Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST)
Middle Grades Program: 2008-2009
Job Description- Middle School Dean of Curriculum and Instruction
The Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) will be starting a Middle School Program (6th to 8th grade) to be added to the already successful high school program. DSST middle school program will begin with a cohort of 130 6th graders for the 2008-2009, and add a grade every subsequent school year.
In its first four years, DSST has been recognized locally and nationally as a new model for high-performing, urban high schools. Hundreds of educators from all over the country have visited DSST to learn more about our success. DSST was featured in Newsweek’s “Great American High Schools” issue in the spring of 2006 and the The Rocky Mountain News called DSST “An Example for Other Schools.” DSST was also one of only three high schools in Colorado to be ranked “Excellent” and to earn a “Significant Growth” rating for the 2005-06 school year. The building for Middle Grades program will be an addition to the state-of-the-art facility featured in the American Architectural Foundation’s “Great Schools by Design” series. DSST uses a wireless student laptop program and an integrated, performance-based curriculum to provide the best possible learning opportunities to our students. As DSST helps to redefine the successful American secondary school, we provide teachers with the support, resources and a highly accountable school culture to be truly extraordinary.
DSST seeks an experienced, highly effective Middle School Dean of Curriculum and Instruction to join an outstanding founding faculty team for the 2008-09 school year. DSST seeks candidates with strong character and a passion for excellence, a relentless commitment to student achievement, willingness to take risks and a desire to be model learners in the school, and the capacity to work very hard to support exceptional student achievement. Teaching and administrative experience is strongly preferred.
The responsibilities for the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction include:
· Responsible for ongoing refinement of DSST Middle Grades curriculum documents which correspond to college readiness standards, core instructional practices, and the benchmark assessment program
· Oversee implementation of DSST Middle Grades curriculum and assist the Middle School Director in the observation and evaluation of faculty.
· Work with teachers to differentiate and scaffold instruction, develop assessments, and build curriculum.
· Creating, maintaining, and updating student academic and assessment records and reports,
· Maintain an awareness of how course content will prepare a student for the needs of a high school college preparatory program. Work with Head of School, Middle School Director, Board of Directors, and consultants to present research on DSST Middle Grades program as needed for the development of the secondary school model.
· Oversee required standardized testing and prepare and distribute required data about student performance to students, parents, faculty, and the Denver Public Schools.
· Identify and arrange for staff development opportunities which relate to core instructional practices, standards based assessments, or content areas.
The Denver School of Science and Technology proudly values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.Please email a cover letter and résumé to Richard Harrison, Middle School Director at