Academic Department Chair, Fine Arts

Lowell Public School District•Lowell, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Lowell Public Schools is seeking an Academic Department Chair for Fine Arts. This role involves overseeing curriculum and instruction within the Fine Arts department, managing and evaluating teaching staff, and collaborating with various school departments to ensure student success. The Chair will also be responsible for budget administration, staff development, and maintaining communication with parents and the community. Additionally, the position includes teaching two periods per day, subject to annual waiver.

Requirements

A Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
Licensure valid for service as a teacher of Fine Arts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Licensure valid for service as a supervisor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate all aspects of curriculum and instruction within the Fine Arts.
At least five years of successful teaching or related experience.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated computer proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

Developing, implementing, supervising, managing, assessing, evaluating, and improving all aspects of instruction and curriculum within the Fine Arts department.
Observing teachers in their classrooms with follow-up conferences to enhance the teaching-learning process.
Assisting in coordinating departmental staff efforts in curriculum improvement projects and incorporating new developments.
Managing, supervising, evaluating, and improving all of the department's teaching staff.
Assisting in the management, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of all other staff assigned to the department.
Assisting the Administration in monitoring staff members' attendance and timelines.
Assisting in recruiting and interviewing prospective departmental staff members.
Organizing and conducting orientation, departmental and staff committee meetings.
Assisting in the development and implementation of the annual master schedule, class scheduling, student placement, and staff assignments.
Coordinating activities and placement of all incoming students.
Providing leadership to ensure equity for all students and the valuing of diversity in the classroom environment.
Providing leadership to meet the needs of all students.
Coordinating with the Guidance Department on student assessment, placement, and intervention.
Cooperating with all programs pertinent to their departments and addressing student issues, including those with special needs and limited English proficiency.
Monitoring and assessing implementation of Classroom Management Plans.
Reviewing and assessing Lesson Plans and Classroom activities.
Promoting and integrating effective use of appropriate instructional technology.
Assisting in all assessment and testing programs, including standardized tests and state-mandated tests.
Analyzing test results for curriculum and instructional revisions.
Coordinating curriculum development, revision, assessment, and implementation, including organizing and leading committees.
Developing recommendations for new courses, grade placement, credit allowance, and revisions of graduation requirements.
Assisting in assessing the need, planning, developing, scheduling, and implementing staff development programs.
Maintaining an updated professional curriculum library for staff use.
Encouraging the development, publication, and use of new instructional materials by staff.
Assisting in the preparation and administration of the departmental budget.
Supervising and coordinating the acquisition and utilization of instructional materials, equipment, and supplies.
Maintaining responsibility for the distribution, collection, storage, inventory, and accountability of materials and equipment.
Reviewing staff requests for field trips, conferences, workshops, and out-of-district visitations.
Making recommendations to the Head of School and ensuring required procedures are followed.
Participating in orientation programs for parents and community groups, and orientation and mentoring programs for students and staff.
Assisting in the preparation and dissemination of school-to-home communications.
Facilitating parental conferences and maintaining contacts with the community, outside agencies, and consultants.
Meeting with the Head of School on a regularly scheduled basis.
Teaching two periods per day.
Meeting monthly with special education personnel to assist with problem-solving and professional development planning.
Performing other tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Head of School and Director of Curriculum and Instruction.