Director of Education Sola Academy Job Listing at Fusion in Evanston, IL (Job ID 1847)

Description

Sola Academy by Fusion is a private therapeutic day school serving students in grades 6–12 (ages 11–18) with a range of learning differences. We bring together expert educators, individualized academic programming, and integrated social-emotional and therapeutic supports so that every student can thrive. Sola is approved to serve students with Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Other Health Impairment (OHI), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Emotional Disability (ED), Hearing Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, and Speech or Language Impairment, with Mild Intellectual Disability forthcoming. Our students are funded primarily through partnerships with their home school districts. Our model centers personalized mentoring, small-group and 1:1 instruction, and a positive, engaged campus community. 
 
 
The Director of Education is the senior academic leader at Sola Academy. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director owns the quality, coherence, and continuous improvement of Sola's academic program — from curriculum and instruction to IEP-aligned programming, teacher development, and student outcomes. The Director ensures every Sola student receives instruction that is rigorous, individualized, and responsive to their unique learning profile. This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced special educator who has led teachers, built strong academic systems, and held a high bar for what students with learning differences can achieve. 

What You'll Do: 

• Lead and strengthen the academic program, ensuring high-quality, individualized instruction aligned to each student's learning profile. 

• Hire, develop, and support teachers through coaching, professional development, and ongoing performance feedback.  

• Monitor student progress and academic outcomes, ensuring programs are data-driven, compliant, and continuously improving. 

• Partner with campus leadership to support IEP-aligned programming, instructional integrity, and student transitions. 

• Foster a collaborative, engaging teaching culture rooted in mentorship and continuous growth. 

• Support holistic student development through mentoring, behavior support, and social-emotional wellbeing. 

• Collaborate with families, staff, and professionals to ensure strong communication and a consistent, high-quality student experience. 

What We're Looking For: 

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Education or Special Education preferred.  

• Current Illinois LBS1 

• 3–5 years of experience in education leadership, ideally in special education or a therapeutic setting. 

• Strong background in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, including experience with diverse learners and IEPs. 

• Proven ability to coach and develop teachers and build strong academic systems. 

• Experience analyzing student data to drive instructional decisions and outcomes. 

• Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.  

• Passion for personalized learning and supporting students with learning differences. 

• Ability to balance academic excellence with a supportive, student-centered approach. 

• Florida residents require level 2 background screening through https://info.flclearinghouse.com/. 

Why Sola Academy by Fusion?  

At Sola Academy, we combine the strengths of Fusion's personalized learning model with integrated therapeutic supports to meet the unique needs of every student. Our campuses are vibrant, student-centered communities where learning is tailored and relationships matter. 

As Director of Education, you'll play a key role in shaping the academic experience, developing exceptional teachers, and ensuring every student is supported, challenged, and set up for meaningful success. You can learn more about us HERE. 

Benefits:   

We offer a package for full-time employees which generally includes:    

• Medical, dental, and vision plans   

• Vacation time (for certain positions) in accordance with company policy and state law   

• Accident and life insurance as well as short- and long-term disability    

In addition to the above items, full-time and part-time employees can generally participate in the following benefits:   

• Sick time and paid holidays in accordance with company policy   

• 401(k) plan with company match, based on eligibility    

• Tax-advantaged commuter benefits   

• Employee assistance program    

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. If a bonus applies, more information will be given at offer.    

Work Authorization: 

Employment is contingent upon authorization to work in the United States. We do not provide visa sponsorship for this role. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex.  Qualified applicants who have access to or contact with students or the public, who are responsible for the safeguarding of others' well-being, and who work with little supervision in close proximity to others will be required to complete a criminal history check once a contingent offer of employment is made. Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with local law. The nature and gravity of an offense, the length of time since the conviction, and the nature of the job in question are all considered, and criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify employment. Any discussion of criminal history will occur only after the background check is completed and a copy is provided to the applicant.