Posted: 24-Mar-26
Location: Oakland, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $145,000 - $158,000 a year
Required Education:
Summary
Head-Royce School seeks an experienced, visionary educator to serve as Teaching and Learning Director (K–8). Reporting to the Head of Lower and Middle Schools, this instructional leadership role sits at the heart of our academic program. The Director will partner with division heads, curriculum leads, deans, and faculty to cultivate a culture of continuous professional growth, pedagogical innovation, and equity-centered practice across Kindergarten through Grade 8. This is a rare opportunity to shape teaching and learning at a school that takes both the craft of instruction and the humanity of every learner seriously.
Instructional Leadership
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Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of K–8 curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices in alignment with the school's mission and strategic priorities.
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Conduct classroom observations and provide actionable, growth-oriented feedback to faculty across divisions.
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Lead the school's approach to formative and summative assessment; collect, analyze, and translate student learning data into actionable instructional decisions for faculty and division leadership.
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Champion research-informed, equity-centered pedagogy that honors the full range of learners at HRS
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Provide close collaboration, support, and direct supervision of the Learning Specialist(s), ensuring integrated, school-wide support for students with diverse learning needs.
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Partner with the Learning Specialist(s) to build faculty capacity around differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and student-centered support structures.
Curriculum & Program Development
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Lead curriculum review and revision cycles in collaboration with faculty and division leadership.
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Support interdisciplinary and integrated curriculum design across Lower and Middle School.
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Oversee the scope, sequence, and coherence of the K–8 academic program.
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Collaborate on the integration of new initiatives, including scheduling innovations and exploration block curriculum, into the broader teaching and learning framework.
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Collaborate with Upper School leadership on K–12 curricular alignment and vertical articulation.
Professional Learning & Faculty Development
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Design and facilitate a robust, cohesive professional development program for K–8 faculty, including new faculty onboarding, ongoing PD days, and embedded coaching.
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Build communities of practice that foster teacher collaboration, reflection, and peer learning across grade levels and disciplines.
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Lead the Associate Teacher Program, providing mentorship, structured support, and professional growth opportunities for early-career educators.
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Oversee new faculty induction, ensuring meaningful onboarding and mentored entry into the Head-Royce community.
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Represent the school at external conferences and build relationships with peer schools and professional organizations to bring current research and innovation back to our community.
Community Engagement & Program Operations
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In partnership with deans and division leadership, coordinate and manage Community Engagement Days, including building external community partnerships, designing programming, and overseeing all logistics.
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Collaborate with deans and division heads on the coordination of the academic calendar as it relates to teaching and learning touchpoints, including PD days, assessment windows, grading conferences, and reporting cycles.
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Lead curriculum nights, Back to School Night content, and academic presentations for K–8 families.
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Communicate effectively with faculty, families, and school leadership about teaching and learning priorities and program developments.
Qualifications
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Advanced degree in education, curriculum and instruction, or a related field (Master's or higher).
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Minimum 7 years of classroom teaching experience, preferably spanning elementary and/or middle school.
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Demonstrated experience in instructional coaching, curriculum development, or academic leadership.
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Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging in educational practice.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; a collaborative, relational leadership style.
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Ability to hold complexity, supporting both high standards and the full humanity of every learner and educator.
Additional Qualifications (preferred, not required)
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Background in learning science, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), or differentiated instruction.
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Experience mentoring early-career educators or managing an associate/residency teacher program.
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Understanding and support of Head-Royce’s core values with strong emphasis on equity and community.
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Prior experience in an independent school setting.
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Experience leading professional development for adult learners.
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Familiarity with CAIS or similar accreditation processes.
Add'l Areas of Responsibility
Accreditation & Institutional Research
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Play a meaningful role in CAIS accreditation self-study, documentation, and program review cycles.
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Stay current on best practices in teaching, learning science, curriculum design, and independent school innovation; translate that knowledge into actionable practice for the community.
Equity & Belonging
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Center equity, inclusion, and anti-bias practice in all aspects of teaching, learning, and professional development.
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Partner with the school's equity and community team to ensure curriculum reflects diverse perspectives, histories, and voices.
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Support faculty in developing culturally responsive classroom practices.
Collaboration with Division Leadership
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Serve as a key thought partner to the Head of Lower and Middle Schools and Directors of Lower School, Middle School, and Equity & Community on academic program strategy.
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Participate in the hiring process for teaching faculty, evaluating candidates for pedagogical fit and alignment with the school's values and instructional approach.
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Support the integration of educational technology into classroom practice in partnership with technology coordinators and IT staff.
Assessment, Grading & Reporting
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Oversee the grading and report card processes in collaboration with division leadership, ensuring consistency, timeliness, and meaningful communication of student progress.
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Coordinate the administration of standardized and norm-referenced assessments (e.g., ERB/ISEE); communicate results clearly to faculty and families and use data to inform program decisions.
To Apply
Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest as well as a current resume to out website.
