Associate Director of STEM

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description

The Rocketship DC regional team is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Associate Director of STEM to support high-quality, rigorous, and equitable mathematics and science instruction across Rocketship DC schools. This role partners closely with DC regional and school leaders to strengthen instructional practice and improve student outcomes in STEM.

The Associate Director of STEM provides direct instructional leadership and coaching support to three (3) DC schools, ensuring strong implementation of Rocketship’s STEM instructional vision and core programs.  This role works in close collaboration with regional leadership and school-based instructional teams and reports to the Director of Schools.

Essential Functions

Coaching & Leader Development

• Build instructional capacity among DC school leaders and instructional leaders through targeted coaching and development in STEM instruction.

• Provide direct coaching to school leaders and instructional leaders focused on math instruction, teacher development, and content knowledge

• Observe classroom instruction and planning, delivering actionable feedback aligned to Rocketship’s STEM instructional vision and core competencies

• Mentor leaders to strengthen their ability to coach teachers and improve STEM outcomes across supported schools.

Program Implementation & Fidelity

• Ensure strong implementation of Rocketship’s STEM curriculum and instructional model across supported DC schools.

• Support schools in implementing core STEM programs with fidelity to instructional design and pacing expectations

• Develop and adapt pacing guidance aligned to DC school calendars and regional priorities

• Curate and share instructional resources, exemplars, and tools to support effective planning and execution by teachers and leaders

Progress Monitoring & Instructional Effectiveness

• Monitor the effectiveness of STEM program implementation and student outcomes across supported DC schools.

• Support the use of assessments and instructional data aligned to grade-level standards and curricular materials

• Analyze priority student achievement and implementation data to identify trends and areas for targeted support

• Share clear insights and recommendations with DC regional leaders to inform coaching, planning, and instructional decision-making


Regional Collaboration, Vision, and Goal-Setting

• Partner with DC regional leadership to align on STEM instructional vision, priorities, and goals.

• Collaborate with regional leaders to define and refine the DC STEM instructional vision and success metrics

• Support schools in setting instructional goals and monitoring progress toward shared outcomes

• Partner with the national academics team and other regional ADs to ensure alignment with Rocketship’s Core Model and instructional priorities


Professional Development & Regional Learning

• Design and facilitate professional learning experiences aligned to DC’s instructional priorities in STEM.

• Design and lead engaging professional development forDC teachers, school leaders, and instructional staff.

• Identify regional professional learning priorities using qualitative and quantitative data

Core Characteristics

Successful candidates will demonstrate Rocketship’s core characteristics in their leadership and instructional practice:

• Pursuit of Excellence – Continuously improves outcomes through data analysis, feedback, reflective practice, and a commitment to instructional excellence.

• Authenticity – Leads with transparency, humility, professionalism, and alignment to Rocketship’s mission and values.

• Community – Builds strong relationships with staff, students, families, and stakeholders while valuing collaboration and collective impact across schools and teams.

• Tenacity – Relentlessly pursues ambitious instructional goals and solutions in service of student achievement and equitable outcomes.

• Innovation – Challenges the status quo, embraces continuous improvement, and takes responsible risks to strengthen STEM instruction and student learning experiences.

Qualifications

    Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.

•  Master’s degree preferred in Education or a related field.

   Experience

• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, school administration, or a related field.

• At least 3 years of lead teaching experience in a core content area, with K–5 math or science experience preferred, and a demonstrated track record of strong student outcomes.

• At least 1 year of experience coaching and leading adults in a school-based or instructional leadership role.

• Experience implementing, managing, and coaching high-quality STEM instructional programs preferred.

• Experience with instructional planning, data analysis, and school-based operational systems preferred.

     Skills

• Strong instructional coaching and adult learning facilitation skills.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive instructional decisions and continuous improvement.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail and accountability.

• Experience supervising staff, supporting performance development, and fostering collaborative team culture preferred.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace required.

• Commitment to educational equity and alignment to Rocketship’s mission and values.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.   Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.  

Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools’ employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Click here for our Sexual Harassment Policy.  For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Human Resources.