Director of Academic Excellence

The Diocese of Fall River’s Catholic Schools Office (CSO) is seeking a Director of Academic

Excellence to join our team in Fall River, MA. We are seeking a proven teacher, collaborator,

and leader, who possesses a strong background in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and

who is passionate about fulfilling “Christ’s work on earth.”

The Diocese of Fall River is standing on the threshold of a life-changing chapter in its 122-year

history. We are looking for someone who is eager to be an integral part of our mission-driven

team. The Diocese of Fall River, established on March 12, 1904, serves Southeastern

Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands, and covers 1,194 square miles. This Catholic

community is divided into five territories or deaneries and has nearly 260,000 persons who

worship in 64 parishes and 11 mission churches.

The Director of Academic Excellence in the Diocese of Fall River reports to the

Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The CSO supports the 17 schools in the Attleboro, Taunton,

Fall River, New Bedford, and Cape Cod Deaneries of the Diocese. Working closely with CSO

staff, the Director of Academic Excellence will guide principals and teachers in cultivating

instructional cultures rooted in a Catholic worldview and committed to the development of the

whole child.

The Director of Academic Excellence

Will visit schools and work with school leadership to cultivate and sustain excellent instruction grounded in collaboration, continuous improvement, and joint accountability:

• Support principals in establishing and maintaining protocols for observation, coaching, and evaluation of teachers 
• Formalize teacher professional learning to continuously improve the effectiveness of curriculum and instruction
• Lead the new teacher mentor and induction program, and foster professional growth across all career stages through high-quality professional development, including faith formation, in collaboration with the Director of Mission and Catholic Identity
• Provide resources and guidance to school leaders who need support in creating and offering high-quality professional development for faculty.

Will provide strategic leadership in curriculum development, data-informed instruction, professional learning, and formation of educators:

• Facilitate a process of review and revision of diocesan curriculum guidelines inclusive of relevant expert stakeholders
• Lead diocesan NWEA MAP assessment programs, guiding schools in data analysis and use of these results to advance student growth and achievement
• Develop and sustain partnerships with higher education and other organizations to advance strategic aims for Catholic education
• In collaboration with the leadership team, plan diocesan-wide professional days and local professional half days that are aligned to CSO goals for academic excellence
• Utilize current research in interventions, student accommodations, and curricular modifications to ensure that the needs of diverse learners are met

Will engage in professional growth and service:

• Maintain professional competency through such activities as attendance at New England CACE meetings, relevant NCEA conferences, workshops, and service on designated committees as needed
• Tend to personal professional and spiritual growth through participation in career related classes, retreats, workshops, and webinars

• Master’s degree required; will consider candidates currently pursuing a master’s degree scheduled to complete within the next 2 years.
• Minimum of three to five years of experience in Catholic education.
• Practicing Catholic with a deep faith and personal commitment to the life of the Catholic Church, and a desire to teach and communicate this faith to others
• In depth knowledge of the Catholic Church, its mission and teachings
• In depth knowledge of Catholic education, working knowledge of The National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Creative and forward thinking, with the ability to translate best practices and data driven trends in the Catholic school context
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational ability, skills and desire for collaboration, together with ability to take initiative and work independently
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from a variety of groups
• Ability to solve practical problems by dealing with multiple variables
• Ability to work regularly in the field and travel independently throughout the Diocese
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite of products or comparable