Career Center

Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, an independent, all-girls Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, has an opening for Dean of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.  

The primary responsibility of the Dean of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment is to assist with curriculum development, faculty growth, and student academic progress at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. The Dean of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment reports directly to the Principal, partnering collaboratively to provide leadership in the areas of curriculum development, the instructional growth of faculty, assessment review, and the building of the academic program as it impacts the experience of each student including course placement and course offerings. The Dean of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment works directly with faculty and students in order to build a dynamic and innovative educational experience with a focus on balancing academic excellence and overall well-being.  The Dean of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment promotes the Catholic faith and fosters a school environment that is steeped in Mercy values.  Additional tasks may be assigned to the Dean of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment by the President or Principal.  

Curriculum Development: 

• Develop and grow an effective course of studies in compliance with state regulations that is based on research and teacher expertise.
• Oversee curricula, courses, and methods of instruction by collaborating with department chairs to ensure appropriate curriculum development, alignment, and implementation. 
• Collaborate with Department Chairs to review assessments to ensure the frequency and type reflect the goals of the curriculum.
• Leads the Academic Board meetings, engaging department chairs in dialogue about current academic affairs and the future development of the academic program; recommend and direct long-range planning of the curriculum.  Planning and agenda setting made in consultation with the Principal.  
• Oversee the publication of course descriptions and prerequisites on the school website and any necessary revisions of academic information in all school publications. 
• Oversee the growth and development of the Wellness Curriculum in collaboration with the Dean of Student Affairs, especially as it concerns the Health graduation requirement.

Faculty Growth: 

• Provide the framework for the writing of annual departmental goals and annual individual goals with a focus on academic and instructional growth.
• Use written goals throughout the year during one-on-one meetings with faculty that occur at the start of the year and the mid-point of the year; Consult with the Principal prior to end of year faculty reviews.
• Foster faculty growth with regular classroom visitation and consistent feedback with at least one visit per faculty member in the fall semester and one in the spring semester (two per semester for new faculty members).
• In conjunction with the Principal, assure the efficient, daily operations of the academic program.
• In consultation with the Principal, support the professional growth and development of colleagues by designing appropriate in-service opportunities and informing faculty of changing educational thought and practice, particularly with regard to trends in higher education, innovative assessments, and instructional growth. 
• Design and implement a substantive, year-long mentoring program for new faculty members and orient new teachers to school academic procedures.
• Oversee the maintenance of Act 48 paperwork for in-house professional development.

Administration of Student Programs & Progress:

• Work with Department Chairs and School Counselors to ensure that student programs reflect an accurate trajectory given department standards and prerequisites.  
• Develop and implement placement process for incoming freshmen; Track success of process at the mid-point and end of school year to determine if any changes in the process are needed.
• Foster and sustain the academic welfare of the students by enforcing academic policies, keeping the faculty informed of grading policies and procedures, and supervising the efficient use of grade-reporting technology.
• Supervise the preparation, completion, and maintenance of student academic records and progress reports, and oversee the accurate processing of semester and final grades. 
• In consultation with the Counseling Department and the Director of the Catherine Learning Program, review the psychoeducational testing documentation of students and grant final approval of student Education Plans.
• Maintain relationships and file required reports with sponsoring and accrediting organizations, as well as other academic associations.
• Oversee the completion of summer school classes, as warranted by unsatisfactory student performance.
• Organize events, such as Back to School Night and the Freshmen Parent Orientation, to communicate important information regarding the academic experience of current and new students.  
• Serve as a member of the Principal’s Leadership Team and attend regularly scheduled meetings.

Competencies

• Knowledge of current and evidence-based approaches to curriculum development, instruction, and learning
• Strong and effective skill set in leadership, collaboration, communication, and interpersonal relations
• Ability to facilitate problem-solving strategies between teachers, students, and parents
• Proficient use of CANVAS and Microsoft products
• Highly organized and capable of maintaining updated and accurate records 
• Strong time management skills and ability to adhere to multiple deadlines 

Education and Experience

• Minimum five years of experience in secondary education  
• Experience developing innovative programs and organizing professional development preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree (required) in Education or Educational Leadership (preferred) 
• FBI and Criminal Background clearances.

Application Process

Candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their cover letter and resume (in PDF format) to Cindy DeCandido at careers@gmahs.org by January 15, 2023.

About Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School

Founded in 1861, Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School is an independent, all-girls Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The School’s mission is to educate, inspire, and empower young women to be merciful in spirit, innovative in thought, and courageous in leadership.

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