Dean of Teaching and Learning

Menlo School; Atherton (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional work environment

Competitive salary

Retirement plan contributions

Job summary

Menlo School in Silicon Valley seeks a Dean of Teaching and Learning for the Middle and Upper Schools. This full-time, on-site role begins for the 2027–2028 year, with a June or July 2027 start date.

There may be an opportunity to teach a section. You will partner with department chairs and division directors to strengthen curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment practices, and design annual professional development days for faculty and staff.

Qualifications

• Five years of classroom teaching experience with excellence in curriculum design, inclusive classrooms, and innovative assessment practices.
• Three years of leadership experience at the secondary or postsecondary level in an academic or faculty capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification preferred in education, leadership, or curriculum design.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in advancing AI-aware and -responsive pedagogical practices across Middle and Upper School.
• Design and lead annual professional development days for faculty and staff.
• Evaluate and connect faculty with resources and professional learning initiatives.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and mentorship of new faculty as required.
• Conduct classroom observations, provide feedback, and support reflective teaching practices.
• Lead faculty evaluation processes, guiding growth opportunities and recognizing exemplary performance.
• Act as resource and thought partner for curriculum design, assessment strategies, and differentiated instruction.
• Contribute to hiring and retention strategies by promoting growth, equity, and well-being.Provide perspective to School Directors on academic priorities and community culture.
• Manage Summer Study Grant and Tuition Assistance funding for faculty.

Skills

Classroom teaching

Academic leadership

Interpersonal communication

Collaboration

Educational research

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or certification in education/leadership

Job description

Reporting to the Middle and Upper School Directors, the Dean of Teaching and Learning provides instructional leadership for faculty school-wide. The Dean of Teaching and Learning is responsible for promoting excellence in classroom instruction, fostering ongoing professional growth among faculty, and ensuring that the School’s academic program aligns with its mission, philosophy, and Standards of Excellence. The Dean of Teaching and Learning partners closely with academic department chairs and division directors in both the Middle and Upper School to strengthen curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment practices.

This full-time, on-site, 12-month role begins with the 2027–2028 academic year, with a mutually agreed-upon start date in June or July 2027. There may be an opportunity for the person in this role to teach a section.

Key Responsibilities

The following information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or required skills.

• Provide leadership in advancing high-quality, AI-aware and -responsive pedagogical practices that yield transformative outcomes for students across the Middle and Upper School.

• Design and lead annual professional development days for faculty and staff.

• Evaluate and connect faculty with ongoing resources and professional learning initiatives that promote pedagogical excellence and innovation.

• Support recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and mentorship of new faculty, as required by each division.

• Conduct classroom observations, provide constructive feedback, and support reflective teaching practices.

• Serve as a lead faculty evaluator, as required by each division, guiding and supporting faculty through the formal evaluation process, identifying growth opportunities and recognizing exemplary performance.

• Serve as a resource and thought partner for faculty on curriculum design, assessment strategies, and differentiated instruction.

• Contribute to hiring and retention strategies by cultivating a workplace culture that values growth, equity, and well-being.

• Provide perspective to the Middle and Upper School Directors on academic priorities and community culture.

• Manage the annual Summer Study Grant and Tuition Assistance program and funding for faculty.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Upper and Middle School Directors.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of classroom teaching experience, demonstrating excellence in designing effective curriculum, facilitating inclusive, responsive classrooms, and modeling innovative teaching and assessment practices.

• Minimum of three years of experience in academic or faculty leadership at the secondary or postsecondary level.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or additional certification in education, educational leadership, curriculum design, or a related field preferred.

• Proven ability to inspire and support teachers at varying stages of professional development.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration, trust, and shared purpose.

• Deep understanding of current educational research, instructional strategies, and trends in independent school teaching and learning.

Attributes and Expectations

• Strategic and creative educator with demonstrated skill in using emerging technologies and innovative classroom and assessment practices to promote student learning.

• Reflective practitioner who models and upholds humility, vulnerability, curiosity, and excitement as essential to a continuous learning process.

• Collaborative leader capable of balancing empathy, accountability, and high expectations.

• Skilled mentor who can support faculty growth while advancing institutional goals.

• Commitment to Menlo School’s mission, values, and inclusive academic community.

We offer:

• An exceptional work environment and caring community.

• Highly competitive salary.

• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families. Learn more here.

About us:

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.

At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about the Menlo School here.

Our equal opportunity employment policy:

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay Range:

The expected base salary range for this role is $170,000 - $205,000. Final placement within the range is determined by several factors, including skills, experience, education, job level, internal equity, full-time or part-time status, and scheduled working months, leaving room for salary growth.

Job ID: 407