of federal and Tennessee requirements related to special education, English learners, and Section 504.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing compliance systems, timelines, and documentation.
• Ability to establish clear expectations, hold others accountable, and build positive, productive relationships.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence instructional practice across teams.
• Commitment to Prep Public Schools' mission and to ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by demonstrated progress in the following areas:

Instructional Coaching: Consistent implementation of coaching cycles, measurable improvements in teacher instructional practices, and evidence that coaching priorities are aligned with student performance needs.

Student Achievement: Improved student performance on formative, interim, and state assessments, with consistent use of data to inform instructional decisions and interventions.

ExEd & ELL Compliance: Timely and accurate completion of required documentation, reporting, and services, with strong internal monitoring systems and prompt resolution of identified compliance gaps.

Instructional Systems: Effective implementation of schoolwide data analysis, instructional planning, and progress-monitoring practices that support continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

Prep Public Schools offers competitive compensation and benefits, including participation in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), which provides retirement benefits through a hybrid pension and 401(k) plan.