Director of Teaching and Learning

Career Guide

A Director of Teaching and Learning leads the strategy and day to day improvement of teaching quality and student learning outcomes across a school, district, or education organization. The role blends instructional leadership, professional development, curriculum oversight, and data informed decision making to ensure consistent, high quality learning experiences.

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Key Responsibilities

Set a clear vision for effective teaching and learning aligned to academic standards and organizational goals
Lead curriculum selection, curriculum review, and curriculum implementation planning
Design and oversee professional learning for teachers, coaches, and school leaders
Create systems for instructional coaching and classroom observation
Use student performance data to identify learning needs and prioritize improvement efforts
Partner with school leaders to support lesson quality and classroom culture
Guide assessment practices, including formative assessment and benchmark planning
Support inclusive instruction for diverse learners, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners
Manage teaching and learning initiatives, timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships
Communicate progress and expectations to staff, families, and senior leadership
Ensure compliance with education requirements and internal quality expectations
Recruit, develop, and evaluate instructional staff such as coaches and specialists

Top Skills for Success

Instructional Leadership

Curriculum Design

Curriculum Implementation

Teacher Development

Coaching Practice

Assessment Literacy

Data Fluency

Program Management

Stakeholder Communication

Change Management

Equity Focus

Education Policy Awareness

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Director of Teaching and Learning

Director of Curriculum

Director of Instruction

Director of Professional Learning

Director of Academic Programs

Transition Opportunities

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

Chief Academic Officer

Chief Learning Officer

Deputy Superintendent

School Network Leader

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Budget ManagementVendor ManagementChange LeadershipMeasurement StrategyExecutive CommunicationCross School Implementation Planning

Development SuggestionsBuild experience leading multi site initiatives with clear success metrics, practice presenting concise updates to senior leaders, and partner with finance and operations teams to learn budgeting, procurement, and contract management. Strengthen implementation planning by using pilots, staff feedback, and simple progress dashboards.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 85,000 to 110,000

Mid LevelUSD 110,000 to 145,000

Senior LevelUSD 145,000 to 190,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by learning recovery needs, curriculum modernization, and increased focus on measurable student outcomes. Hiring varies by region and school funding cycles.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Public School DistrictsCharter School NetworksIndependent SchoolsEducation Service AgenciesEducation NonprofitsEducation Technology CompaniesCurriculum PublishersTeacher Development Organizations

Industry Sectors

K to 12 EducationHigher EducationEducation NonprofitEducation TechnologyGovernment Education Agencies

Recommended Next Steps

Audit current teaching and learning outcomes and identify the top three improvement priorities

Create a one year professional learning plan tied to clear instructional goals

Standardize classroom observation tools and feedback routines

Establish a coaching model with defined roles, schedules, and success measures

Build a simple scorecard for curriculum implementation and student progress

Develop a stakeholder communication plan for leaders, teachers, and families

Document a change plan that includes training, support, and follow up checks

Collect examples of impact for your portfolio, including before and after data and teacher practice improvements