Assistant Head of Academics (26-27)
Freire Schools
Salary undisclosed
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Description
About Freire Schools
Established in 1999, Freire Schools (www.freireschools.org) is a network of four charter schools across Philadelphia and Delaware whose mission is to prepare students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. We’re distinguished by our belief in every student who walks through our doors, our strong code of conduct and commitment to peace that ensures a safe environment for all, our sense of family throughout our community, and our joyous and engaged classrooms that focus on academic achievement. As evidence of our impact, in 2023 Stanford’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes ranked Freire Schools in the top 15 in the country for academic gains out of 368 charter networks nationwide.
About the team
For this Assistant Head of Academics role, you will work at Freire Charter Middle School in Center City Philadelphia, serving students in grades 5–8. As Freire Schools’ youngest Dragons, our middle school students are building the academic foundation and habits they need to thrive in a rigorous, college-preparatory high school. At Freire Middle School, we hold high expectations for what is possible in middle school and approach our work with a strong growth mindset, academic rigor, and deep care for students. We are committed to peace at all levels of our community and to creating a safe, structured, and welcoming environment where every student can learn and grow.
Freire Charter Middle School: 1026 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
What you’ll do
Reporting to the Head of School, the Assistant Head of Academics will partner closely with school leadership and instructional staff at Freire Middle School to drive strong academic outcomes for all students. This role is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the school’s instructional program, including curriculum alignment, data-driven instruction, teacher coaching, and academic intervention systems. The Assistant Head of Academics plays a key role in ensuring rigorous, engaging classrooms and equitable outcomes for all students.
Responsibilities
- Support and execute the school’s academic vision in alignment with Freire’s college-preparatory mission
- Coach and develop teachers through observations, feedback, and data-driven one-on-one meetings
- Lead and facilitate PLCs to drive strong instructional practices and student outcomes
- Drive data cycles, including assessment analysis, progress monitoring, and action planning
- Coordinate all aspects of state and internal testing, including logistics, compliance, and data use
- Partner on MTSS-aligned academic interventions to support diverse learners
- Ensure curriculum alignment and support high-quality unit and lesson planning
Who you are
You believe all students can achieve at high levels and consistently center equity in your approach to instruction and leadership. You bring a strong instructional lens, using data and observation to drive decisions, and you build meaningful relationships with teachers to support their growth. You are organized, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement in service of student success.
Minimum requirements
- A bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in education or related field strongly preferred
- 4+ years of teaching experience with a track record of strong student achievement, preferably in high-needs schools
- 1-2+ years of instructional leadership, coaching, or school leadership experience
- Experience using data to drive instructional decisions and support teacher development
- Strong facilitation and adult coaching skills, including leading meetings and professional development
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain strong organizational systems
- Strong relationship-building skills with staff, students, and families
Pay and benefits
Freire Schools offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer contribution for Pennsylvania employees, and a strong commitment to developing all staff as professionals while working with exceptional students in Philadelphia.
Freire Schools is committed to maintaining a workplace environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, in service of the policy goal to provide all persons equal access to all categories of employment regardless of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic background, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, veteran/military status, or any other category protected by state or federal law.
Benefits
- vision insurance
- 401(k)
- stock options
- professional development
About this role
Freire Charter Middle School in Center City Philadelphia is seeking an Assistant Head of Academics to lead instructional improvement across grades 5–8. You would report to the Head of School and work directly with teachers and leadership to strengthen the school's college-preparatory program, which Stanford's Center for Research on Education Outcomes recently ranked in the top 15 nationally for academic gains. The role combines curriculum design, teacher coaching, data analysis, and intervention coordination—essentially serving as the academic engine that ensures every student builds the foundation needed to succeed in rigorous high school coursework.
Your day-to-day work involves observing classrooms and coaching teachers through feedback cycles, facilitating professional learning communities, analyzing assessment data to drive instructional decisions, and coordinating testing logistics and compliance. You'll also lead the school's multi-tiered system of supports for students who need additional academic help. This is a role for someone who genuinely believes in student potential and knows how to translate that belief into systems and practices that work, especially in under-resourced communities.
The position requires at least four years of teaching experience with demonstrated student achievement, ideally in high-needs schools, plus one to two years in instructional leadership or coaching. A master's degree in education is strongly preferred. You should be comfortable with data, skilled at building relationships with adults, and organized enough to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Freire offers competitive compensation, comprehensive health benefits, a 403(b) plan with 5% employer match for Pennsylvania employees, and a genuine commitment to staff development.
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