Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music & Arts, Director of Academics
Position Summary
The Director of Academics serves as a key instructional leader responsible for ensuring excellence in teaching and learning across all Pre-K-8 academic programs. Working in close collaboration with the Superintendent, Director of Music & Arts, and instructional teams, this position advances FLAMA's mission to integrate academic rigor, music, and the arts within a nurturing environment that cultivates curiosity, technical fluency, and creative expression. The Director of Academics drives the alignment of curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices across grade levels, ensuring that faculty development, student support systems, and community partnerships reflect FLAMA's commitment to the science of learning and arts-infused education.
Areas Of Oversight
Curriculum Design & Instructional Leadership
- Collaborates with the Superintendent on the design, selection, and implementation of high-quality curricula aligned with FLAMA's mission and state standards
- Integrates insights from cognitive science and educational research into instructional design and teacher practice
- Ensures horizontal and vertical alignment of curriculum in ELA, mathematics, science, social studies, and enrichment courses
- Oversees integration of arts-based learning strategies in partnership with the Director of Music & Arts
- Led internal curriculum reviews to ensure academic rigor, cultural relevance, and cross-disciplinary connections
Teacher Coaching and Professional Growth
- Observes classroom instruction regularly and provides actionable feedback to faculty
- Guides teachers in applying data-driven practices, differentiated instruction, and the MTSS framework
- Designs and implements ongoing professional learning aligned to campus goals and best practices
- Conducts formal performance evaluations, manages improvement plans, and fosters a growth-oriented faculty culture
- Models instructional excellence by teaching as possible to remain grounded in classroom realities
- Leads professional learning that helps faculty connect arts integration with the science of learning and whole-child development
Data-Driven Instruction & Continuous Improvement
- Synthesizes data from assessments, benchmarks, and formative tools to drive schoolwide improvement
- Promotes data literacy among teachers and transparency with students and families
- Collaborates with the Special Populations Coordinator to leverage data to inform interventions and support for at-risk, bilingual, and special education students
- Coordinates with instructional coaches to ensure fidelity in progress monitoring and data-based decision-making
Leadership & Culture
- Serves as a visible leader who models professionalism, engagement, and ethical practice
- Buils a school culture grounded in belonging, respect, and community partnership
- Collaborates with families and local organizations to enhance academic and enrichment opportunities
- Participates in community outreach, student recruitment, and events that promote FLAMA's mission
- Participated in external professional development opportunities to build capacity and grow skillset
Behavioral Systems & Student Support
- Works with faculty, counselors, and families to address academic and behavioral challenges through restorative and skill-building approaches
- Supports implementation of FLAMA's Code of Conduct and Executive Function curriculum
- Coordinates with the Superintendent on student discipline and, when delegated, serves as the acting administrator for behavioral interventions and family communication
Operational & Strategic Leadership
- Contributes to the development of the annual academic budget
- Aids in staffing, scheduling, and faculty assignments in coordination with administrative leadership
- Serves on the Superintendent's Leadership Team to advance strategic goals, charter renewal, and long-term planning
- Led the academic charter renewal and ensures compliance with applicable state and charter regulations
Requirements
Education
- Master's degree or Ph.D./Ed.D. in Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or equivalent required
- Texas Teaching certificate required and Principal certification preferred (or equivalent in another state)
Experience
- Minimum five years of successful experience in teaching and instructional leadership
- Proven expertise in faculty development, coaching, and supervision
- Demonstrated success implementing MTSS and supporting SPED, EB, and at-risk populations
- Experience with integrated or arts-based learning models preferred
Professional Competencies
- Deep understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and cognitive science research
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with an eye for detail and alignment
- Proficiency with instructional technology platforms and data systems
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities
- Demonstrated ability to build trust, foster innovation, and maintain a culture of excellence
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are strongly preferred but not required
- A teacher at heart who leads with empathy and academic rigor
- A life-long learner dedicated to continuous improvement
- Values the intersection of academics, music, and the arts as pathways to student success
- Committed to access for all learners
Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $80,000 - $100,000. More details can be provided upon request.
To Apply
Please submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/E4F7186888. All Texas public school employee applicants must undergo a mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history check and submit a pre-employment affidavit, in accordance with requirements under the Texas Education Code, prior to employment.