Science Department Chair

Science Department Chair Position

Function: To oversee the science department and serve as an instructional leader in the development, coordination and evaluation of the District's curriculum and educational programs in the content area.

Essential Functions:

• Provides direction and coordination to ensure comprehensive and sequential curriculum and instruction and development plans in the content area.
• Coordinates, supervises, and supports the teaching of the content area in the District.
• Prepares, monitors and implements individual department plans and activities, including leading department staff meetings.
• Assists in the development of the curriculum in the content area.
• Assists in the observation and evaluation of classroom teaching.
• Organizes and coordinates the content area curriculum development activities, including preparation of curriculum guides, resource units and courses of study.
• Assures the integration of these areas with the other curricula in the District.
• Provides for continuing improvement of instruction through professional development, cooperation with building administrators, teacher observations and classroom visits.
• Supports the introduction and utilization of innovative teaching materials and techniques in line with best educational practices.
• Organizes and conducts staff meetings for informational, curriculum development and training purposes.
• Assists in the recruitment, selection and evaluation of staff.
• Plans, compiles and manages the content area local, state and federally funded budgets.
• Maintains liaison with the State Department of Education, local universities and state and national professional organizations in the content area.
• Coordinates the selection, inventory and ordering of texts, teaching aids, software, supplies and equipment.
• Assists in the selection of teaching staff in content area.
• Makes recommendations regarding the placement and educational plans of students who are not meeting achievement levels or are in need of remedial instruction.
• Keeps current of developments in the content area and provides staff members with assistance and instructional material as appropriate.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Develops and conducts orientation in content area for new teaching staff.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment Use: Standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements: Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Work Schedule: Standard teacher work schedule as set forth in the Teachers' Unit Contract.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Extensive knowledge of department content area.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students and parents, and to prepare oral or written communications, such as presentations, reports, memoranda, letters, grant proposals, curriculum documents, workshops and evaluations.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, parents, community groups and others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards: Work in standard office and school building environments.

Qualifications Profile:

• Certification/License: Initial or Professional NYS 7-12 Science Certification
• Certification/License: NYS School Building Leader, School Administrator/Supervisor
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Education: Bachelor's from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Education: Master's Degree in related content area.
• Experience: Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.