Chief Academic Officer

York Region District School Board; Alberta; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative charter school in Alberta is seeking a Chief Academic Officer to lead the implementation of a classical education model. This role involves overseeing curriculum development, faculty recruitment, and strategic planning to ensure student success. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree in Education and significant experience in educational leadership, particularly within classical education. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to academic excellence and character development, and play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape for future generations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education or related field is required.
• Experience in educational leadership and K-12 classical education.

Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation of classical curriculum across the district.
• Lead professional development and faculty recruitment efforts.

Skills

Educational Leadership

Classical Education

Problem-solving

Strategic Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Master's Degree in Education

Job description

Chief Academic OfficerAlberta Classical Academy is now accepting applications for a Chief Academic Officer. The Organization Alberta Classical Academy is one of Alberta's newest public charter schools. It offers an academically rigorous liberal arts education focused on developing “the knowledge, virtues, and habits befitting free citizens.” Among the school's distinct features are its embrace of traditional pedagogy and teacher-led classrooms; a knowledge-rich curriculum centred on classical and enduring works of literature, philosophy, and art; a focus on character and the nurturing of virtues; a culture of friendship and leisure (schole); and an explicit commitment to the pursuit of truth, beauty, and wisdom. Opening its first campus in September 2022 with 294 students at the Bridgeland School in Calgary, Alberta Classical Academy is currently serving 1280 students on three campuses, two in Calgary (K-9) and one in Edmonton (K-8). Growth plans will see ACA accommodate 1600 students in 2025-2026 and growth to over 2000 students in grades K to 12 for the 2027-2028 school year. The Opportunity Reporting to the Deputy Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) is an integral member of the senior executive team. The CAO is chiefly responsible for overseeing the implementation of ACA's classical academic model across the district to ensure student success. Core responsibilities include : professional development, classical curriculum implementation and related academic services, the recruitment and training of classical faculty, research and innovation, as well as assisting in the areas of administrative procedure development, strategic planning and reporting, facility research and development, and various other aspects of the growth and development of the Charter and our schools, in collaboration with the Executive team. Position functions and responsibilities are listed below. Qualifications The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities and certifications : Master's degree in Education or a related field; Experience in educational leadership; Experience teaching in the field of K to 12 classical, liberal arts education; Excellent problem-solving skills; Excellent organization skills and analytical skills, with a record of completing a variety of significant projects on schedule; Ability to think strategically; Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of groups and teams; Ability to work independently, taking a proactive approach; High degree of intellectual curiosity; Sound philosophical instincts and heuristic principles, with a well developed sense of intellectual, moral, and aesthetic discernment; The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively; Intellectual seriousness and depth, and a commitment to learning for its own sake; Well-developed interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders A solid understanding of the classical liberal arts tradition, and of the ends it is meant to achieve; A love of wisdom and a passion for truth. Salary and Starting Date Salary will be negotiated based upon experience, ranging from $120,000 to $140,000 CAD per annum. The ideal starting date will be July 1, 2025. Applications The closing date for applications is May 12, 2025 at 4.00 pm. Interested candidates are asked to submit : A letter of introduction indicating your interest in the position A current CV A 500 to 750-word short essay answering ONE of the following questions : Option 1 : What are the essential elements one should consider in designing teacher professional development as it relates to classical education? Option 2 : Describe an author, philosopher, or a book that has shaped your philosophical understanding of and approach to educational leadership in classical education. If you believe you are the right person for this position, please send your application package, addressed to Colleen Parks, Deputy Superintendent, to : Position Functions and ResponsibilitiesLeadership of Professional Learning and Development : In consultation with the Superintendent's Office and Chief Development Officer provide leadership in the creation and implementation of a comprehensive, district-level, classical professional development and teacher training programme; Support campus leadership in the development and implementation of campus-based professional development plans; Support in building an understanding of classical education and school expectations within the parent community; Provide support in classical pedagogical coaching and classroom observations. Implementation of Classical Curriculum : Provide district level leadership in academic services related to the implementation of the Alberta Classical Academy K-12 Curriculum, including : Provide consultation on the development of ACA's classical curriculum; Ensure consistent implementation of, and adherence to, ACA's classical curriculum, the ACA Charter, and the Alberta Programs of Study; Oversee academic services related to curriculum implementation (e.g. instructional improvement, curriculum and instruction, inclusion practices, classroom assessment and student achievement); Monitor the progress of district and school performance indicators related to curriculum implementation and student learning (e.g. student achievement objectives, indicators of academic excellence) to contribute to strategies for continuous school improvement. Leadership of School-based Research : Support school Principals to : Build and implement strategies for the development of staff capacity and leadership in school-based action and academic research, as per Alberta's charter regulations; In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, lead in the development and implementation of research projects; Foster partnerships with external research partners and post secondary institutions both in Alberta and beyond in the field of classical education. Leadership in faculty recruitment : Develop organizational recruitment standards and strategy Develop classical networks to support mission-driven recruitment and training. Build out ACA's faculty handbook Strategic and operational support for expansion of the Alberta Classical Academy into new geographic areas and new school facilities, including : Provide Executive support to the Board of Directors and Superintendent in managing expansion initiatives; Provide support to the Deputy Superintendent and the Campus administration in selecting and preparing the facility or facilities for expansion; Provide other expansion support as required. Strategic Planning and Reporting : As a member of the senior executive team, participate in the development and implementation of the organizational strategic plan. Participate and provide leadership in the ACA strategic planning process, including the development of the Three Year Education Plan and the Annual Educational Results Report; Support the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent in working with the Board to determine strategic planning priorities, processes, timelines, and evaluation metrics, subject to Board approval; Administrative Procedures : Assist in the development and maintenance of an Administrative Procedures manual, consistent with Board policy, provincial regulations and mission-aligned best practices. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy Superintendent.

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