English Department Chair

UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY•Seattle, WA

1d•$66,723 - $121,310

About The Position

Under minimal supervision, the English Department Chair provides leadership for the English department and performs diverse administrative functions that promote the successful day-to-day operation of their department and the school. University Prep (UPrep) is a 6–12 independent school in northeast Seattle, WA, one of the country’s most dynamic cities. We offer an intellectually rich education that fosters deep inquiry and critical thinking that is powered by student engagement. Our students graduate prepared for college and life. UPrep is a strong and vibrant community of students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni that joins together to support our students in becoming caring and productive adults. UPrep is a place where all students and families have equitable access to all the school has to offer, and we aspire for all community members to feel like they belong. We believe that our shared values of integrity, respect, and responsibility are essential to accomplish our mission to develop each student’s potential to become an intellectually courageous, socially responsible citizen of the world.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university required
Minimum of 5 years prior experience in public and or independent schools, with a strong background in curriculum and instruction
Articulates an authentic commitment to diversity and holds others accountable for the same
Promotes an inclusive environment that values, encourages, and supports differences
Outstanding leadership skills
Exceptionally capable in both written and oral communication
Excellent organizational and presentation skills
Proven success working collaboratively in educational leadership
Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the students and program
Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds
Ability to create an active learning environment that supports understanding, passion and creativity in students
Ability to prepare lessons to appeal to a variety of learning styles, needs and accommodations
Ability to use formative assessments and strategies in the classroom
Deep interest in being part of a community as a colleague and grade-level team member
Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff
Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Ability to maintain confidential information
Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
Ability to work efficiently in a Microsoft Windows or Mac environment using Office, master common automated systems for record keeping, and learn new technology

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will have experience teaching in multiple divisions, deep emotional intelligence, and a passion for sharing best practice pedagogy in the field
Advanced degree in education or the subject area preferred
Teaching certification preferred
Educational leadership experience (team leader, department head, grade-level coordinator) preferred

Responsibilities

Assess the scope and sequence of your department’s curriculum and identify opportunities to amplify and extend opportunities for all students
The chair serves as a leader in curriculum and pedagogy in the English department
Collaborate with the Division Directors and department faculty to oversee the evolution and alignment of the curriculum, consistent with UPrep’s mission
Collaborate with other department chairs and with Division Directors to design, coordinate and integrate course content and offerings
The chair facilitates department meetings that promote meaningful conversation about teaching and learning
Ensure teachers in the department working on their teaching practices in light of the Characteristics of Good Teaching
Serve as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team and the Academic Council
Collaborates with the Division Directors in preparing and monitoring the departmental budget
Assist Division Directors with formal evaluations of department members (observations twice annually)
Assist Division Directors with informal evaluations of department members (observations twice annually)
Evaluate student feedback and review feedback with teachers
Collaborate with the members of the department and Division Director(s) in designing the teacher’s ITIP
Collaborate with Division Directors to envision and support professional development for faculty so that each teacher can effectively implement a wide range of best-practice instructional and assessment strategies
Collaborate with the Division Directors, assesses staffing needs (hiring, recruiting, and retaining), and distribute teaching assignments
Coordinate with Admissions to staff annual Open House sessions
Assist with book selection for your department
Assist with new faculty orientation
Keeps communication lines open and active within the department and between the department and the Assistant Head of School for Academics and/or the Division Directors
Oversees consistency of student proficiency placement into courses
Collaborates with the Division Director’s Office in substitute class coverage when teachers are absent
Performs other duties as assigned
Teaches two sections – which may include courses in middle and upper school depending on the needs of the department
Because we are actively involved with our student's academic, social and emotional development, acts as an advisor to students and chaperones dances and one outdoor overnight
Vigorously engages in their own professional advancement; is a life-long learner who enhances their skills, using state-of-the-art technologies to maintain high standards of performance
Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open and candid dialogue with all the school’s constituencies
Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities