The World Language Department Chair provides leadership and direction to the Department in alignment with the school’s mission, values, and educational goals and priorities. The Chair is held as the expert in implementing the vertical curriculum of the Department, including the support of critical questions and innovative pedagogical models in the study of both ancient and modern languages.
Primary Responsibilities:
Leads Department’s faculty members in ongoing curriculum review and design, and instructional strategies, based on a strong understanding of best practices, in partnership with the Middle School and Upper School Principals.
Supports and evaluates in an ongoing way teachers in grades pre-K three - 12 in conjunction with the division Principals.
Provides curriculum leadership within the Department and in consultation with administration in each division
Articulates the Department’s strategies in achieving the mission and goals of the School and sets Departmental objectives, assessments, and policies accordingly in cooperation with the members of the Department and in concert with the Principals and Head of School.
Strives to inspire a love of language in students as well as an understanding of how best to learn language.
Specific Duties:
Together with the Principals and the Director of Human Resources, the Chair implements hiring procedures to fill language openings in the Middle and Upper Schools.
Makes recommendations to the Principals for staffing assignments of teachers.
Provides specific professional development in the discipline and coordinates that professional development with ongoing all-school professional development efforts.
Manages the annual Departmental budget
Performs general professional activities common to Department Chairs. These include, but are not limited to, the following: managing placement of current and entering students, ordering texts and supplies, participating in the orientation of new faculty, developing summer reading lists, supporting the ongoing activities of the admissions office, and supervising the exam and grading procedures of Departmental faculty
Teaches two class sections, modeling best practices in language instruction and inspiring a love of language learning in students.
Participates productively as a member of the Chairs and Principals Committee in order to ensure integration of the school’s program and to exchange information and ideas regarding the total school program.
Holds regularly scheduled Department meetings and weekly email updates to the Department.
Serves as a role model to encourage faculty self-evaluation, professional growth, scholarship, and effective training.
Involves the Department in developing and mapping the scope and sequence of the language curriculum. This includes close supervision of shared curriculum teams and sequential teams within a language.
Conveys information to members of the Department regarding plans, curriculum development and assessment, resources, facilities, and activities which affect Department members.
Is aware and coordinates the teaching objectives; materials; methods and means of assessment used by each member of the Department.
Publicizes within the school community the scholarship and endeavors of the Department and gives recognition to exceptional achievement within the Department.
Supports the School and its leadership.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Principals.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
At least five years of successful teaching experience of a world language.
Knowledge of and experience in curriculum development, including emerging paradigms, pedagogy and methods for the study of ancient and modern language.
Advanced degree preferred, in language or language education
Flexibility, strong communication skills and ability to be a collaborative team leader in the Department and across the School generally.
Sound technology skills and a desire to understand/apply emerging technologies to the teaching/learning of language
Ability to speak/teach Spanish is preferred
Terms of Employment:
This is an extended teaching position with administrative duties. Chairs return to school one week before the faculty arrives in August, and remain one week after the faculty departs in June.
Chairs are expected to remain available for conversation and collaboration during the summer recess in order to ensure the smooth opening of the school year.
Professional days are considered work days and participation in planned activities is mandatory.
Dwight-Englewood School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or military veteran status. The diversity of our student body supports our commitment to employ a diverse faculty and staff. Educators from all backgrounds who bring knowledge and expertise in equity, diversity and multicultural education are especially encouraged to apply.
Dwight-Englewood School (D-E) is a coeducational, college preparatory school for students in preschool through grade twelve. We are a diverse community where, in small classes, teachers create an environment that promotes ethical decision-making centered around the school’s core values: respect, honesty, good judgment, commitment, courage, and community. Located in a quiet New Jersey suburb ten minutes away from New York City, we enroll over 1000 students from 89 communities in Bergen and northern Hudson Counties in New Jersey, southern Rockland County in New York, along with a sizable population of students coming to us from New York City. Our convenient location accommodates both urban and suburban residential choices, provides a wide variety of cultural opportunities, and offers easy access to nearby athletic and outdoor experiences. www.d-e.org
D-E is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or military veteran status. The diversity of our student body supports our commitment to employ a diverse faculty and staff. ...Educators who bring knowledge and expertise in equity, diversity and multicultural education are especially encouraged to apply.