Assistant Superintendent of Academics

Overview

The Academics Department is responsible for crafting, executing, and refining a comprehensive educational strategy district-wide, ensuring every student accesses superior, standards-based learning opportunities. This includes developing and deploying grade-level curriculum resources, fostering impactful instructional methods, facilitating meaningful professional development cycles, and establishing an aligned assessment framework.

Operating under the guidance of the Assistant Superintendent of Academics, the department harmonizes critical sectors such as Individualized Educational Services, Multilingual Services, Curriculum and Instruction, School Management, Programs and Partnerships, and Climate and Safety to promote a unified, student-focused educational approach across all schools. The Assistant Superintendent leads and cultivates a team of directors to guarantee alignment of systems and resources tailored to the unique needs of each school community.

The department's efforts center on guaranteeing that all students gain agency and reach or surpass grade-level standards through differentiated, standards-based learning environments, both during and beyond regular school hours, within equitable settings that nurture academic progress and social-emotional health.

Role Summary

The Assistant Superintendent of Academics spearheads the formulation and implementation of a consolidated academic vision emphasizing equal access to grade-level content, exemplary instructional techniques, and active student engagement. Responsibilities encompass overseeing curriculum choices, professional development frameworks, and a comprehensive assessment system to monitor and enhance academic progress continually.

This leadership role extends to direct school oversight via the Schools Management framework, enhancing the capabilities of school principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders to foster culturally responsive, student-centered learning atmospheres. As a critical member of the Superintendent's Cabinet, the position supports cross-departmental alignment for organizational effectiveness and achievement of strategic district objectives.

Moreover, ensuring adherence to all relevant federal, state, and district regulations forms a core duty, coupled with a steadfast dedication to equity, inclusion, and educational excellence for all students.

Key Responsibilities

• Devise and champion a unified vision for teaching and learning that integrates curriculum, instruction, assessments, student services, and leadership development.
• Ensure cohesive collaboration across academic divisions—Individualized Education Services, Multilingual Services, Curriculum and Instruction, School Management, Programs and Partnerships, and Climate and Safety—promoting consistent expectations and resources.
• Lead the deployment of an instructional framework that delivers high-quality learning experiences consistently.
• Oversee curriculum design, adoption, and continual enhancement of standards-aligned materials across subjects.
• Formulate a districtwide instructional model advocating rigorous, culturally sensitive, and differentiated teaching approaches.
• Implement an aligned assessment system incorporating formative, interim, and summative evaluations to track student achievement and inform instruction.
• Evaluate instructional programs and curriculum initiatives with data-driven scrutiny for ongoing improvement.
• Manage and develop directors across academic and operational units, elevating leadership capacity and ensuring accountability.
• Foster team collaboration to tackle complex educational and school climate issues at the crossroads of academic programs, student support, and safety.
• Set clear goals, performance metrics, and feedback mechanisms aligned with district priorities and student outcomes.
• Oversee daily school operations and leadership development through the Schools Management structure, ensuring strong instructional leadership and student safety.
• Provide coaching and strategic guidance to principals, assistant principals, and school leadership teams, focusing on instructional quality and inclusive, rigorous learning environments.
• Design job-embedded, data-informed professional learning systems aligned to district instructional goals and educator evaluation standards.
• Guarantee equitable access to curriculum and instruction for all learners, including special education, multilingual, and students needing academic or social-emotional support.
• Promote culturally responsive practices across all schools and incorporate academic programming with student services to support holistic development.
• Engage collaboratively with staff, families, students, and community stakeholders, enabling transparent communication of academic initiatives and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and policy mandates, overseeing reporting and implementation fidelity across schools.
• Collaborate with cabinet members to harmonize academic objectives with operational logistics, budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Utilize data and evidence to monitor academic program effectiveness, school performance, and leadership growth, holding all accountable for measurable advancements.
• Fulfill additional tasks to support the effective operation of the Academics Department and district-wide functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manage and evaluate direct reports within the Academics Department and their teams. Responsibilities include hiring, training, performance review, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution, aligned with district goals and applicable legal standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education or a related field required; Ph.D. or Ed.D. preferred.
• At least five years of experience as a school leader, ideally as a principal.
• Minimum of five years teaching experience.
• Possession of a Professional Educator License with endorsements in Superintendent and General Administrative or Principal categories.
• Completion of State of Illinois Performance Evaluation Training for both principal and teacher evaluators.

Compensation and Benefits

For the 2026-2027 school year, the salary ranges from $151,600 to $174,370, inclusive of the district-paid Teachers Retirement System (TRS) pension, and is pro-rated based on the start date.

• Medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance plans.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Participation in the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) pension plan.
• Flexible benefits and tax-deferred annuity plans.
• 20 vacation days, 15 sick days, and 2 personal days annually.
• Employee assistance program available.

Application Information

Candidates meeting the qualifications will be contacted for interview scheduling.