How to apply for Lead, Reviews (Early Math)

About EdReports

EdReports is a mission-driven nonprofit that publishes free, evidence-rich reviews of instructional materials, disrupting a multibillion-dollar curriculum market to ensure all students have access to high-quality materials. Working there means directly influencing what gets taught in classrooms nationwide and advocating for equity and excellence in education. The organization values educator voice, evidence-based decision-making, and continuous improvement, making it a magnet for those passionate about curriculum reform.

About the role

The Lead, Reviews (Early Math) will oversee and support the review of early mathematics instructional materials, ensuring reviews are evidence-rich, aligned to EdReports criteria, and useful for educators. This role requires deep expertise in early math learning (Pre-K–early elementary) to guide review teams, enhance processes, and drive improvements in instruction. It’s a chance to shape the quality of math materials used by young children across the country.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading a virtual meeting with a review team to discuss evidence for a Pre-K math curriculum, analyzing submitted materials against EdReports criteria, and collaborating with content leads to refine review tools. You might also communicate with educators or publishers to clarify findings and ensure reviews are accurate and useful. The role is remote, so strong self-management and digital collaboration skills are key.

Who EdReports is looking for

• Deep expertise in early mathematics learning and development, with a strong understanding of how children from Pre-K through early elementary build mathematical understanding.
• Experience in curriculum review, instructional materials evaluation, or standards alignment, preferably in a nonprofit or educational context.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work with content teams, educators, and stakeholders, and to provide expert guidance.
• Ability to manage review processes, ensure evidence-rich evaluations, and contribute to continuous improvement of review tools and criteria.

Tips for this application

• Explicitly connect your experience to EdReports’ mission and the importance of high-quality instructional materials in early math.
• Highlight specific examples of your work in early math education, such as curriculum development, teacher training, or review of materials for Pre-K–2.
• Demonstrate familiarity with EdReports’ review criteria and tools by referencing them in your application and explaining how you’ve applied similar frameworks.
• Show your ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including educators, content experts, and decision-makers, by sharing concrete examples.
• Address EdReports’ AI guidance if you used AI in preparing your application, as they value transparency and ethical use of technology.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your passion for ensuring all students, especially young learners, have access to high-quality math materials.', 'Specific expertise in early math development and how you’ve applied it to evaluate or improve instructional materials.', 'Experience leading or supporting review processes, including managing teams and ensuring alignment to rigorous criteria.', 'Your ability to collaborate with educators and stakeholders to drive systemic improvements in curriculum.']

Research before applying

• Study EdReports’ review criteria and tools for mathematics, especially any early math rubrics or reports they’ve published.
• Read EdReports’ mission, core competencies, and recent impact reports to understand their theory of action and values.
• Explore current debates and trends in early math education, such as the science of math, play-based learning, and equity in early childhood.
• Review EdReports’ AI guidance to understand their stance on AI use in hiring and work processes.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How do you evaluate the quality of early math instructional materials? Walk us through your process.
• Describe a time you led a review or evaluation of educational materials and how you ensured evidence-rich, unbiased results.
• What do you see as the biggest challenges in early math education today, and how can high-quality curriculum address them?
• How would you handle disagreements among reviewers or stakeholders about the alignment of a particular material?
• Why are you interested in working at EdReports specifically, and how do you see this role contributing to the organization’s mission?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application that doesn’t mention early math or EdReports’ specific mission and review process.
• Failing to provide concrete examples of your experience with curriculum review or early math instruction.
• Ignoring EdReports’ AI guidance and not disclosing AI use if applicable, which could raise ethical concerns.