Middle School Central Subject Department Chair (1 year position)

About Shady Hill School: Since 1915, Shady Hill, a school of approximately 530 students (PreK - 8) and 90 faculty, has been a leader in progressive education. Shady Hill is a deeply mission-driven school. We seek to develop independent, joyful and curious learners who respect their own accomplishments and those of others. We strive to be a community whose values are strong and whose teachers are unafraid to engage students in important questions. The school’s program allows children to explore their worlds and test their powers. As a school with a historical and contemporary commitment to social justice, we believe that an inclusive and equitable community is an educational and moral imperative that empowers us all. Therefore, we seek to hire teachers who demonstrate a mindset and skill set that prioritizes cultural competence, equity, and justice in their practice with students and in their work with colleagues. A hallmark of a Shady Hill education is the Central Subject methodology. Students in Grades 3-8 engage in an assigned Central Subject, an in-depth, integrated study of a particular time or people in history. The year-long study, which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, the use of primary sources, understanding of multiple perspectives, acquisition of essential skills, and self-discovery, forms the core of our curriculum. ”Gradeheads” (lead teachers) are both humanities teachers and advisors, supporting the academic and social-emotional experience for their 14-18 students. They are responsible for developing content and implementing instruction in the humanities, with the support of faculty in other disciplines to integrate the curriculum. Shady Hill School is also a teacher training institution. Its long-standing Teacher Training Center (TTC), which brings apprentice teachers to campus each year, prepares talented people for careers in education and allows each faculty member the opportunity to be a mentor and meaningful contributor to the teaching field. Because of the school’s commitment to teacher training, the school seeks teachers with certification or a demonstrated interest in working towards certification when hired by Shady Hill School. About the position: Shady Hill School is seeking an experienced educator to become the Middle School Central Subject Department Chair for the 2025-2026 school year. During this one-year position, the Middle School Central Subject Chair will not be a classroom teacher and will focus their time on supporting the 17 Central Subject Gradeheads in Middle School as we continue to support, review, and enhance our program. Based on the knowledge of Shady Hill School Central Subject Middle School curricula required for this position, we are only considering applicants with prior experience teaching Middle School Central Subject at Shady Hill. This is a full-time, in-person, 10-month position for the 2025-2026 school year. Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work to foster a cohesive team of 17 Gradeheads who make up the largest academic department in middle school.
• Support individual Gradeheads and grade level teams to enhance the CS curriculum and promote consistency within and between grade levels.
• With support from the Middle School Division Head and Dean of Faculty, design and lead weekly grade level Gradehead meetings to continue Scope and Sequence and Curriculum Mapping work. Conversations and exercises around consistency, clear skill assessment, and reviewing content will be central to this role.
• Build systems and structures to support the V-VIII experience (skills/assessments, curriculum review, field trips, Flex Week, etc.)
• Serve as a main thought partner for the Middle School Division Head regarding strengthening our grading and assessment system.
• Working closely with the Middle School Division Head, observe department members and provide coaching and evaluative feedback as part of our Faculty Review Program and Professional Development.
• Support the department by partnering with the Dean of Faculty to onboard new faculty.
• During hiring season, work closely with the Middle School Division Head to review resumes, interview candidates, and design finalist visits.
• Work alongside the Middle School Division Head, Admissions, and Executive Director of Teacher Training Center to celebrate and highlight our Central Subject Program.
• During report seasons, edit departmental reports with an eye toward thoughtful, clear feedback for families.
• Partner with the Learning Resources Department and Central Subject teachers in order to support students’ learning needs.
• Participate and attend biweekly cross-divisional Department Chair Meetings.
• When concerns arise, support faculty members in family meetings.

In addition, the Middle School Central Subject Department Chair will share in responsibilities associated with the position or with membership on the faculty, supervision of student activities, participating in special events and outreach programs, as well as lunch and recess supervision. The Middle School Central Subject Department Chair is also expected to attend opening and closing meetings (August/September and June) and other meetings as scheduled and to serve on committees as needed.