Assistant Superintendent of Academics

The Academics Department designs, implements, and continuously improves the district's comprehensive educational program to ensure all students have access to high-quality, standards-aligned learning experiences. This includes the development, identification and implementation of grade-level curricular resources, the advancement of high-impact instructional practices, engagement in meaningful professional learning cycles, and the establishment of a coherent and aligned assessment system.

Under the leadership of the Assistant Superintendent of Academics, the department integrates key areas, including Individualized Educational Services, Multilingual Services, Curriculum and Instruction, Schools Management, Programs and Partnerships, and Climate and Safety, to ensure a cohesive, student-centered approach to teaching and learning across all schools. The Assistant Superintendent of Academics leads and develops a team of directors to ensure that systems, supports, and resources are aligned to meet the diverse needs of every school community.

This work is grounded and is designed to ensure that ALL students build agency and meet or exceed grade-level expectations through differentiated, standards-aligned learning opportunities before, during, after, and beyond the school day in equitable environments that support both academic growth and social-emotional well-being.

Additionally, the department provides direct oversight of schools, including building the capacity of principals, assistant principals, and school-based leaders such as Instructional Coaches and teacher leaders.  Through a focus on the instructional core, the team provides strategic direction that advances both district priorities and school-based goals while fostering strong, collaborative relationships with staff, students, families, and the broader community.

Job Summary

The Assistant Superintendent of Academics leads the development and execution of a unified academic vision that prioritizes equitable access to grade-level content, high-quality instructional practices, and meaningful student engagement. This includes oversight of curriculum adoption and implementation, professional learning systems, and a comprehensive assessment framework designed to monitor progress and drive continuous improvement.

In addition to system-level leadership, this role provides direct oversight of schools through the Schools Management structure, developing the capacity of school leaders to implement coherent, culturally responsive, and student-centered learning environments. The Assistant Superintendent of Academics serves as a key member of the Superintendent's Cabinet, collaborating across departments to ensure organizational alignment, operational effectiveness, and the successful achievement of district strategic goals.

The role is also responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and district regulations, while maintaining a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and excellence in educational outcomes for ALL students.

The Assistant Superintendent of Academics is accountable for leading a coherent, districtwide academic system that ensures high-quality teaching and learning in every school and responsibilities include the following:

1. Vision, Strategy, and System Coherence

• Establish and lead a unified vision for teaching and learning that aligns curriculum, instruction, assessment, student supports, and school leadership development.
• Ensure coherence across all academic divisions, Individualized Education Services, Multilingual Services, Curriculum and Instruction, Schools Management, Programs and Partnerships, and Climate and Safety so that schools experience aligned expectations, supports, and resources.
• Drive implementation of the district's instructional framework to ensure consistent, high-quality learning experiences for all students.

2. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Leadership

• Oversee the design, adoption, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality, standards-aligned curricular materials across all content areas.
• Lead the development of a districtwide instructional model that promotes rigorous, culturally responsive, and differentiated teaching practices.
• Ensure the implementation of a coherent assessment system that includes formative, interim, and summative measures to monitor student progress and inform instruction.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of instructional programs and curricular initiatives, using data to guide continuous improvement.

3. Leadership of Directors and Cross-Functional Teams

• Supervise and develop a team of directors across multiple academic and operational divisions, building leadership capacity and ensuring accountability for results.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration among Academics team members to address complex student and school needs, particularly at the intersection of academic programming, student services, and school climate.
• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and feedback cycles aligned to district priorities and student outcomes.

4. Schools Management and Leadership Development

• Provide direct oversight of schools through the Schools Management structure, ensuring effective daily operations and strong instructional leadership.
• Develop the capacity of principals, assistant principals, and school leadership teams through coaching, professional learning, and strategic guidance focused on the instructional core and student safety.
• Support schools in creating safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environments that attend to both academic and social-emotional needs.

5. Professional Learning and Capacity Building

• Design and implement a multi-year professional learning system for educators and school leaders that is job-embedded, data-informed, and aligned to district instructional priorities.
• Ensure professional learning advances instructional quality, supports diverse learners, and aligns with educator evaluation systems and leadership standards.

6. Equity, Access, and Student-Centered Supports

• Ensure equitable access to grade-level content and high-quality instruction for all students, including those receiving special education services, multilingual learners, and students requiring additional academic or social-emotional support.
• Lead the integration of academic programming with student services to support the whole child.
• Promote culturally responsive and sustaining practices across all schools and departments.

7. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with school leaders, educators, students, families, and community partners.
• Provide clear, transparent communication regarding academic priorities, initiatives, and outcomes.
• Lead systems to address and resolve concerns related to curriculum, instruction, and school operations in a timely and responsive manner

8. Compliance, Policy, and Operational Alignment

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and district requirements, including those related to special education, multilingual services, and instructional mandates.
• Oversee required reporting and ensure policies, procedures, and practices are implemented with fidelity across all schools.
• Collaborate with Cabinet departments and district teams  to align academic priorities with operational systems, including staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation.

9. Continuous Improvement and Accountability

• Use data and evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs, school performance, and leadership development efforts.
• Establish systems for ongoing monitoring, feedback, and adjustment to ensure progress toward district goals.
• Hold self and others accountable for measurable improvements in student outcomes.

10. Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the effective and efficient functioning of the Academics Department and the district as a whole.

SUPERVISORY EXPECTATIONS: Manage & evaluate assigned direct reports in the Academics Department and their subordinates professional work. Take responsibility for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of assigned teams. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the district's strategic goals and policies applicable to state and federal laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Assistant Superintendent of  Academics must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Masters degree in Education or job-related area
• Ph.D./Ed.D. preferred

Position Qualifications: 

• Minimum of (5) years of school leader experience, preferably experience as a school principal
• Minimum of (5) years of experience as an educator
• Hold a Professional Educators License with the following endorsements:
  • Superintendent
  • General Administrative or Principal Endorsement
• Completed the following State of Illinois Performance Evaluation Training
  • Principal Evaluation Training for Principal Evaluators
  • Teacher Evaluation Training for Teacher Evaluators

Compensation and Benefits (2026-2027 school year)  
$151,600 - $174,370 (includes District paid TRS pension) - pro-rated to start date

Benefits include: 

• Medical and Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-term Disability
• Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Pension plan
• Flexible Benefits Plan
• Tax Deferred Annuities
• 20 Vacation Days
• 15 Sick Days
• 2 Personal Days
• Employee Assistance Program

Application Procedure:
Apply online at www.district65.net

Selection Procedure:
Qualified candidates will be notified to schedule an interview