Associate Director of STEM

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description

The Coaching and Curriculum team is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Associate Director of STEM to support high-quality, rigorous, and equitable mathematics and science instruction across Rocketship Tennessee schools. This role partners closely with Tennessee regional and school leaders to strengthen instructional practice and improve student outcomes in STEM.

The Associate Director of STEM provides direct instructional leadership and coaching support to 3–5 Tennessee schools, ensuring strong implementation of Rocketship’s STEM instructional vision and core programs. This role works in close collaboration with regional leadership and school-based instructional teams and reports to the Senior Director of Schools.

Below are the essential functions

Coaching & Leader Development Build instructional capacity among Tennessee school leaders and instructional leaders through targeted coaching and development in STEM instruction. Provide direct coaching to school leaders and instructional leaders focused on math and science instruction, teacher development, and content knowledge Observe classroom instruction and planning, delivering actionable feedback aligned to Rocketship’s STEM instructional vision and core competencies Mentor leaders to strengthen their ability to coach teachers and improve STEM outcomes across supported schools

Program Implementation & Fidelity Ensure strong implementation of Rocketship’s STEM curriculum and instructional model across supported Tennessee schools. Support schools in implementing core STEM programs with fidelity to instructional design and pacing expectations Develop and adapt pacing guidance aligned to Tennessee school calendars and regional priorities Curate and share instructional resources, exemplars, and tools to support effective planning and execution by teachers and leaders

Progress Monitoring & Instructional Effectiveness Monitor the effectiveness of STEM program implementation and student outcomes across supported Tennessee schools. Support the use of assessments and instructional data aligned to grade-level standards and curricular materials Analyze priority student achievement and implementation data to identify trends and areas for targeted support Share clear insights and recommendations with Tennessee regional leaders to inform coaching, planning, and instructional decision-making

Regional Collaboration, Vision & Goal-Setting Partner with Tennessee regional leadership to align on STEM instructional vision, priorities, and goals. Collaborate with regional leaders to define and refine the Tennessee STEM instructional vision and success metrics Support schools in setting instructional goals and monitoring progress toward shared outcomes Partner with regional teams and the broader Academics team to ensure alignment with Rocketship’s Core Model and instructional priorities

Professional Development & Regional Learning Design and facilitate professional learning experiences aligned to Tennessee’s instructional priorities in STEM. Design and lead engaging professional development for Tennessee teachers, school leaders, and instructional staff Identify regional professional learning priorities using qualitative and quantitative data Support summer professional development and start-of-year learning experiences for Tennessee schools

Core Characteristics

Successful candidates will demonstrate Rocketship’s core characteristics in their leadership and instructional practice

Pursuit of Excellence – Continuously improves outcomes through data, feedback, and reflective practice Authenticity – Leads with transparency, humility, and alignment to Rocketship’s values Community – Builds strong relationships and values collective impact across schools and teams Tenacity – Relentlessly pursues instructional goals in service of student success Innovation – Challenges the status quo and takes responsible risks to improve instruction

Qualifications

Experience 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, school administration, or related fields At least 3 years of K–5 lead teaching experience in a core content area (math or science preferred) with evidence of strong student outcomes At least 1 year of experience coaching and leading adults in a school or instructional leadership role Experience implementing and coaching on high-quality STEM instructional programs preferred Skills Strong instructional coaching and adult learning facilitation skills Excellent organizational and project management skills Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive instructional decisions Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Proficiency with Google Workspace Education Bachelor’s degree required Master’s degree preferred (Education or a related field)