Head ELA Teacher, Salem High School, Salem Public Schools (Internal Candidates Only) Sy2024-2025

Head ELA Teacher, Salem High School, Salem Public Schools (INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY) SY2024-2025

Responsible to: High School Principal

Salary: Stipend per CBA

Purpose of Position

• To provide departmental leadership that results in transformational learning experiences for all Salem High School students.

• To provide administrative support in the following areas: change management, scheduling, school budget, test administration, teacher duty assignment, and professional development planning.

Summary of Position

The head teacher will work directly with the High School Principal, the administrative team, and departmental faculty members to offer direction and support with curriculum development and review, high-quality instructional practices, assessment design, and data analysis. The primary goal of the head teacher is to ensure equitable access to quality learning experiences for all students as defined by the Salem High School Redesign plan and/or School Improvement Plan. They will build capacity for the teachers in their department for expert classroom instruction as well as modeling the belief that all students are capable of achieving at high levels with appropriate support.

Responsibilities

• The head teacher serves as a leader in curriculum development and pedagogical practices that result in interpersonal connections, culturally relevant learning experiences, and equity and access to high quality instruction for all SHS students.

• Support new to the profession and new to Salem teachers by serving as their official mentor of record and providing a first-year induction experience coordinated in conjunction with district leadership including: observing and giving feedback on 4 occasions during the academic year and planning and running monthly first year teacher learning experiences.

• The head teacher serves as a communication liaison between faculty and administration to further mutual understanding of complex issues. The head teacher supports a culture of healthy and open discussion about school issues, while also showing active support for the school's decisions.

• The head teacher promotes school-wide change through department leadership that prioritizes equitable access to high quality instruction and programming.

• The head teacher engages data-driven decision-making and effective change management strategies.

• The head teacher models and supports department members in culturally responsive parent/community outreach strategies.

• The head teacher leads professional development that models social justice, standards-based practices, instructional priorities, and supports curriculum and accessibility in a blended learning environment by maintaining relationships with local, regional, and national associations of teachers of their respective subjects. The head teacher attends local, regional, or national conferences in the discipline or creates the opportunity for others to do so and shares what was learned with the department.

• The head teacher leads regular reviews of the curriculum in the department to ensure vertical continuity and alignment of content, skills, and assessment with the Salem High School's mission and vision.

• The head teacher assists in hiring, training, and supporting the faculty members in their respective departments. The head teacher provides the first line of support to teachers who are new to the department or profession, teachers who might be struggling professionally or personally, and partners with the administration when more significant intervention is needed.

• The head teacher manages the operational activities of the department, including planning the schedule for teachers within the department, monitoring substitute teachers, generating purchase orders and department budgets, maintaining updated department inventories, and meeting with the principal or principal designee before and/or after school as necessary.

• The head teacher will teach two (2) to four (4) courses/blocks as determined by the principal. Provide direct instruction for students within assigned classes and assume the role and responsibilities as designated for a classroom teacher.

• The head teacher will participate in required mentor training either during PD release time, within the school day, or as part of the 25 hours of contractual after school time. The time and method will be determined by the school principal and shared with head teachers in advance.

Note: The evaluation of teachers is not part of the head teacher's responsibility. However, the role of the head teacher is to provide non-evaluative, lesson plan and instructional feedback to teachers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.