.6 Department Head/.4 teaching assignment within content certification

Reports to: Special Education Supervisors and Director of Special Services

Certification Requirements: Department Chair Certification (105). An Intermediate Supervisory Certificate (092) may be accepted in lieu of the Department Chair endorsement.

Essential Job Functions:
All of the functions of this Department Head position are intended to support an effective Teacher/Leader operating in close collaboration with administrator teams and the Director of Special Services, in order to improve and enhance the effectiveness of the delivery of instruction District wide, through coaching, professional development and meaningful observation and constructive content based evaluation.

This position is limited to a two (2) academic year term. Incumbents are eligible to apply biennually.

Leadership:

Demonstrate outstanding scholarship in subject content area and provide leadership in expanding content area knowledge and proficiency among departmental staff.

Provide leadership for the initiation of changes necessary for the improvement of student learning based on data analysis, best practices, and shared beliefs and values about student learning and intellectual development in accord with the Danbury Public Schools Mission Statement.

Act as a role model for the department by demonstrating a commitment to learning and modeling professionalism and respect for others.

Conduct department meetings

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment:

Assist in the development of an assessment system that monitors student learning and analyzes data to ensure that departmental and elementary school educational goals are met.

Maintain a current knowledge and understanding of best practices for effective instructional and assessment strategies.

Model and mentor best practices including training, technology integration, interdisciplinary instruction, and project based instruction.

Directly work with students: equivalent of two teaching periods a day.

Facilitate curriculum and assessment implementation, high quality instruction delivery, and identify and share best practices.

Staff Development and Observation:

Mentor non-tenured teachers to facilitate a successful beginning and to ensure that the instructional program is delivered and assessed in a manner consistent with district goals and objectives.

Provide coaching support to teachers in the classroom.

In collaboration with building administration and the respective district administrator, conduct only formative observations of department staff, assist in the development of instructional improvement plans, and identify resources to facilitate the professional growth of department staff leading to the implementation of best practices. Observations and evaluations by Department Heads are intended as support to the Administrator and primary evaluator, who bears ultimate responsibility for summative evaluations.

Provide support to Data Teams in the creation of common assessments, analysis of data, and collaborative lesson planning in response to data.

Create and deliver professional development.

Organizational Management:

Participate in the recruitment, screening, and interviewing process of prospective faculty members.

Monitor and maintain an inventory of equipment, supplies and textbooks.

Collect data and monitor department operations including: assessment data; student course enrollment patterns; grading practices and grade distribution.

Serve as a communication link between building and district administration and department members on a regular basis.

Perform such other appropriate duties as may be assigned by the Director of Special Services or Special Education Supervisors.

Maintain ongoing and effective communication with parents and community representatives.

Qualifications:

• Valid Connecticut teaching certificate in department area(s) Special Education
• Department Chair Certification (105) or (092)
• Minimum of five (5) years successful related teaching experience with diverse learners
• Ability to mentor new teachers
• Experience in providing curriculum leadership and innovation
• Ability to work toward interdisciplinary instruction with other departments
• Proven leadership skills

Salary:
Teaching salary in keeping with the Collective Bargaining Agreement with NEA-Danbury, with a base stipend of $6,000 and an additional sum between $1,000 and $6,000 annually that is based upon the size of the applicable department.
Application Procedure:
Apply Online, including required attachments.
Please go on-line at www.danbury.k12.ct.us job listings .k12.ct.us job listings