Modern Language Department Chair And Spanish Teacher

St. Stephen's Episcopal School, a day and boarding school of 710 students (grades 6-12), is seeking a Modern Language Department Chair for a full-time position beginning August 1, 2024.

Department Chairs are responsible for the daily operation of their department in the Middle and Upper Schools as well as the long-term oversight of pedagogy, assessment and curriculum within their particular disciplines.  In cooperation with the teachers in their departments, they support the mission statement, core values and policies of the school.  Department chairs will set by tone and example the spirit of leadership among their teachers. Their responsibilities include the following:

Curricular responsibilities:

• Actively participate on the school's Curriculum Committee.
• Ensure that course catalogue descriptions, curriculum maps, and departmental policy statements are current and accurate.
• Approve textbook selections and communicate this information to the school bookstore.
• Envision ways to expand/enhance the Modern Language curriculum within and across divisions.
• Regularly review course offerings and curricular objectives within the department and suggest additions, deletions and modifications to the current program and present these recommendations to the Curriculum Committee for its approval.
• Work with members of the department to create and define Independent Study projects for interested students. 
• Define departmental grading practices and policies and determine the weighting of final exams for each course within the department.

Faculty growth and development:

• Provide supervisory assistance, guidance and prompt feedback for all department members.
• Foster collegiality by being a reliable and accessible presence across the two divisions.
• Actively learn about the Modern Language curriculum, the Modern Language faculty, and the student experience through class observations, student feedback, and individual conversations
• Chair the Faculty Growth and Development Teams for members of the department during their summative years as outlined in the school's plan. 

Administrative responsibilities:

• Ensure that grades and comments from department members are correct and submitted according to published schedules.
• Assist in the identification of prospective teaching candidates and take the lead in the interview process to fill vacancies within the department.
• Participate in the yearly budgeting process and oversee departmental budgets.
• Determine teaching assignments within the departments in coordination with Division Heads. 

Teaching and other responsibilities:

• Teach three sections of Middle and/or Upper School Spanish.
• Advise a group of six to eight students who meet with their advisor on a daily basis.
• Contribute to two other areas of school life, including athletic or extracurricular programs.
• Supervise students in Chapel, proctor study halls and participate in a family-style lunch program.

Qualified candidates will be veteran teachers with experience in a similar role. They will also have the following:

• A degree in Spanish or near native fluency with a strong preference for graduate-level work. 
• Considerable experience in language education with an enhanced understanding of the instruction of Spanish, French and Chinese.
• Demonstrated understanding of the developmental nuances associated with language learners in grades 6-12.

In accordance with our founding mission, St. Stephen's Episcopal School infuses diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in everything we do, from admission policies, curriculum, and professional development to our hiring practices. We seek qualified candidates who are committed to these values and ready to work in community to create a more just society. We celebrate every individual, recognizing that our unique stories, histories, and voices are essential to creating a vibrant living and learning space. As such, we strongly encourage people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply to become members of our community.

Equal access to employment, programs, and services is available to all. With respect to its employment practices, St. Stephen's Episcopal School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender or gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation or identity.

Qualified candidates should submit their resume, a letter of interest addressing their qualifications for this role, and a letter summarizing their teaching philosophy.