La Joya ISD
Job Title: Executive Director of Humanities
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Reports to: Deputy Chief
Pay Grade: AD
Dept./School: Academics and School Leadership
Initiated Date: June 2025
WHO WE ARE La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district’s vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.
Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community.
Customer Service
Trust & Transparency
High-Quality Instruction
Excellence in Leadership
Integrity & Accountability
We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We are seeking an executive leader who can create, nurture, and lead a system that ensures students achieve excellence in Literacy and Social Studies across all grade levels. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of Humanities instruction, specifically in the science of reading, and a strong track record of accelerating student outcomes through curriculum alignment, professional learning, and instructional support. You will be responsible for aligning our district’s Literacy and Social Studies programs with high expectations, strong content knowledge, culturally responsive pedagogy, and engaging, rigorous instruction. You must possess the commitment, urgency, and system leadership skills needed to build and sustain high-quality teaching and learning in Humanities, and to lead adaptive change in a fast-paced, evolving educational environment.
WHY LA JOYA ISD You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.
QUALIFICATIONS Education/Certification:
Master’ degree required; in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction or related field
Valid or eligible to receive Texas Principal Certification or MId-Management Certification
Valid Texas Teaching certificate
Currently or eligible to become T-TESS certified preferred
Experience:
Minimum of three year’s teaching experience
Minimum of three year’s experience as a central office leader or Principal
Special Knowledge and Skills
Proven success in leading a school or district community toward continuous improvement in academic goals with a relentless pursuit of academic excellence for all students
Deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction as well as evidence-based practices in literacy and social studies, including the science of reading
Demonstrated success in improving student outcomes in Literacy and/or Social Studies
Proven experience to use and interpret data to inform decision-making processes that allow for intentional actions and lead to improved student/campus achievement
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
Leadership, management, and organizational skills
Experience with diverse populations
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Executive Leadership
Serve as a transformational leader working to create a best-in-class learning environment.
Participate in professional development and training to improve skills related to job assignment.
Foster team collaboration and shared ownership of student success across content teams and campuses.
Set ambitious goals for Literacy and Social Studies achievement, monitor progress, and make adjustments as needed
Provide for two-way communication with staff, students, parents, and community.
Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior. Serve as a role model for all campus staff.
Develop and set annual performance objectives.
Delegate leadership responsibilities as appropriate, ensuring strong systems of monitoring, support, and feedback for campus staff.
System Leadership:
Promote the expectation for high-level performance from staff and students and recognize excellence and achievement..
Lead the strategic vision and execution of literacy and social studies programs, including the vision for ensuring students learn to read.
Ensure high-quality instructional materials are selected and implemented with fidelity.
Support schools in delivering research-based literacy instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Develop, lead, and refine Humanities program initiatives including reading and writing interventions, disciplinary literacy, civic learning, and historical thinking.
Analyze districtwide student performance data in Literacy and Social Studies to guide instructional improvements.
Build systems of support and accountability to ensure equitable access to grade-level content for all students.
Support implementation of district priorities such as structured literacy, dual language instruction, and content integration.
Develop campus leader capacity and support campus system-building to ensure students are reading on grade level.
Ensure high-quality instructional materials and resources are implemented with fidelity.
Develop and monitor instructional and administrative processes to ensure that instructional practices are aligned to evidence-based practices and implemented with fidelity.
Utilize campus data for corrective action leading to improvement, as well as for recognition of success.
Evaluate and adjust educational programs and approaches to ensure rapid student acceleration.
Disaggregate and interpret data in order to assist in developing appropriate next steps for campus improvement.
Support campus leaders in analyzing data and developing action plans to improve teaching and learning.
Professional Learning Community (PLC’s)
Lead, implement and support Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s) that create positive relationships amongst campus teams
Design and lead professional learning aligned to best practices in Literacy and Social Studies instruction
Support campus leaders and teacher teams in using PLC structures to improve instructional planning, delivery, and assessment
Ensure PLCs develop and improve campus leader and team capacity.
Effective Feedback
Provide coaching and meaningful feedback to campus leaders and staff with the intent of improving employee performance and impact.
Provide instructional and programmatic feedback to teachers, administrators, and staff based on observations, walk-throughs, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback.
Use data and observation trends to inform coaching priorities and professional development plans.
Culture & Climate
Create, cultivate and lead a culture of excellence, support, and community for all stakeholders.
Build capacity among staff to sustain a culture of reading, inquiry, civic engagement, and critical thinking.
Facilitate effective and timely resolution of conflicts.
Identify, analyze, and apply research findings (e.g., effective school correlates) to promote school improvement.
Promote inclusive practices that reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of La Joya ISD students
Follow all policies, practices, and procedures that create optimal learning conditions for students with special needs in alignment with IDEA.
Personnel Management
Select, train, supervise and evaluate all assigned staff fairly and in alignment with proper policies and procedures.
Ensure accurate documentation on any and all recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline and dismissal.
Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff with the lens of both support and accountability for all employees.
Coach staff and help them identify and develop appropriate professional growth opportunities as well as accomplish improvement goals.
School or Community Relations
Articulate the mission and purpose of Humanities to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
Communicate with parents, families, and communities on a regular and consistent basis to ensure clear and consistent messaging to parents.
Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions
Ensure all employees follow proper protocols to maintain accurate records as required
Support campuses in completing all associated administrative duties and tasks in a timely manner
Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports.
Develop budgets based upon documented Needs Assessments, estimated enrollment, personnel, and other entitlement funding streams; implement programs within budget limits; maintain fiscal control; accurately report fiscal information.
Comply with district policies, state and federal laws and regulations affecting schools.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS Physical Demands
Typical demands of an office environment, including extensive computer use and district-wide travel for meetings and events. Lifting and carrying of books, boxes, and audiovisual equipment, light (15-20 pounds), climbing, stretching, visual acuity, walking, pulling, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, sitting, kneeling, standing, and twisting, may be required to control behavior through physical restraint.
Work Environment
Primarily office-based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families, and community members. Campus visits will be required as needed and as a part of ensuring program implementation with fidelity and monitoring of service delivery models. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
Reading, supporting instruction, demonstrating computer skills appropriate for assignment, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well with students, concentration (detailed work), interpretive skills (policy, procedure, dates), reasoning skills, understanding verbal instructions, analyzing, differentiating, memorizing, coordinating, compiling, and computing.
Mental Demands:
Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress.
POSITION WORKING DAYS 226 days
COMPENSATION
Based on the district’s approved compensation plan.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.
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WHO WE ARE La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district’s vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students.
Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community.
Customer Service
Trust & Transparency
High-Quality Instruction
Excellence in Leadership
Integrity & Accountability
We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We are seeking an executive leader who can create, nurture, and lead a system that ensures students achieve excellence in Literacy and Social Studies across all grade levels. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of Humanities instruction, specifically in the science of reading, and a strong track record of accelerating student outcomes through curriculum alignment, professional learning, and instructional support. You will be responsible for aligning our district’s Literacy and Social Studies programs with high expectations, strong content knowledge, culturally responsive pedagogy, and engaging, rigorous instruction. You must possess the commitment, urgency, and system leadership skills needed to build and sustain high-quality teaching and learning in Humanities, and to lead adaptive change in a fast-paced, evolving educational environment.
WHY LA JOYA ISD You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.
QUALIFICATIONS Education/Certification:
Master’ degree required; in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction or related field
Valid or eligible to receive Texas Principal Certification or MId-Management Certification
Valid Texas Teaching certificate
Currently or eligible to become T-TESS certified preferred
Experience:
Minimum of three year’s teaching experience
Minimum of three year’s experience as a central office leader or Principal
Special Knowledge and Skills
Proven success in leading a school or district community toward continuous improvement in academic goals with a relentless pursuit of academic excellence for all students
Deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction as well as evidence-based practices in literacy and social studies, including the science of reading
Demonstrated success in improving student outcomes in Literacy and/or Social Studies
Proven experience to use and interpret data to inform decision-making processes that allow for intentional actions and lead to improved student/campus achievement
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
Leadership, management, and organizational skills
Experience with diverse populations
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Executive Leadership
Serve as a transformational leader working to create a best-in-class learning environment.
Participate in professional development and training to improve skills related to job assignment.
Foster team collaboration and shared ownership of student success across content teams and campuses.
Set ambitious goals for Literacy and Social Studies achievement, monitor progress, and make adjustments as needed
Provide for two-way communication with staff, students, parents, and community.
Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior. Serve as a role model for all campus staff.
Develop and set annual performance objectives.
Delegate leadership responsibilities as appropriate, ensuring strong systems of monitoring, support, and feedback for campus staff.
System Leadership:
Promote the expectation for high-level performance from staff and students and recognize excellence and achievement..
Lead the strategic vision and execution of literacy and social studies programs, including the vision for ensuring students learn to read.
Ensure high-quality instructional materials are selected and implemented with fidelity.
Support schools in delivering research-based literacy instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Develop, lead, and refine Humanities program initiatives including reading and writing interventions, disciplinary literacy, civic learning, and historical thinking.
Analyze districtwide student performance data in Literacy and Social Studies to guide instructional improvements.
Build systems of support and accountability to ensure equitable access to grade-level content for all students.
Support implementation of district priorities such as structured literacy, dual language instruction, and content integration.
Develop campus leader capacity and support campus system-building to ensure students are reading on grade level.
Ensure high-quality instructional materials and resources are implemented with fidelity.
Develop and monitor instructional and administrative processes to ensure that instructional practices are aligned to evidence-based practices and implemented with fidelity.
Utilize campus data for corrective action leading to improvement, as well as for recognition of success.
Evaluate and adjust educational programs and approaches to ensure rapid student acceleration.
Disaggregate and interpret data in order to assist in developing appropriate next steps for campus improvement.
Support campus leaders in analyzing data and developing action plans to improve teaching and learning.
Professional Learning Community (PLC’s)
Lead, implement and support Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s) that create positive relationships amongst campus teams
Design and lead professional learning aligned to best practices in Literacy and Social Studies instruction
Support campus leaders and teacher teams in using PLC structures to improve instructional planning, delivery, and assessment
Ensure PLCs develop and improve campus leader and team capacity.
Effective Feedback
Provide coaching and meaningful feedback to campus leaders and staff with the intent of improving employee performance and impact.
Provide instructional and programmatic feedback to teachers, administrators, and staff based on observations, walk-throughs, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback.
Use data and observation trends to inform coaching priorities and professional development plans.
Culture & Climate
Create, cultivate and lead a culture of excellence, support, and community for all stakeholders.
Build capacity among staff to sustain a culture of reading, inquiry, civic engagement, and critical thinking.
Facilitate effective and timely resolution of conflicts.
Identify, analyze, and apply research findings (e.g., effective school correlates) to promote school improvement.
Promote inclusive practices that reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of La Joya ISD students
Follow all policies, practices, and procedures that create optimal learning conditions for students with special needs in alignment with IDEA.
Personnel Management
Select, train, supervise and evaluate all assigned staff fairly and in alignment with proper policies and procedures.
Ensure accurate documentation on any and all recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline and dismissal.
Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff with the lens of both support and accountability for all employees.
Coach staff and help them identify and develop appropriate professional growth opportunities as well as accomplish improvement goals.
School or Community Relations
Articulate the mission and purpose of Humanities to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
Communicate with parents, families, and communities on a regular and consistent basis to ensure clear and consistent messaging to parents.
Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions
Ensure all employees follow proper protocols to maintain accurate records as required
Support campuses in completing all associated administrative duties and tasks in a timely manner
Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports.
Develop budgets based upon documented Needs Assessments, estimated enrollment, personnel, and other entitlement funding streams; implement programs within budget limits; maintain fiscal control; accurately report fiscal information.
Comply with district policies, state and federal laws and regulations affecting schools.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS Physical Demands
Typical demands of an office environment, including extensive computer use and district-wide travel for meetings and events. Lifting and carrying of books, boxes, and audiovisual equipment, light (15-20 pounds), climbing, stretching, visual acuity, walking, pulling, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, reaching, pushing, sitting, kneeling, standing, and twisting, may be required to control behavior through physical restraint.
Work Environment
Primarily office-based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families, and community members. Campus visits will be required as needed and as a part of ensuring program implementation with fidelity and monitoring of service delivery models. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
Reading, supporting instruction, demonstrating computer skills appropriate for assignment, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well with students, concentration (detailed work), interpretive skills (policy, procedure, dates), reasoning skills, understanding verbal instructions, analyzing, differentiating, memorizing, coordinating, compiling, and computing.
Mental Demands:
Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress.
POSITION WORKING DAYS 226 days
COMPENSATION
Based on the district’s approved compensation plan.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.
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