1.Scale up Our Teacher Residency Program from 51To 100 by Year 5

Aspire Public Schools operates 38 high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools serving 15,000 students in underserved communities across California and Memphis, Tennessee. Currently in its 17th academic year,Aspire is one of the nation’s largest open-enrollment K-12 public charter school systems serving predominantly low-income students and delivering a rigorous College for Certain education. An unrelenting focus on college preparedness led to 100 percent of graduating Aspire seniors being accepted to four-year colleges or universities over the last six years. To learn more, visit

Aspire University is a new, not-for-profit organization that has grown out of a six year pilot program in Aspire Public Schools. Through a partnership with the University of Pacific we trained and developed over 150 new teachers through a one-year apprenticeship model (the Aspire Teacher Residency). Our program graduates (with their masters and teaching credentials and deep, on-site training) are tremendously effective as first year teachers and beyond, are staying in the classroom at significantly higher rates and are more demographically representative of the communities we serve.

As we migrate from Aspire Public Schools to a stand-alone institution, Aspire University’s objectives are to:

1.Scale up our teacher residency program from 51to 100 by Year 5.

2.Gain accreditation for Aspire University so we can offer the Master of Education degree by Year 5.

3.As the degree granting institution, help partner organizations develop their own teacher training programs.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

At Aspire University, we believe that students get to and through college because of great teachers, and there just aren’t enough of them, especially for students who are the first in their families to go to college. Teaching is one of those noble professions that, when done well, is demanding of head and heart. At Aspire University we invest in and develop great teachers. The Director of Research will build an exceptional research function at Aspire University, helping to ensure that the vision of developing significantly more, great teachers (at Aspire U and beyond) becomes a reality. The Director of Research will report directly to Aspire University’s President and CEO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the President/CEO and working closely with her as a thought partner to support the mission, vision and core values of Aspire University, the essential responsibilities of the Director of Research include:

1.Conducting original research, especially in the field of teaching teachers to both learn and be great teachers in personalized learning settings in and out of schools

2.Coordinating third party evaluations, including an Randomized Control Trial

3.Identifying and supporting publication opportunities for and with colleagues

4.Codifying lessons learned at Aspire U

5.Creating data visualizations for reports

6.Presenting at conferences in the field

7.Performing other related duties as required and assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

1) Required knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Exceptional written and verbal communicator
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills
• Organized and thorough project manager with track record of developing plans, managing self and others effectively, and meeting deadlines for complex projects
• Entrepreneurial with a track record of succeeding in challenging, fast-paced environments; can operate amidst ambiguity; adjusts quickly to changing priorities and conditions; copes effectively with complexity and change
• Believes that education transforms lives and that every student deserves the opportunity to go to college
• Enthusiasm for Aspire University’s model and potential

2) Minimum educational level:

• Ph.D or Ed.D required

3) Experience required:

• Research experience in K-12 education
• Published education articles ideal

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

If you are interested please apply on line at

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