MSHS English Language Arts Department Head

POSITION OVERVIEW

Heads of Department are pivotal in providing leadership and accountability within the school, and they should demonstrate the following qualities:

· A proven track record of leading with a focus on student needs.

· Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

· Successful experience in managing complex and changing environments.

· Well-established skills in collaborating and communicating effectively with a diverse group of individuals, including administrators, faculty, staff, parents, guardians, and students.

Department Heads act as a liaison between the department's teaching staff and the academic leadership team.

WORK SCHEDULE

Department Heads have a teaching obligation of half-time each week (4 out of 8 classes).

EVALUATION PROCESS

Department Heads will be supervised by the Division Vice Principals. Annual performance evaluations will be informed by feedback from teachers and other Department Heads to determine continued employment and areas for professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants for the Department Head roles must hold a valid teaching license along with a minimum of three years of teaching experience.

· Master’s degree in education

· Valid teaching license

· At least three years of teaching experience in secondary education specific to their content area

· Preferred background in secondary curriculum development and review/evaluation

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Department Head will assist the Vice Principal in overseeing faculty performance and managing the academic program within the department.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

· Gather and analyze data concerning the quality of the school program in relation to performance standards and the Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs).

· Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive action plan for the department, which includes curriculum evaluation, program support, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and staff development.

· Compile an annual report that outlines the progress of the department's action plan.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

· Define, advocate for, and ensure compliance with the adopted curriculum and program support.

· Revise and update instructional materials in accordance with current research and the department/school philosophy, using the web-based Atlas curriculum mapping tool.

· Contribute to the school’s Curriculum Review Cycle and course catalog as needed.

· Review Atlas Rubicon units created by department teachers and provide constructive feedback.

· Examine and evaluate the content curriculum needs of the department and perform ongoing audits to ensure relevance and fairness.

· Facilitate regular curriculum reviews within the department to align content, skills, and assessments with the school’s mission and vision.

FACULTY OVERSIGHT AND DEPARTMENTAL LEADERSHIP

· Schedule regular department meetings for planning, collaboration, assessment, standards-based practices, and instructional priorities.

· Participate in meetings with teachers, specialists, and administrators as required to maintain program continuity and support the execution of the schoolwide action plan.

· Supervise and evaluate faculty within the department.

· Act as the primary resource for teachers who are new or experiencing difficulties; collaborate with the academic leadership team when more significant intervention is necessary.

· Work with department teachers to identify students at risk or in need of additional support; collaboratively develop improvement plans for academic and behavioral concerns.

· Provide class coverage within the department as necessary; once a Department Head has covered three blocks in a day for an absent teacher, they must arrange coverage for any further classes.

FOSTERING COLLEGIAL SHARING

Observe department teachers to:

· Gather effective strategies and techniques to disseminate among colleagues.

· Offer feedback to teachers on various effective learning methods and instructional best practices.

· Organize peer observations within the department.

· Maintain regular meetings with other Department Heads to evaluate, develop, monitor, and strategize the implementation of the school-wide curriculum, enhancing interdisciplinary connections in teaching and learning.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

· Request new materials and equipment to assist teachers in meeting curricular objectives.

· Assess the need for instructional resources based on teacher input.

· Promote knowledge of information resources and technology for instructional purposes.

COMMUNICATION

Collaborate closely with the School Principals to:

· Keep them informed about progress toward departmental goals or any obstacles encountered.

· Provide updates regarding curriculum implementation and the department action plan.

· Follow up on curricular decisions.

· Deliver timely and constructive feedback.

· Gather periodic feedback from teachers to guide departmental adjustments.

· Communicate relevant administrative information to departmental teaching staff.

STAFF RECRUITMENT

· Collaborate with the School Principals to attract, hire, and retain high-quality educators.