Skip to main content

This job has expired

PK-12 Computer Science Chair

Employer
The Blake School
Location
Hopkins, MN, US
Salary
Competitive

View more

Job Description:

The Blake School seeks to hire a PK-12 Computer Science Chair to lead a new computer science department starting in the 2022-23 school year.

The ideal candidate will have deep emotional intelligence, extensive teaching experience in a PK-12 environment and a passion for sharing best practice pedagogy in the field. Strong candidates will also demonstrate familiarity with research about computer science and computational thinking, CS curriculum design and constructivist teaching. The chair will champion equitable CS opportunities for K-12 students and educators.

Blake's computer science program begins in Lower School with engineering and programming, which focuses on topics including computational thinking, engineering and Lego robotics. In 2021-22, we launched a Middle School computer science curriculum across grades 6-8 informed by code.org's CS Discoveries. Upper School course offerings include Introduction to Computer Science Principles, Introduction to Computer Programming and AP Computer Science Principles. In 2022-23, we will unify this program across all three divisions under the leadership of our inaugural department chair.

Blake is particularly interested in candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity and lived experience that strengthens our community and empowers students to engage across differences.

Curricular and Programmatic Leadership
  • Develop a thorough understanding of the curriculum through one-on-one conversations, classroom observations, department meetings and a careful review of current courses.
  • Identify opportunities to expand or enhance the computer science curriculum within and across divisions.
  • Make computer science visible within the school community, particularly to encourage the involvement of students who are underrepresented in the field.
  • Collaborate closely with department faculty to oversee the evolution and alignment of the curriculum, consistent with Blake's mission.
  • Teach up to two class sections, modeling best practices in computer science instruction, broad accessbility and inspiring in students a love of the discipline.
  • Design PK-12 and divisional department meetings and professional learning experiences.
  • Partner with other department chairs and with division directors to design, coordinate and integrate course content and offerings.
  • Represent the department's program on school committees.
  • Oversee and communicate about department budget.

Faculty Support and Evaluation
  • Build community and collegiality by being a reliable and accessible presence across campuses and divisions.
  • Collaborate closely with divisional administrators on hiring, retaining, coaching and evaluating department faculty.
  • Envision and support professional development for computer science faculty so that each teacher can effectively implement a wide range of best-practice instructional and assessment strategies.
  • Support ongoing conversations about the role of intercultural competence in computer science teaching and learning.

Institutional & Community Partnerships
  • Collaborate with admissions and communications departments to share with constituents and prospective families the department's philosophy, vision and offerings.
  • Develop and maintain connections with relevant programs, institutions and thought leaders in the Twin Cities including Code Savvy and beyond, such as CSforAll, CSTA and code.org.

The search committee will begin reviewing resumes on December 15; we warmly welcome applications after that date, as well. Blake will cover travel and lodging costs for finalist visits to campus.

Experience and Skills:

Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree or substantial professional experience in computer science or a related-discipline with a strong preference for an advanced degree or work toward an advanced degree in a relevant field.
  • Substantial professional experience in computer science education with a preference for experience teaching in multiple divisions PK-12.
  • Superb interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Logistical and organizational acumen, reflecting the needs of a multi-campus school.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to learning about best practices in computer science learning.
  • Demonstrated ability to coach and evaluate faculty.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage budgets.

Department chairs work closely with division directors and report directly to the Associate Head of School.

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,366 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake's mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and core values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert