Department Chair for History & Social Sciences

Anticipated Vacancy for 2025-2026 School Year

Department Chair for History & Social Sciences

The Department Chair works as a teacher leader in grades 6-12. The Department Chair role is shared between direct teaching with students (0.4 FTE) and the overall leadership of the department (0.6 FTE).

This position reports to, and is evaluated by Principals and the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning.

Qualifications: 

•     Current MA DESE Supervisor/Director License (or eligibility for licensure) 
•     Master's Degree
•     Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a History/Social Sciences teacher
•     Effective leadership skills and experiences preferred
•     Proven background in leading curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development
•     Ability to speak a second language strongly preferred

Teaching and Learning

1.  Support and model effective teaching and assessment practices throughout the department
2.  Work closely with the middle and high school principals to evaluate the quality of teaching and learning through       supervision and evaluation of teachers within the department
3.  Monitor student performance throughout the department and ensure courses and the overall program are continuously   reviewed, revised and tuned to maximize student engagement and learning
4.  Research, model and support the implementation of innovative teaching practices throughout the department

Curriculum

1. Monitor the department’s curriculum to ensure that it is current, relevant, aligned to standards, and supports the district’s vision for instructional practices
2. Coordinate the ongoing review and revision of high quality instructional materials in partnership with the the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning and other district leaders

Professional Development

1. Monitor teaching and learning throughout the department to understand professional learning needs
2. Support the growth of faculty members in the department through professional learning opportunities
3. Coordinate professional development planning with the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, Principals, and other district leaders

Leadership

1. Coordinate with school and district leaders to support strategic planning for long range growth and efficacy of the department
2. Coordination of the department’s curriculum with directors, department

chairs, and the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning to support an integrated and coherent curriculum

1. Provide ongoing support and mentoring to teachers throughout the department
2. Determine the number of sections for each departmental class offering and assign the deployment of teachers into these classes
3. Support students, teachers, and parents during instances of disagreement regarding assessment, curriculum, and assignments
4. Provide periodic reports and presentations to the Superintendent and School Committee

Management and Operations

1. Maintain a comprehensive inventory of the department’s current material resources
2. Develop strategic plan for the maintenance and replacement of the department’s material resources
3. Coordinate with school and district leaders to develop the department’s annual budget