Department Head - English (CHS) (SY26-27)

Department Head – English (CHS) (SY26-27)

Reports to: Building Principal in collaboration with District Coordinators/Directors.

About Chelsea Public Schools

The Chelsea Public Schools (CPS) is a gateway school system that welcomes and educates all students and families. CPS educates over 6,200 students in 11 schools, including a pre‑K‑1st grade school, 4 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, a virtual school, and 2 high schools. CPS is culturally responsive and commits to creating a safe, supportive environment where students can achieve their personal best.

Department Head Job Responsibilities

• Support Primary evaluators in the evaluation process for assigned staff members within the department.
• Assist in developing the Educator Plan, including student learning goals and professional practice goals.
• Supervise the educator’s progress through formative assessments, observations, and feedback.
• Evaluate the educator’s progress toward attaining the Educator Plan goals.
• Provide observation, feedback, and next action steps using TeachPoint/Vector Solutions and the CVT tool.
• Participate in training on evaluation and supervision, including use of the CVT tool.
• Support and coach teachers within the content area, including departmental hiring processes.
• Facilitate regular coaching sessions with CHS staff members within the department.
• Oversee course design and curriculum implementation in collaboration with aligned Grade 9–12 District Coordinators.
• Support College and Career Pathway development as active members of the CHS Reimagination Team.
• Facilitate and implement practices and policies developed through the CHS Reimagination Project.
• Facilitate department meetings and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
• Create and lead professional development early release days and full PD days.
• Reapply annually, similar to coaches/mentors/leads.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Build strong, professional relationships with teachers, students, instructional coaches, lead teachers, administrators, families, and the Chelsea community.
• Lead school‑based teams such as the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) and Instructional Support Team (IST) to promote collective leadership.
• Participate in and support instructional coaching spaces with grade‑band and vertical colleagues to support curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Lead and collaborate with District Coordinators, Directors, Assistant Superintendents, and School Leaders to align coaching with district and school goals.

Data‑Driven Instruction

• Support the administration and analysis of progress monitoring, formative, and summative assessment data.
• Use data to identify trends, adjust instruction, and inform intervention strategies for students.
• Collect and analyze assessment results to develop and track targeted instruction/support for students.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support effective implementation of MTSS through data‑informed instructional practices.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as determined by the Principal or Designee.
• Support school and district initiatives that may extend beyond the regular school day/year.

Qualifications Required

• At least 3 years of experience and DESE licensed teacher in a relevant content area with exemplary teaching and instructional leadership skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education teacher licensure in the appropriate grade and subject area.
• Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement for core content teachers.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Knowledge of MA curriculum frameworks, curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction and response to intervention is helpful.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Qualifications Preferred

• Spanish bilingual proficiency.
• Dual certification in ESL and/or Moderate Disabilities.

Terms

CHS Department Heads fall within the bargaining unit for educators represented by the CTU. Salary is based on step and lane under Appendix A of the contract, plus a 6% differential applicable to Special Service Personnel. The work calendar includes 184 days plus additional work days: five days before the first day of school and five days after the last day. Compensation for additional days is at a per diem rate based on the Department Head’s annual salary, including the 6% differential. These additional days are expected to be retirement eligible.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Chelsea Public Schools 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. The district prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.