READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS

READING, MASSACHUSETTS

Position: PreK-12 Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair/Chorus Director

Department: High School

Reports to: Assistant Superintendent and RMHS Principal

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Approved by: Supt. Dr. Tom Milaschewski

Revision Date: June 2024

SUMMARY: The PreK-12 Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair/Chorus Director will have high school teaching responsibilities, as defined by the building principal. Curriculum coordination and development, program management as well as staff development and supervision are the most significant areas of responsibility for the Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair. He/she is responsible for the everyday functioning of the department in terms of curriculum, department meetings and culture, and oversight of the performance programs. The Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair serves as the most visible leader of Reading’s fine and performing arts program to educators and to the community. The Director of Fine and Performing Arts will teach a maximum of .6 teaching load, similar to other High School Department Chairs, with the remaining .4 time dedicated to PreK-12 Department Chair work and responsibilities. A Department Head stipend, as negotiated in the collective bargaining agreement is included for any additional work related to the job that happens outside of the school day.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for by this position. Other duties may be assigned.

• With the faculty, plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate the curriculum development and performance programs for the PreK-12 fine arts program.
• Plan, manage and evaluate courses and program offerings.
• Plan and lead meetings and activities to build and maintain a strong professional and collaborative department culture.
• Works with building principals in assigning teaching responsibilities.
• Works with High School Principal in preparation of Grade 9-12 Fine Arts budget.
• Prepare and develop a plan for the implementation of yearly program objectives.
• Plan, provide, and recommend professional development for the faculty.
• Works with PreK-12 art, music, production, and drama staff to coordinate districtwide events. Works closely with Building Principals and Director of Guidance to create a districtwide coordinated fine arts calendar which includes all concerts, exhibits and performances for the school year.
• Support the implementation of the fine and performing arts program into other areas of curriculum.
• Meet with high school staff to coordinate and arrange appropriate student placement, class size, teacher assignments, and student and teacher schedules (including colleges, i.e., entrance requirements and advanced placement).
• With the High School Fine Arts Department, manage the selection, purchase and distribution of all art department supplies, media materials, equipment, and furniture. Give guidance, when necessary to Preschool Director, Elementary and Middle School Principals on purchase of materials related to art, music, and drama elementary and middle school programs.
• Maintain effective communication and public relations regarding the PreK-12 art program within the school community and between the school system and the town.
• Teach a maximum of a three-fifths teaching load.
• Keep abreast of innovative art techniques, programs, and research through participation in professional organizations and activities.
• Monitor equipment maintenance and safety issues in fine arts classrooms.
• Supports the Assistant Superintendent and Building Principals in the hiring of PreK-12 Fine Arts Staff.
• Works with the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Superintendent in the development and implementation of the annual districtwide budget related to the arts.
• Participate on leadership teams and meetings related to the fine and performing arts.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervises the classroom and students. Assists the Principal in supervising the staff members in his/her department.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field
• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously
• Uses instructional technology appropriately and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and Board of Education policies
• Understand confidentiality requirements regarding student records
• Ability to exercise good professional judgment in assessing emergency situations and act accordingly
• Ability/willingness to plan, coordinate, conduct and participate in ongoing professional and staff development
• Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite
• Must possess a strong choral, vocal, and piano background and the ability to teach chorus and piano

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of baccalaureate degree, master’s degree preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

Must possess valid Massachusetts teacher licensure appropriate for subject area to be taught. It is preferred that the Director of Fine and Performing Arts will be DESE licensed as a Supervisor/Director, as well as in their fine and performing arts PreK-12 field (i.e. Music, Art, Drama). Certification in music is strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move about to provide services and may be required to occasionally traverse throughout the school building. The employee must also often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and use hand strength to grasp tools. The employee must be able to input information into a computer and as well as read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents and other staff members in person and on the telephone. In the classroom, the employee must be able to see and hear on a continuous basis in order to ensure the safety of students as well as speak frequently to provide instruction. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students, parents, and other staff members. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students. While the majority of the work day is spent inside, the employee must spend time outdoors for fire drills and/or special activities.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.