Director of Culture and Instruction

xSTREAM Minds Academy; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

xS.T.R.E.A.M. Minds Academy in Birmingham, AL is seeking a visionary Dean of Instruction and Culture to lead instructional quality and uphold a superhero-themed school culture.

You will support teachers in delivering an engaging, rigorous, and inclusive K–8 learning experience aligned to Personalized Learning, UDL, and STEM-based education. The role focuses on coaching, data-driven instruction, PLC leadership, and collaboration with the Student Supports team to ensure equity and excellence for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in education, leadership, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience in K–8 settings.
• Minimum of 2 years of instructional leadership, coaching, or school administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in personalized learning, small group instruction, or STREAM/STEM-based education.
• Knowledge of SEL, PBIS, MTSS, restorative practices, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Deep belief in the potential of every child, and commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Strong data analysis, project management, and communication skills.
• Passion for xMA’s mission and superhero-themed culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the instructional vision (MCP framework, UDL, Mastery-Based Learning, Blended Learning).
• Coordinate high-impact coaching cycles, classroom observations, and feedback for staff.
• Support planning aligned to PLPs and Alabama standards; oversee core curricula and lesson planning.
• Monitor assessment data and guide data-driven instruction.
• Collaborate with Student Supports and coaches to ensure differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
• Lead PLCs, data meetings, and curriculum-focused professional development.
• Model and reinforce the school’s POWER SERS values and behavior expectations.
• Oversee SEL implementation and align with routines and student supports.
• Partner with the Student Culture Manager on MTSS and positive behavior interventions.
• Participate in hiring and onboarding; ensure alignment of vision and teacher development.

Skills

Personalized learning

Small group instruction

Equity and inclusion

Data analysis

Leadership and coaching

Curriculum alignment

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in education/leadership

Job description

Location: xS.T.R.E.A.M. Minds Academy – Birmingham, AL

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Overview

xS.T.R.E.A.M. Minds Academy (xMA) is a bold, student-centered K–8 charter school launching in Birmingham, Alabama. Our mission is to ignite curiosity, purpose, and excellence through a dynamic fusion of Personalized Learning , S.T.R.E.A.M. education (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and Social-Emotional Learning .

We are seeking a visionary, collaborative, and equity-driven Dean of Instruction and Culture to lead instructional quality, uphold our superhero-themed positive school culture, and support teachers in delivering an engaging, rigorous, and inclusive learning experience for all students.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

Lead implementation of xMA’s instructional vision, including:

Modern Classrooms Project (MCP) framework

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Mastery-Based Learning

Blended Learning

Small Group Instruction

Facilitate high-impact coaching cycles, classroom observations, and feedback for all instructional staff

Support instructional planning aligned to Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) and Alabama College & Career Ready Standards

Oversee use of core curriculum (e.g., iReady, WOZed, etc.) and support STREAM teachers with lesson planning and execution

Monitor assessment data (formative and summative) and support staff in using data to drive instruction

Collaborate with the Director of Student Supports and coaches to ensure instruction is differentiated and inclusive of diverse learners

Lead Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), data meetings, and curriculum-focused professional development

Culture and Climate Leadership

Model and reinforce the P.O.W.E.R.S. values (Positive Attitude, Ownership Now, Work Hard, Encourage Others, Respect All, Safety)

Lead implementation of xMA’s school-wide behavior expectations and routines

Support classroom management systems and coach staff on restorative and developmentally appropriate practices

Oversee school-wide SEL implementation and ensure alignment with daily routines, morning meetings, and student supports

Partner with the Student Culture Manager to address behavior trends, implement MTSS tiers, and lead positive behavior interventions

Celebrate students and staff through school-wide recognition programs (e.g., Hero Boards, Power Credits, assemblies)

Maintain a joyful, safe, and inclusive school environment that reflects xMA’s superhero theme

Support the Summer Institute, onboarding, and yearlong professional development plan

Collaborate with STREAM coaches, special education staff, and external PD partners (e.g., WOZed, Alabama Technology in Motion)

Participate in the hiring process and support induction of new instructional staff

Ensure ongoing alignment between instructional vision, school culture systems, and teacher development

Serve as a visible, reliable leader who builds strong relationships with students, families, and staff

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in education, leadership, or related field preferred

Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience in K–8 settings

Minimum of 2 years of experience in instructional leadership, coaching, or school administration

Demonstrated expertise in personalized learning, small group instruction, or STREAM/STEM-based education

Knowledge of SEL, PBIS, MTSS, restorative practices, and culturally responsive pedagogy

Deep belief in the potential of every child, and commitment to equity and inclusion

Strong data analysis, project management, and communication skills

Passion for xMA’s mission and superhero-themed culture

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Health, dental, and retirement benefits

Ongoing professional development and leadership growth opportunities

Opportunity to shape an innovative school model from the ground up