Director of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Office Location: The Dalles Middle School - Module

Phone: Ext. 1003

The Director of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment partners with educators, principals, instructional coaches, lead teachers, and district leaders to strengthen teaching and learning across North Wasco County School District.

The work of this role centers on developing coherent instructional systems that support excellent teaching, meaningful learning, and equitable outcomes for every student. This includes curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, MTSS, multilingual education, school improvement, and federal programs.

Just as importantly, this role is about building relationships. By listening to educators, learning alongside schools, and working collaboratively to solve challenges, the Director helps create systems that support teachers and improve student learning. This work is grounded in The North Wasco Way, our shared vision for teaching, learning, and belonging.

The goal of this role is not simply to implement initiatives, but to build the relationships, leadership, and systems that help every educator, and every student, grow.

Responsibilities Overview:

Curriculum, Instruction & Literacy: Leading districtwide curriculum and assessment systems, implementing evidence-based practices, and supporting literacy development (including the Science of Reading and intervention systems).

Instructional Leadership & Coaching: Partnering with principals to build a cohesive districtwide coaching framework, supporting Lead Teachers, and facilitating instructional rounds and learning walks that promote reflective, shared practices.

Professional Learning & PLCs: Designing and coordinating the districtwide professional learning calendar, delivering targeted professional development, and helping schools build highly collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

Assessment & Continuous Improvement: Managing the district's balanced assessment system, coordinating state/local assessments, and partnering with principals on School Improvement Plans and data-informed instruction.

MTSS & Multilingual Learning: Collaborating with Student Services to strengthen Tier 1 instruction and intervention systems (WIN time), supporting the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, and expanding Integrated English Language Development (ELD).

Federal Programs & Culture: Managing Title grants (I, II, III, and IV) to align funding with strategic priorities, while helping schools implement Responsive Classroom and Restorative Practices to build student belonging.

What Can I Help With?

Curriculum, Instruction & MTSS:
- “Which instructional materials should we be using, and how do we implement them effectively?”
- “What should strong Tier 1 instruction look like in my classroom or school?”
- “How do we structure effective WIN (What I Need) time and align interventions with core instruction?”
Professional Learning & PLCs:
- “How can we make our PLCs more collaborative, impactful, and focused on student learning?”
- “What district professional learning opportunities are available, and how can coaching support my teachers?”
- “How can we use instructional technology and digital tools effectively in our lessons?”
Instructional Leadership:
- “How can learning walks or instructional rounds help improve our school’s overall practice?”
- “What support, structures, and professional growth opportunities are available for our Lead Teachers?”
Assessments & School Improvement:
- “How should we analyze and use assessment data to adjust our day-to-day instruction?”
- “What does the district assessment calendar look like this year?”
Multilingual & Culturally Responsive Learning:
- “How can we better support multilingual learners and integrate language development into daily instruction?”
- “What are the best practices for culturally responsive teaching and vertical alignment across grade levels?”
Grants & Federal Programs:
- “Can Title funding support this initiative, and what are the allowable uses of these federal funds?”

🛑 When to Contact Someone Else

To help route your inquiries efficiently, please note that the Teaching, Learning, and Assessment office does not manage:

Student Behavior & Discipline: Routine student discipline or day-to-day classroom behavior management beyond general Tier 1 supports. (Contact your building Principal or Assistant Principal).
Special Education & IEPs: Special education case management, IEP compliance, and specialized placement processes. (Contact the Student Services Department).
Technical Troubleshooting: IT issues, device setup, or software crashes. (Contact the Technology / IT Department).
School Schedules & Staffing: Creating building-level schedules, teacher classroom assignments, or primary teacher evaluations. (Contact your building Principal or Human Resources).
School Operations: Transportation, facilities maintenance, cafeteria services, or school-based activity budgets. (Contact the CFO or specific Operations Departments).

Outside of Work

Allie Ivey I was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, and I like to say I figured out what I wanted to be on the first day of kindergarten. From that point on, I was determined to become a teacher. As soon as I was old enough, I started working at the YMCA, and I began my teaching career at 21.

I spent the majority of my career teaching middle school, and middle schoolers will always hold a special place in my heart. They are some of my favorite humans—full of curiosity, humor, creativity, and an incredible capacity for growth. I love their honesty, the big questions they ask, and the unique perspective they bring to the world. Every day with them is an adventure, and it has been a true privilege to learn alongside them, cheer them on, and witness all they are capable of.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach in Reno/Sparks, Los Angeles, and Elko, Nevada. I’ve also worked with preservice teachers in both Nevada and Oregon and partnered with nonprofit organizations focused on education and restorative practices. Each experience has strengthened my belief that every person, student and adult alike, has unique strengths to build on and that our best work happens when we learn with and from one another.

Outside of work, I’m always up for an adventure, especially if all I have to do is pack my bag and show up. I love to travel, whether it’s an international trip, exploring a new corner of the U.S., or taking a weekend road trip around the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband and our two dogs Cooper and Hawthorne. Confession: I have absolutely no self-control when it comes to dogs. If there's one nearby, I'm probably trying to figure out how quickly I can ask if I can say hello without seeming weird.

I’m also a huge reader and almost always have several books going at once! I love live music, especially outdoor concerts, and any excuse to spend time outside. After growing up in the Nevada sunshine, I’m still learning to embrace Oregon’s rainy days, but I’m discovering there’s something pretty special about them, too.