Virtual Arkansas Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Instructional Innovation

Job Title:  Virtual Arkansas Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Instructional Innovation

Reports To: Virtual Arkansas Executive Director

Contract Length: 240

Post/Open Date: February 2, 2026

Closing Date: February 11, 2026

SUMMARY:  The Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Instructional Innovation demonstrates knowledge of the Arkansas Department of Education, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, and the Arkansas Division of Career and Technical Education processes, procedures, rules, and regulations.  In addition, the individual who occupies this position will: demonstrate a knowledge of curriculum design and development, have a clear understanding and ability to maintain and support professional learning communities, have knowledge and understanding of the Arkansas curriculum standards, research-based instructional strategies, learning style theories, and teacher training and development best practices. The Deputy Superintendent must also possess familiarity with the Arkansas teacher evaluation system and have strong communication and presentation skills.  The person who holds this position must have strong interpersonal, leadership, and motivational skills and demonstrate the ability to build culture and community throughout all aspects of the organization and with outside partners.  Furthermore, this individual must exhibit the ability to work with and through people to establish and meet goals, objectives, and action plans.  This individual must also react to change productively.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Ensure that course content and instructional staff conform to federal, state, and school guidelines


• Coordinate with the Director of Design and Development on the design and development plan for new and revised Virtual Arkansas courses


• Plan and implement the Virtual Arkansas Professional Learning Communities and monitor the progress of the collaborative teams


• Assist the Executive Director in planning and implementing the committee program


• Oversee the Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Month, Student of the Month, and Facilitator of the Year selection processes


• Develop, implement, and evaluate the curricular and instructional program


• Conduct and coordinate school research and testing for measuring the effectiveness of the total educational program


• Keep informed on the latest research, trends, and developments in all areas of education and interpret for staff as necessary


• Design, develop, plan, coordinate, and monitor staff development and in-service activities for the education staff


• Assist and coordinate with the Executive Director in the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the Virtual Arkansas strategic plan


• Observe, supervise, lead, and monitor instructional staff, including principals, in terms of their performance and responsibilities and to offer insights for the enhancement of effective instruction


• Conduct annual evaluations of all direct reports


• Effectively utilize data to monitor the progress of the overall program


• Provide guidance in a unified instructional delivery to students


• Conduct analysis of student learning outcomes to improve successful student experiences


• Play a significant leadership role in fostering professional growth, teacher leadership, and building staff morale


• Oversee the Virtual Arkansas site visit program to help ensure increased support for priority schools


• Review monthly data to identify areas of concern in regard to student and teacher performance


• Cultivate a collaborative working environment that encourages communication, innovation, and refinement of the best instructional practices


• Make recommendations on the appropriation of resources needed for the sufficient management of the instructional program


• Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as: meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, coordinating resources and meetings in an effective and timely manner, and demonstrating respect for others


• Monitor departmental progress toward meeting strategic plan goals and provide bi-annual strategic plan updates


• Assist Virtual Arkansas parent liaison in planning and implementing two parent webinars and stakeholder training and support sessions


• Actively participate in the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance  


• Become knowledgeable with the National Standards of Quality, Quality Matters, and obtain training for reviewing course content


• Provide  regular feedback to the Executive Director regarding the performance of instructional staff and students


• Other duties as assigned


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QUALIFICATIONS:  

• EdS or Doctorate degree from an accredited college/university


• Arkansas superintendent license


• Building-level administrative experience required; Central office experience preferred


• Experience with the district or building-level implementation of the Virtual Arkansas online program preferred
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch


• Use hands to handle or feel, type, and pick up objects, and reach with hands and arms


• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

REPORTING LOCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• The Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Instructional Innovation is required to report to Arch Ford Educational Service Cooperative
  
  

DIRECT REPORTS:  Core Campus Principal; Learn Anywhere Academy Principal; Facilitator Coordinator; Curriculum and Instruction Specialist; Assessment Specialist; Special Populations Coordinator

OTHER INFORMATION:  Salary: $85,000-$100,000; Salary will be commensurate with experience and education level. 

CONTACT:  Direct questions to John Ashworth at [email protected]