History Department Head

Overview

Spence seeks a dynamic educator to lead a team of Middle and Upper School History teachers as they implement a clear curricular vision based on enduring understandings and lifelong skills. The position offers an opportunity to lead a group of dedicated teachers who value collaboration and professional growth. The department’s partnership with the library in developing a research scope and sequence—including an Independent History Research Program—is one of its many key strengths. The ideal candidate is a seasoned teacher who has the capacity to lead with clarity, vision, and compassion.

Responsibilities

Curricular Leadership

• Oversee Grade 5-12 History curriculum

• Support curriculum continuity within and across Lower, Middle and Upper School

• Oversee curricular design, implementation, and review

  
  

Institutional Leadership

• Lead hiring searches for department faculty, in tandem with the administrative team

• Represent the department to all constituents

• Serve on school-wide committees

• Represent the department at admissions and outreach events

• Manage department business and budget

  
  

Instructional Leadership

• Mentor colleagues, serving as a pedagogical and curricular facilitator

• Monitor individual professional development, goal-setting and evaluations

• Oversee course sectioning and staffing

• Establish the department’s annual goals

• Plan and lead department meetings

• Serve as immediate supervisor to approximately 10 department members

  
  

Teaching

• Teach 3 sections of either Middle or Upper School History

• Serve as advisor to students in Middle or Upper School

Qualifications

• Finds joy in working with children and in school life

• Leads with energy, kindness and a sense of humor

• Demonstrates cultural competency and skills engaging with and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences

• Supports Spence’s commitment to equity

• Has sustained teaching experience

• Shows an appreciation for the craft of teaching, along with a passion for History as a discipline

• Possesses successful departmental or equivalent school-leadership experience

• Has led development and implementation of innovative program design

• Demonstrates ability to foster sustained collaboration and professional growth within a team

• Demonstrates skills in communications and interpersonal relations within and across multiple constituencies

• Holds advanced degree or equivalent experience