Academic Department Chair, MLE

Lowell Public School District•Lowell, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Lowell Public Schools is seeking an Academic Department Chair for their Multilingual Learners (MLE) program. This role is responsible for the overall direction and management of curriculum and instruction within the bilingual department. The chair will lead and supervise teaching staff, ensure high-quality instruction, and foster an equitable and diverse learning environment. This position involves significant administrative duties, including staff evaluation, curriculum development, budget management, and collaboration with various school departments and external agencies.

Requirements

A Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
Licensure valid for service as a teacher of ESL or Transitional Bilingual Education 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 bilingual department.
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 MLE department.
Observing teachers in their classrooms and conducting 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.
Managing, supervising, monitoring, and evaluating all other staff assigned to the department.
Assisting the Administration in monitoring staff attendance and timeliness.
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.
Providing leadership to meet the needs of all students.
Coordinating with the Guidance Department on student assessment, placement, and intervention.
Coordinating 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 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, community groups, 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 (subject to annual waiver).
Meeting monthly with special education personnel to assist with problem-solving and professional development.
Performing other tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Head of School and Director of Curriculum and Instruction.