Associate Director of 6-12 Social Science and Research

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.
Reporting to the Network Director of PK-12 Humanities, the Associate Director of 6-12 Social Science and Research is responsible for the development and implementation of DREAM’s rigorous, vertically-aligned, and culturally and historically responsive 6th-12th grade social science and research curriculum. This leader will collaborate with school-based leaders to design high-quality professional development, coach leaders and teachers on research-based pedagogy, ensure robust curriculum implementation, create assessments, and analyze data to drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has extensive knowledge of best practices for social science and research instruction (Social Studies, History, Civics and Government, Economics, Geography, Cultural Studies, Psychology), experience developing adult learners, a strategic and data-driven mindset, and a passion for innovation and equity.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum, Assessment, and Data Responsiveness
• Develop and design a rigorous 6-12 social science and research curriculum that fosters critical thinking, historical inquiry, civic engagement, and research skills for all students.
• Select, create, and/or adapt unit plans, assessments, and instructional materials that integrate multiple social science disciplines (e.g., history, geography, economics, civics) and emphasize evidence-based research methods.
• Collaborate with the Network Director of PK-12 Humanities and other stakeholders to plan strategic revisions and codification of the 6-12 social science and research curriculum and assessments.
• Analyze student performance data to assess curriculum effectiveness, make short- and long-term revisions, and develop action plans at the network, school, and classroom levels.
• Partner with principals, academic deans, and other key leaders to regularly review assessment data and leverage insights to refine instruction.


• Teacher & Leader Development
• Design and lead high-quality professional development that supports teachers and instructional leaders in implementing social science and research best practices.
• Conduct classroom walkthroughs and curriculum implementation reviews to support school-based teams in identifying focus areas and action steps for instructional improvement.
• Provide regular coaching and feedback to academic deans and instructional leaders, helping them build content expertise, leadership capacity, and effective coaching techniques.
• Facilitate Intellectual Prep meetings that strengthen teachers’ command of research methodologies, historical thinking skills, and culturally responsive teaching practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Education, Curriculum, Social Sciences, or School Administration/Leadership preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience teaching and/or leading social studies, history, or related disciplines at the middle/high school level, with demonstrated success in driving achievement for all students.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design, curriculum development, standards alignment, and Regents, AP, and performance-based assessment practices within social science or related fields.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering impactful professional development and coaching for educators.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze student achievement data, inform instructional strategies, and drive continuous improvement.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and a passion for cultivating civic engagement and critical consciousness in diverse student populations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to b