The Essex Westford School District is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Teaching and Learning to lead systemic instructional improvement across our PK–12 system. This leader will play a critical role in shaping and advancing a cohesive instructional vision grounded in equity, collaboration, and measurable student outcomes.

 

The Director is an expert communicator and consensus builder who fosters a culture of trust, transparency, and continuous growth. This role goes beyond management—it is about building capacity in leaders, coaches, and teachers to ensure high-quality instruction for every student. The successful candidate will lead the implementation of the district’s Framework for Instruction, Response to Intervention (RTI), and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), while designing meaningful professional learning that drives impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support district-wide curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems


• Facilitate implementation of PLCs, RTI/MTSS, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)


• Design and deliver impactful professional learning for staff


• Use data to drive continuous improvement and monitor student outcomes


• Collaborate with administrators, coaches, and teachers to close achievement gaps


• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations


• Oversee grant funding and related budgets

See full job description for detailed responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field


• Valid Vermont educator license with an administrative endorsement (or eligibility to obtain) required. Curriculum Director endorsement preferred. EWSD is committed to considering out-of-state candidates who are eligible to hold a Vermont educator license but do not yet hold a license in this state.


• Minimum of 5–7 years of successful experience in teaching and/or instructional leadership


• Demonstrated expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, including standards-based systems


• Deep knowledge and experience with PLCs, RTI/MTSS, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)


• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to drive instructional improvement


• Proven ability to design and deliver impactful professional learning


• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and building collaborative teams


• Knowledge of federal and state education regulations and compliance requirements


• Experience with grant writing, management, and budget oversight


• Commitment to equity and improving outcomes for all students

Preferred Qualifications

• District-level leadership experience


• Experience leading curriculum adoption and large-scale instructional initiatives


• Strong background in assessment systems and instructional technology


• Experience with culturally responsive teaching practices


• Experience engaging with regional, state, or national educational organizations

 

For additional information, CLICK HERE for a copy of the full job description.

 

Our district vision is: "Growing hearts and minds, for a better today and tomorrow: every day, every way, every one."

 

EWSD is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Successful candidates must be committed to working effectively with diverse community populations and are expected to strengthen such capacity if hired. Candidates with experience living or working in another country, the ability to fluently speak more than one language, and/or peace corp experience are encouraged to apply to help contribute to a diversity of thinking and grow our organizational practices.

 

 

EWSD conducts thorough screenings of all applicants being recommended for hire, which may include contacting references not listed on your application. Selected individuals are subject to criminal records background checks and child and adult abuse registry checks. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon acceptable results of these checks at the sole discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Please click HERE for additional background check information.