Mathematics Department Chair/Teacher (K–12)

The Nightingale-Bamford School•New York, NY

29d•$85,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Nightingale-Bamford School is seeking a dynamic and visionary Department Chair to lead our K-12 Mathematics Department for the 2026-2027 school year. The Department Chair will be an accomplished educator who holds high standards for both teaching and learning, demonstrates a deep commitment to best practices in instruction, and fosters a strong, collaborative departmental culture. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of excellence in the classroom, a comprehensive understanding of Mathematics content and pedagogy, and experience building inclusive learning communities for students and teachers. At Nightingale, Department Chairs serve an essential academic leadership role with responsibility for the development and stewardship of their department, its curriculum, and teaching staff. Reporting to the Assistant Head for Academic Affairs, Nightingale’s Department Chairs work together to oversee departmental alignment with the School’s mission and vision of academic excellence, the sequence and content of their curricula, the daily operation and oversight of their departments, and the support and well-being of their department members. Chairs are responsible for leading ongoing conversations about curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment, ensuring excellence and coherence across Nightingale’s K-12 program, and supporting faculty growth through mentorship and feedback. They serve as key liaisons between faculty and school leadership, work to translate vision into practice, and share decision-making responsibility for a cohesive, forward-thinking, and evolving academic program. To support this work, Department Chairs receive a one-course release (or equivalent to a 1/4-time role) and an $8,000 base stipend plus additional funding for departments with more than six members. Chairs are 10-month positions with the expectation of availability for up to two weeks over the summer to support hiring, new employees, departmental curriculum work, scheduling and course placement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or a related field
Five to ten years of experience teaching Mathematics at the K-12 level
Demonstrated excellence in classroom management and instructional practice
A strong alignment with the mission of The Nightingale-Bamford School
A deep understanding of and love for the teaching of Mathematics and the ability to articulate a K-12 academic vision for the department
Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences
Excellent attention to detail, sound judgment, high integrity, and a strong work ethic
A supportive, compassionate, and student-centered approach to teaching and leadership
Exceptional interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style
Superb oral and written communication skills
High initiative and a proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively
A sense of humor and an appreciation of this trait in others

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Responsibilities

Curricular Leadership Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing refinement of a K-12 Mathematics curriculum
Establish a departmental vision, curate K-12 departmental scope and sequence, and build long-range academic plans
Regularly evaluate, update, and document departmental curriculum, including instructional materials and resources
Remain current with relevant academic scholarship and in professional communities and organizations
Provide expertise, guidance, and oversight for departmental curricular decisions
Work closely with teaching teams to ensure clarity, coherence, and curricular alignment
Make recommendations for new course offerings or changes in departmental course structures
Oversee annual updates to Curriculum Guide to ensure accuracy of course descriptions
Faculty Support and Professional Development Ensure excellence in teaching across the K-12 department through regular coaching, feedback, and support
Co-lead hiring processes with senior leadership
Orient and support new department members
Build and cultivate strong relationships and rapport within the department
Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation through collaboration, observation, reflection, and the development of shared practices
Provide mentorship and guidance in curriculum design, pedagogy, communication, and teaching and assessment practices
Actively participate in the evaluation process for teachers on annual cycle
Support faculty growth by encouraging, organizing, and offering opportunities for individual and departmental professional development
Department Management and Stewardship Organize, plan, and facilitate regular department meetings and workshops
Manage faculty issues and concerns as they arise in collaboration with the appropriate Division Head/s
Delegate responsibilities and assign tasks to support departmental goals
Recommend teaching assignments for each academic year
Ensure class coverage when department members are absent
Recommend student placement levels in consultation with teaching teams
Review all teacher-written comments for accuracy and clarity
Prepare departmental budget requests and approve requisitions, professional development, and summer stipends
Departmental Representation Represent the department at Academic Affairs and in Department Chair meetings
Speak on the department’s behalf at Open Houses, parent coffees, family presentations, etc.
Serve as the department’s primary liaison to families, external audiences, and senior leadership
Advocate for departmental needs
Teaching Responsibilities Department Chairs are expected to teach three courses (or the equivalent of a 3/4-time role) in their respective department and to take on other responsibilities as assigned.