| Location | New Haven, CT |
| Salary | $58,000–$65,000 Per Year |
New Haven Ecology Project / Common Ground High School is Seeking a Part-Time Assistant Director
Status: Part-Time Exempt, Temporary position
Assignment End Date: June 30, 2027
Location: Common Ground High School, New Haven, CT
Salary: $58k - $65k
Common Ground is a center for environmental learning in New Haven, Connecticut. “Farm meets forest meets city” on Common Ground’s 20 acre campus at the base of West Rock Ridge. The site abuts the 1800 acre West Rock State Park, sharing hiking trails, wildlife, and diverse natural habitats with the surrounding forests. Common Ground’s urban farm produces sustainably grown food for programs and our community and is home to friendly farm animals. Common Ground’s Charter High School uses the site as an organizing principle of its curriculum which is guided by an ecological framework highlighting the connection and interdependence of all living and non-living things. Each year, more than 10,000 community members participate in festivals, field trips, after-school programs, and other educational opportunities on site. For more information visit www.commongroundct.org.
Position Summary
The Assistant Director serves as an instructional leader who supports the School Director in advancing the school's academic mission. This role focuses on strengthening curriculum implementation, improving instructional practices, supporting teacher growth through coaching and evaluation, and promoting positive student outcomes. The Assistant Director also supports student discipline, family communication, and other assigned leadership responsibilities.
This part-time position provides focused leadership in instruction and
does not include the full range of operational, managerial, or supervisory duties typically
assigned to a full-time Assistant Principal/Director.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership
Support the School Director with implementation and continuous improvement of the school's instructional programs.
Supports School Director with Teacher Evaluation and Professional Growth
Conduct formal and informal classroom observations.
Provide constructive feedback and coaching to teachers to strengthen
instructional effectiveness.
Assist in implementing the school's educator evaluation system.
Collaborate with school leadership to develop teacher improvement plans when
needed.
Monitor progress toward instructional and professional growth goals.
Monitor alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment with state
standards and school goals.
Assist teachers in planning rigorous, engaging, and standards-based instruction.
Analyze student achievement data and collaborate with teachers to identify
instructional priorities and interventions.
Support the development and implementation of school-wide academic
improvement initiatives.
Support professional development planning and delivery.
Student Support and Discipline
Assist with the implementation of school-wide behavior expectations and
disciplinary procedures.
Support Culture Team by addressing student behavioral concerns and support restorative practices when appropriate.
Oversee student support meetings, intervention planning, and problem solving teams.
Communicate with families regarding academic and behavioral concerns.
Support efforts to foster a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture.
Leadership and School Improvement
Support the School Director and Executive Director to advance the school's
mission, vision, and strategic goals.
Participate in leadership team meetings and school improvement planning.
Additional Responsibilities
Support teacher recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding activities as assigned.
Assist with state testing administration and assessment coordination.
Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and school matters.
Perform other duties related to instruction and student support as assigned by the Director or Executive Director.
Qualifications
Required
092 Administrator Certification / Valid state educator certification.
Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and
Instruction, or related field.
Experience conducting teacher observations, coaching, or instructional
leadership activities.
Demonstrated knowledge of instructional best practices, assessment, and data analysis.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Preferred
Experience in a charter school environment.
Experience leading professional development for educators.
Experience with teacher evaluation systems and instructional coaching.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep understanding of effective teaching and learning practices.
Ability to analyze student achievement data and support instructional decision
making.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with teachers, students, and families.
Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Commitment to equity, student achievement, and continuous improvement.
Work Schedule
This is a part-time leadership position. Hours and schedule will be determined by the
needs of the school and may include occasional evening meetings, family events, or
professional development activities.
This role is categorized as "confidential" and will not be represented by Common Ground's Staff Union.
Application Instructions:
Please submit your cover letter and resume through our website at Employment Opportunities — Common Ground.
Nondiscrimination Policy and Notice
Pursuant to Title IX and its regulations (“Final Rule” released on April 19, 2024), the Board of Directors has adopted and implemented a policy stating that the Common Ground District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity it operates, including admission and employment. Common Ground High School does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, protective hairstyles, alienage, ancestry, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law and prohibits discrimination, including harassment, in any education program or activity it operates. The Board shall provide protections from all forms of sex-based harassment, including sexual violence and unwelcome sex-based conduct that creates a hostile environment by limiting or denying a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s education program or activity. The Common Ground District shall take prompt and effective action to end any sex discrimination in its education programs or activities to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of sex discrimination complaints, prevent recurrence, and remedy its effects. To that end, the District shall act promptly and effectively in response to information about conduct that reasonably may constitute discrimination, including sexual violence and other forms of sex-based harassment. The district shall also ensure that all school employees are trained about their obligations to address sex discrimination and their obligations to notify or provide contact information for the Title IX Coordinator. The Common Ground Board of Directors Non-discrimination policy includes protections for students, employees, and applicants against discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, or recovery from these conditions and shall provide reasonable modifications for students based on pregnancy or related conditions, allow for lactation for employees, and access to a clean, private lactation space for students and employees. Common Ground shall not disclose personally identifiable information obtained through complying with Title IX, with limited exceptions, such as when there had been prior written consent or when the information is disclosed to the parent of a minor. Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, makes a report of harassment or discrimination, files a complaint of harassment or discrimination, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation or grievance process is also a violation of Common Ground District’s non-discrimination policy and is prohibited.