Middle School Department Chair
: Job Details :

Position Type: Middle School TeachingDate Posted: 11/8/2024Location: Lindop School District 92Date Available: 11/20/2024Closing Date: Until FilledQualifications: Professional Educator License (PEL) with middle grades endorsement in any of the following core content areas: ELA, Math, Science, or Social Studies; at least four years of middle school (grades 6-8) teaching experience with an overall summative rating of proficient or higher on the two most recent evaluations; demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with standardized grammar and a commitment to linguistic accuracy; demonstrated ability to lead the middle school inclusive of all aspects of student demographics: students with IEPs, 504s, multilingual learners, gifted learners or those learners who need enriching academic experiences beyond the Tier 1 core curriculum. Job Description: The Middle School Department Chair collaborates with the building and district administration to guarantee the efficient functioning of the department and its instructional programs (inclusive of those that serve students with disabilities who have an IEP or a 504 plan, those who are multilingual learners, and those who are gifted or who need enriching academic experiences beyond the Tier 1 core curriculum). The Middle School Department Chair works closely and cooperatively with other teachers and the Principal to apply research-based strategies to develop, maintain, implement, and assess the district's instructional programs. The Middle School Department Chair shares professional growth opportunities and current trends in core content areas (ELA, math, science, and social studies) with department members. The Middle School Department Chair coordinates, and attends regular department meetings per the master schedule and maintains notes and records for the department's successful operation. The Middle School Department Chair participates in collaborative decision making within the team and school environments. They assist with coordinating building schedules for the middle school program's efficient operation. They also assist the Principal with developing and updating necessary communication between the team and students and parents. Additionally, they serve as a representative on building and/or district level committees. The Middle School Department Chair works directly with the Principal to ensure a precise record of resources and supplies needed to effectively support instruction in the department. Duties and Responsibilities

Models and lives a mission of academic excellence for every middle school child served by Lindop School.

Meets weekly with the Principal to report on and collaborate regarding the instructional program, including assessment schedules, data for all tiers of intervention, and ongoing middle school events such as graduation, or Middle School for Excellence, etc.

Plans and executes department meetings weekly, as scheduled on the master schedule. Shares feedback from topics covered at department meetings with the Principal to proactively address questions and concerns of staff.

Consults with administration regarding the annual master schedule, taking into account all the CBA requirements for planning time and lunch, state mandates for content, specials, special education and 504 services, social work needs, and related services for students who need them (OT/PT, Speech, etc.).

Coordinates and monitors passing periods in collaboration with the Principal to ensure that teachers and students are in class on time.

Proactively and professionally addresses collegial and professional issues within the team before they become a staff disciplinary action.

Supports department in adhering to bell-to-bell instruction.

Supports department in teaching to grade level standards.

Supports and monitors each department member in maintaining discipline records and parent contact records through EdClick.

Ensures that all department members establish a positive rapport with families.

Ensures that grades reflect an accurate report of learning and progress toward standards mastery in each core content area.

Supports and advises administration on student prescriptions, predicted standards, and curriculum planning and mapping work.

Leads department in implementing student prescriptions, predicted standards, and curriculum planning and mapping work.

Supports the planning, execution, and measurement of effectiveness of educational field trips that directly impact student learning.

Advises administration as needed on various topics that arise over time.

Engages in the educational mission and vision of the school and district.

Supports other initiatives and takes the lead on other duties as assigned by administration.