Head of Department

About the role

The Head of Department (HOD) is responsible for the development, growth, and achievement of learning and teaching in their respective department. The HOD organizes and reviews curriculum; provides support to teachers, students, staff and parents; and appraises teachers in their department. The HOD exemplifies approaches to learning and teaching in their classroom teaching and departmental leadership. Heads of Department ensure best practices for academic development for all students in the Department’s classes. HODs are expert in the IB and US High School curricula.

Responsibilities

• Determine faculty teaching assignments and ensure correct student placement in relevant classes.
• Ensure best practices for academic development for all students in the department.
• Model exemplary instructional practices.
• Serve as the public face of the department.
• Create and implement a departmental budget that provides for classroom materials, professional conferences, speakers, programs, and other instructional needs.
• Manage and track faculty absences, substitute placements and provide coverage for any classes requiring a teacher, as necessary.
• Serve on committees as needed.
• Plan and teach classes following the IB, and/or USHS curricula for grades 9-12.
• Design and incorporate student-centered experiential learning experiences that link to classroom learning.
• Be enthusiastic and resourceful in creating meaningful learning experiences for students.
• Differentiate instruction and assessments for individual student needs.
• Create instructional materials and classroom resources that support English Language Learners and their learning needs.
• Create course outlines, bibliographies of suggested readings, and key vocabulary lists for IB and/or USHS courses and share using online platforms.
• Use a wide range of technologies and creativity when designing units, instructional materials and classroom resources.
• Keep abreast of curricular developments by reading current literature and syllabus updates.
• Develop and support opportunities for international and local student travel as well as experiential learning that complements classroom instruction.
• Attend curriculum planning meetings, faculty meetings, department meetings and all community meetings/assemblies.
• Participate in professional development opportunities offered by the school.
• Teach class load of 3 out of 6 classes/sections.
• Hold office hours at the assigned time per the schedule.
• Provide coverage for any classes requiring a teacher, as necessary.
• Provide timely feedback to students.
• Supervise students’ IB Diploma Programme Extended Essays.
• Attend various school events throughout the academic year, including, but not limited to, graduation, the school play(s), arts nights and sporting events.

Qualifications and Qualities

• Bachelor’s degree in teaching or relevant field, master’s degree preferred.
• At least five years of teaching experience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all school stakeholders.
• Experience in implementing the principles and current trends in education, curriculum, IB program, staff development, essential elements of instruction, and supervision.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-organized with excellent leadership abilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills.

Benefits

Compensation: Faculty Pay Range is $70,304 to $86,400 plus a $8,000.00 stipend and 1 course release.