2017 Brain Forest Summer Learning Academy
Instructional Director Description
Montgomery, AL
The Brain Forest Summer Learning Academy is a 5 week program that aims to prevent summer
learning loss. The full-day program will offer rising third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students
mornings of math and reading instruction and afternoons of arts enrichment and physical activity.
Enrollment is first-come, first-serve and is open to any student enrolled in Montgomery Public
Schools and living within the Montgomery city limits.
A nationally-normed math and reading assessment will be used at the beginning of the program to
determine the students’ strengths and weaknesses. During the final week, students will once again
complete the assessment to highlight their academic growth during the program. Approximately
18-20 students will be assigned to each classroom and will be instructed by an experienced teacher
and a classroom assistant. ​Two Instructional Directors will be responsible for helping teachers
develop daily lesson plans to meet the specific learning targets identified for the class.
Instructional Directors will provide ongoing support and coaching as needed to the teachers
and classroom assistants.
Mornings are spent in the classroom, with afternoon hours reserved for planning with instructional
staff members. On Fridays, students and staff members will “leave to learn” on field trips to cultural
and arts sites around Montgomery. Instructional Directors will assist in supervising students during
transition periods, Friday field trips, breakfast, and lunch (as needed). Instructional Directors will
work with the Program Director to engage parents and will assist other staff members with behavior
management.
Brain Forest staff members will be fully immersed in an environment that encourages project-based,
inquiry-based instruction and the use of technology in the classroom. Each staff member will be
provided with a copy of the book
​
​Leaders of Their Own Learning by Ron Berger and will be asked to
participate in weekly, powerful discussions about the material with other instructional staff
members. As the summer provides more flexibility and opportunities for innovation, the experience
will differ in some ways from the regular school year environment. Because of the brief and
intensive nature of the program, the ideal candidate for this position is one who believes deeply in
children, is a strong and adaptable leader, and is eager to challenge him- or herself.
Responsibilities include:
● Reviewing and developing academic delivery framework.
● Creating and sharing “best practices” instructional strategies with teachers.
● Reviewing lesson plans and other instructional tools and providing feedback to staff.
● Overseeing curriculum implementation, as well as classroom and behavior management.
● Ensuring that the academic and developmental needs of each student are met.
● Coaching and supporting all classroom teachers and classroom assistants.
● Facilitating professional development throughout the program.
● Assisting with implementation of testing (most likely STAR Reading and Math assessments)
throughout the program.
● Reviewing diagnostic and ongoing assessment data and supporting staff in adjusting
instruction based on data analysis.
● Collecting and analyzing program academic data.
● Communicating with parents, donors, and partners as needed.
● Creating a positive, supportive, and achievement-oriented environment for every student
and staff member.
Qualifications:
● A bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate
● Previous teaching experience in an elementary school.
● Significant experience in developing academic instruction framework and lesson plans.
● Significant experience in coaching instructional staff.
● Familiarity with project-based, student-driven learning.
● Previous experience with technology-based assessment.
● Knowledge of data driven and differentiated instructional practices.
● Excellent organizational and communication skills.
● Belief that all children can succeed.
● Flexibility, a sense of humor, and a team player attitude.
● A plus: experience with iPad education
Timeline: ​The Brain Forest Summer Learning Program is from June 12 to July 21; Training is
the week ahead from June 6 to June 9. The program is closed July 3 to July 7.
Wednesday, June 8 and
Thursday, June 9
4:30PM-6:30PM at Carver
High School
Parent/Guardian
Orientation
Tuesday, May 31-Friday, June 3
and Monday, June 6
8 AM-12 PM (no break)
Curriculum Planning:
Instructional Directors &
Program Director will
brainstorm, research, and
create academic overview
plan for each grade.
Tuesday, June 6-Friday, June 9
8 AM-2:30 PM (30 min
lunch break)
Training & Planning for All
Brain Forest Staff
Monday, June 12-Friday, June
16
8 AM-1 PM (no break)
8 AM-2 PM​ Thursday, June 15
Brain Forest Program Week
1
Monday, June 19-Friday, June
23
8 AM-1 PM (no break)
8 AM-2 PM​ Thursday, June 22
Brain Forest Program Week
2
Monday, June 26-Friday, June
30
8 AM-1 PM (no break)
8 AM-2 PM​ Thursday, June 29
Brain Forest Program Week
3
Monday, July 3-Friday, July 7
OFF
Monday, July 10-Friday, July 14
8 AM-1 PM (no break)
8 AM-2 PM​ Thursday, July 13
Brain Forest Program Week
4
Monday, July 17-Friday, July 21
8 AM-1 PM (no break)
8 AM-2 PM​ Thursday, July 20
Brain Forest Program Week
5
TENTATIVE
Monday, July 17-Wednesday,
July 29
TENTATIVE
8 AM-12 PM (no break)
Program Wrap Up:
Instructional Directors &
Program Director will
compile data, analyze results,
and create program
reflection with
recommendations for next
year.
PROGRAM CLOSED
Compensation:
$30/hour paid bi-weekly. No other benefits.
To Apply:
Please complete online application with resume attachment. If you have any questions, please
contact Program Development Director, Tikia Young, at ​[email protected]​ or call
(334) 647-1700.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis but should be submitted as soon as possible to
minimize chances of all positions being already filled. You will be contacted via email if selected for
an interview.