English Department Chair

Description

Notre Dame High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross, educates the hearts and minds of students who are diverse in ethnicity, talent, and culture. As a community of faith, Notre Dame strives to form each student—spiritually, intellectually, and socially—to recognize the dignity of all persons and to serve the evolving needs of the world. Notre Dame faculty are expected to be men and women of integrity and able to espouse Catholic, Holy Cross, and Notre Dame mission values that will set a positive example for all students.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

The English chair and teaching position is a full-time, exempt role reporting to the Vice Principal of Instruction and the administrative team of Principal and Vice Principals. The department chair position requires leadership and management skills, as well as a commitment to administrative duties outside regular business hours. This includes attending administrative meetings, assisting with admissions, and fulfilling department-related responsibilities during some evenings and weekends. Examples of evening and weekend commitments may include Open House events, admissions activities, curriculum nights, and department-specific workshops. Additionally, department chairs are expected to return to campus earlier in the summer than classroom instructors to assist with onboarding and preparation for the beginning of the school year.

DESCRIPTION

Notre Dame High School announces a search for a full-time English teaching position and English Department Chair to begin in the Fall of 2025. Notre Dame recognizes that the study of literature and writing fosters critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication. The English Department strives to promote intellectual curiosity and confidence through a rigorous and engaging curriculum.

The successful candidate will be an experienced and versatile English instructor with the ability and eagerness to teach courses ranging from foundational English to AP English Literature and Composition. They will have demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, differentiation, and fostering student engagement.

The English Department Chair is responsible for overseeing the department’s curriculum and instruction, aligned with the school’s mission. Working with the Vice Principal of Instruction and Supervision, the English Department Chair will develop and articulate a clear vision for the department and manage its continual growth and self-reflection—both curricular and professional.

This position requires the chair to teach four classes and lead all departmental and curricular planning meetings. We are seeking an educator with at least five years of teaching experience across all levels of high school, including honors and AP courses. The ideal candidate will be a collegial, collaborative, and supportive school community member

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Teaching and Leadership:

• Teach four sections of English classes, designing engaging lessons that challenge and inspire students to think critically, analyze literature, and communicate effectively.
• Observe and provide constructive feedback to English faculty to support instructional growth and effectiveness.
• Oversee the English Department, providing leadership in curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and department planning.
• Facilitate department meetings and coordinate professional development opportunities to foster collaboration and innovation. Meetings are scheduled outside regular school hours to avoid interrupting class instruction.
• Ensure timely grade updates in Canvas by monitoring and supporting faculty adherence to the three-week grading periods.
• Serve as an active member of the Academic and Curriculum Councils, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making in monthly meetings held outside the school day.
• Participate in monthly after-school faculty meetings.

Program Development:

• Align the department’s goals with the school’s mission and strategic plan.
• Continuously monitor and enhance curriculum to achieve both vertical and horizontal alignment.
• Integrate project-based learning, educational technology, and cross-curricular connections into the English curriculum.
• Ensure diverse perspectives and culturally responsive teaching practices are incorporated into the program.

Mentorship and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with teachers on curriculum development, lesson planning, and assessment practices.
• Mentor and evaluate English faculty, fostering professional growth and pedagogical excellence.
• Participate in department chair meetings during the school day to collaborate with other department leaders on cross-disciplinary initiatives.

Community Engagement:

• Actively participate in the life of the school, attending events and contributing to the community beyond the classroom.
• Engage in extracurricular activities, such as coaching, advising clubs, or leading trips.
• Chaperone retreats and other activities as needed.

Differentiated Instruction:

• Utilize various modes of instruction and assessments to meet the diverse learning needs of students.

Professional Development:

• Stay current with best practices in English education, department leadership, and high school teaching through professional learning opportunities.

Please apply here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=401345&clientkey=C6559529A1BC6455924EE89368D2BC1F

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience teaching English, preferably to secondary school students.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and faculty mentoring.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in educational practices.
• Successful criminal background check.
• Must be a resident of Southern California, or able to relocate at your own expense.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in English, Education, or a related field and/or CA Credential or its equivalent.
• Previous leadership experience in a school setting or department chair role.
• Experience with technology integration, project-based learning, and differentiated instruction.

Wage Range

The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.

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