English Department Chair (Grades 6-12)

Position Overview

Walpole High School is seeking a dynamic and experienced English Department Chair to lead our Grades 6-12 English curriculum. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of English Language Arts instruction, curriculum development, and department leadership. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience of our students by ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, standards-aligned English curriculum across middle and high school levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement department goals and objectives at the start of each school year.
• Stay current with the latest research in English education and share best practices with department members.
• Maintain liaison and collaborate with English departments in neighboring school districts.
• Identify staff professional development needs and promote relevant training programs.
• Ensure curriculum alignment and articulation between Grades 6-12.
• Work closely with building principals to oversee curriculum implementation and instructional practices.
• Manage and submit department budgets for middle and high school programs, ensuring proper allocation of resources.
• Act as a liaison and resource person for the Principal, Superintendent, and other administrators.
• Maintain and oversee department inventory, including textbooks, curriculum resources, and equipment.
• Assume a 40% teaching assignment (two classes per semester).
• Perform supervisory duties such as study hall, cafeteria, or hallway supervision.
• Conduct classroom visitations to monitor instruction and provide support to teachers.
• Participate in the educator evaluation process, providing feedback and observations to building principals.
• Conduct walkthrough observations at both middle and high school levels to ensure instructional effectiveness.
• Assist in the creation and revision of curriculum guides and school reports.
• Continuously evaluate program effectiveness to ensure curriculum objectives are being met and align with educational trends.
• Hold monthly department meetings to review teaching methods, curriculum alignment, and instructional strategies.
• Meet regularly with the assistant superintendent and middle school liaisons to oversee curriculum progress.
• Develop and maintain instructional resources for department members.
• Provide orientation and mentorship to new English teachers in Grades 6-12.
• Approve workshop/conference attendance requests and field trip proposals before principal submission.
• Support grant writing initiatives to enhance department programs.
• Represent the department at evening meetings, such as School Committee, School Council, PAC, 8th Grade Curriculum Night, Open Houses, etc as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in English, Education, or a related field.
• Valid DESE teacher licensure in English and SEI Endorsement
• Minimum of five years of teaching experience in English Language Arts.
• Previous leadership or curriculum development experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design, instructional methodologies, and assessment strategies.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to inspire and support educators in their professional growth.

Work Year: 188 days (including 183 teacher days)
Reports To: High School Principal

Salary and benefits according to the WTA contract.

Join us in shaping the future of English education for our students! We look forward to

welcoming a passionate and innovative leader to our team.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references for consideration.