The Africa-America Institute (AAI) is a premier U.S.-based organization dedicated to bridging Africa and America by educating people and connecting worlds. AAI has more than 23,000 graduate student alumni of its programs with leading universities and its School Services program currently supports schools with approximately 40,000 students in the United States. AAI alumni are at the forefront of Africa’s public, non-profit, and private sectors.
AAI School Services Program works with K-12 communities to ensure that students have the educationally enriching and transformative experiences learning about Africa and its global Diaspora.
Schools Services was created to meet the dual challenges of eliminating the harmful K-12 educational practice of introducing students to Africa solely through the lens of European domination (enslavement and colonization); and the persistence of underperformance, particularly among black students. AAI provides districts and schools with distinctive quality curriculum content on Africa and its diaspora and research-based culturally responsive instructional practice to improve student achievement.
AAI initially launched the Schools Services Program in the late 1960s, as Africa was decolonizing and students across the United States were demanding more courses on Black history and Black experiences. School Services served as a resource for school districts, teachers, principals, and professional associations involved in designing K-12 curricula. At its November 2020 conference, AAI re-launched Schools Services with greater emphasis on skilled pedagogy and student academic achievement.
The Director of Education
The Director of Education (DOE) will lead the School Services Program. They are an experienced, collaborative, and innovative educator and curriculum coach, who will report to the CEO. The DOE will have a unique and exciting opportunity to work closely with schools and school districts in Southwest Michigan to incorporate content into existing curriculums that highlights the centrality of Africa in the development of the modern world, and underscore the contributions of African Americans, and people of African descent. Serving as part of the senior staff, the DOE will work with the existing team to deepen the current programming.
Successful candidates will be current or former educators who believe that all children can learn. They will have deep respect for K-12 education, proven pedagogical expertise, an understanding and passion for history beyond African colonialism and enslavement, and a justice and equity lens.
The DOE role is a full time position that will work primarily remotely. However, regular onsite participation at schools with teachers, administrators, and community partners is expected. AAI provides excellent benefits, including vacation, healthcare, and retirement.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience teaching and/or leading in K-12 schools and programs. Experience in nonprofits or higher education institutions geared toward supporting best practice instructional strategies will also be considered. Strong evidence in the belief that all children can learn, along with a deep respect for teaching and supporting teachers is paramount.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with schools and school districts to develop strategies and plans to improve, extend and perfect curriculum units with research-based subject matter about Africa, African Americans, and people of African descent into existing curriculum seamlessly.
- Provide support, guidance, and coaching to teachers and administrators in designing and implementing culturally responsive instruction.
- Conduct professional development workshops and trainings for educators, focusing on enhancing their understanding of African and African American history and culture.
- Create and maintain relationships with community organizations, cultural institutions, and experts to facilitate partnerships and resources for schools.
- Stay up-to-date with research, best practices, and educational policies related to integrating knowledge and perspectives of African, African Americans, and people of African descent into the curriculum.
- Collaborate with curriculum specialists and content writers to develop high-quality instructional materials and resources that reflect diverse perspectives.
- Monitor the progress and impact of curriculum integration efforts, and outcomes, by collecting data and feedback from schools and teachers to continually improve and adjust strategies.
- Serve as a thought leader, resource, and advocate for schools and school districts in addressing subject area content, best practice pedagogical approaches and issues related to curriculum and instruction.
- Collect and maintain data for evaluation and reports to grant funders with a focus on student learning, engagement, and outcomes.
- Develop a system to build a foundational archival system for data retrieval via cloud based system.
Requirements
- Strong background in education, with experience as a teacher, principal, or administrator in a highly diverse school setting.
- In-depth knowledge, understanding, or eagerness to learn about Africa, African American history, and culture.
- Familiarity with curriculum development, instructional design, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with educators, administrators, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to coach and support teachers and administrators of all levels as they work to implement instructional strategies that foster inclusivity and excellence.
- Proactive, self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and able to work independently while managing multiple projects.
- Experience in providing professional development and leading workshops.
- Passionate about promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in education.
- Flexible and adaptable to the needs and goals of different schools and districts.
- Prior experience in curriculum integration efforts or diversity/equity programs is a plus.
The salary range for this position is $125,000-$140,000 based on commensurate experience.
