Director of Alder Teacher Residency

Reports to: Chief of Schools

Organizational Overview
Grow Academy, founded by the Grimm Family Education Foundation opened
its doors in August 2011. Located in Arvin, California, Grow Academy is an
independent public charter school where health and wellness is at the center of
student success. Grow Academy implements a rigorous blended learning
model where students actively engage in a unique, diversified learning
environment in our Learning Lab, music program, physical education, and
Edible Schoolyard and Learning Kitchen.

In 2016, Grow Public Schools was established as the Charter Management
Organization (CMO) responsible for support and oversight of the academies.
Today, Grow Public Schools is redefining academic excellence in Kern County
as a multi-campus charter school operator. Grow Public Schools operates Grow
Academy Arvin and Grow Academy Shafter, both K-8 schools with over 750
students enrolled at each campus. We hold high expectations for our students,
parents, teachers, and staff to ensure a supportive and successful learning
environment to close the achievement gap in the highest need communities in
California.

Position Summary
The Director of Alder Teacher Residency will work to create a talent pipeline
of passionate, skilled teacher residents who will become our next
generation of teachers. The Director is responsible for serving as the Alder
GSE Partner Director of Teacher Residency, who is responsible for the
oversight and execution of the GPS/Alder GSE Teacher Residency Program.
This role includes seminar instruction as well as individual coaching to
support and create an excellent pipeline of teachers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief of Schools the Director is responsible for:

● GPS/Alder Teacher Residency program launched successfully, including
the requisite number of teacher residents recruited and admitted on an
annual basis.
● Develop frequent data reports on the professional growth of new and
early career teachers.
● In partnership with the GPS Recruitment Team, will participate in the
recruitment and selection of Alder Residents.
● Update school leadership teams periodically on the growth of new
teachers and areas for support.
● Design and facilitate group instruction for all residents in their region
each week based on best practices in adult learning and teacher
education, working very closely with the other Alder Directors to
align trainings to meet the needs of the Residents in the region.
● Engage in collaborative, cross-regional work.
● Lead site visits that foster resident and mentor growth.
● Supervise, manage, and support Residents through the Residency
year.
● Design and facilitate group instruction for all Mentors each month
and provide on-going coaching and support.
● Work with the Lead Mentor, Program Supervisors, and departments
in the Region to successfully support Residents and Mentors.
● Promote the growth of the Alder Graduate School of Education
● Support and collaborate with principals who work with Residents.
● Collaborate with the Alder team to recruit, select, and match an
excellent resident/mentor cohort each year.
● Travel as necessary to school sites.
● Co-plan and run summer Mentor-Resident Orientation and other
training activities for Mentors and Residents.
● Participate in weekly Residency team meetings, Leadership
Retreats, all Resident selection and assessment and other events as
part of the Leadership Team (e.g., Director’s Meetings).
● Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, regional mission, vision,
value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating
instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical
behavior.
● And other relevant duties as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills & abilities:
● Current knowledge of relevant content knowledge for teaching and
pedagogical content knowledge for the credentials sought by residents
in Alder cohort.
● Knowledge of the current context of public schooling including the
California adopted P-12 content standards, frameworks, and
accountability systems.
● Knowledge of diversity in society, including diverse abilities, culture,
language, ethnicity, and gender orientation.
● Deep knowledge in curriculum, instruction and adult learning.
● Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; high sense
of urgency.
● Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with diplomacy and
even-handedness and ability to work effectively with teammates of
all levels.
● Proven leadership skills with exceptional ability to bridge and enhance
cooperative working relationships.
● Ability to work in ambiguous, complex, and rapidly changing
environments.
● Excellent communication skills and demonstrated experience
collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
● Enthusiasm for the role and required tasks.
● Belief that education transforms lives and that every student deserves the
opportunity to go to college.
● Passion for graduate schools of education and their communities.
● Enthusiasm for GPS mission and vision, as well as that of Alder GSE and/or
other partnerships.

Desired educational level:
● Doctoral level degree preferred. Master’s level degree in relevant field
also accepted.

Experience required:
● Five or more years of experience and success in related roles.