Department Chair - Social Studies

Position Type:Department ChairDate Posted:4/1/2026Location:Proviso Math & Science AcademyDate Available:SY26-27Closing Date:Until FilledPosition Title: Department ChairClassification (FLSA): Full-time, ExemptPosition Group: TeacherFull-Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0Union Membership: Proviso Teachers Union, Local 571, AFL-CIOReports to: Superintendent, Deputy Superintendents, Building Principal and/or designeeAnticipated Work Year & Hours*: 180 Days, plus five (5) workdays immediately preceding the first regularly scheduled teacher workday each school year.Department Chairs shall receive a minimum of two (2) regularly scheduled periods of released time daily to perform their duties and responsibilities, as defined in the job description. Based on the operational needs of the District and at the sole discretion of the Superintendent, a Department Chair may be granted up to a maximum of three (3) released periods per day. The number of released periods assigned to each Department Chair is not required to be uniform across all departments and may vary depending on departmental scope, size, or other relevant factors, as determined by the SuperintendentTerm: (2025-2026 School Year)General DescriptionThe Department Chair is a critical role dedicated to elevating instructional quality, fostering professional growth among educators, and driving continuous improvement in student achievement. The Department Chair collaborates with site and district leadership to support a standards-based curriculum, foster effective instructional strategies, and coordinate departmental programs and resources.Minimum Required QualificationsEmployees are responsible for obtaining/retaining the most current statutory and administrative rule requirements for their position.Education/Training: Minimum of a Master's DegreeLicensure: Valid Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL) for grades 9 12Endorsement: In subject area of the departmentExperience:Minimum of five (5) years of exemplary classroom teaching experience in area of discipline, demonstrating a deep understanding of effective instructional practices.Demonstrated understanding of and compliance with District policies, procedures, and guidelines.Desired QualificationsGeneral Administrative endorsementDoctorate degree in a relevant fieldESL or Bilingual Certification (Grades 9 12)Special Education Endorsement (LBS1)Multiple subject-area endorsements within the departmentBilingual proficiency in English and SpanishExperience teaching diverse levels of courseworkDemonstrated leadership in curriculum development, implementation, evaluation, and instructional initiativesAbility to design and deliver interactive presentations for large and small groups and to coach colleagues in effective instructional strategiesCapacity to critically evaluate and enhance the quality of education within one's disciplineStrong understanding of data-driven instruction and assessment, with proven ability to analyze student data to support teachingExcellent verbal, written, and public-speaking skillsProficiency with educational and presentation technologiesSensitivity to and effectiveness in working with a diverse school and communityAbility to foster growth, motivate colleagues, and build a positive, organized learning environmentDocumentable leadership ability and success working in challenging environmentsWillingness to fully participate in all district curriculum and instruction initiatives and projectsBroad, up-to-date knowledge and experience in one's discipline, with a commitment to lifelong learningEnthusiastic, open, and organized approach to teaching and collaborationDepartment Chair Position ResponsibilitiesCurriculum Development & Instructional LeadershipContinuous, effective articulation within and throughout the department.Lead the design, implementation, evaluation, and ongoing revision of department curriculum to ensure alignment with state standards, district goals, and feeder-school programs.Develop and review formative and summative assessments that accurately measure student learning outcomes.Model exemplary instructional practices through demonstration lessons, co-teaching, and resource sharing.Advise teachers on differentiated strategies and analyze student performance data to guide instructional improvements.Program LeadershipContribute to long- and short-range planning, articulating an educational philosophy and setting departmental goals.Oversee accreditation documentation and coordinate external review processes.Compile, submit, and present departmental reports to the superintendent or designee.Support school and district improvement initiatives by developing, implementing, and evaluating targeted programs.Professional DevelopmentAssisting teachers new to District 209, in partnership with administrationConduct needs assessments to identify priority areas for faculty growth.Plan, organize, and deliver in-service training, workshops, and conference attendance.Provide ongoing coaching and follow-up support to ensure effective integration of new practices.Collaboration & CommunicationServe as a liaison among faculty, administration, parents, and community stakeholders.Developing esprit-de-corps among staffLead department meetings a minimum of once per week, aligned to the approved Team Meeting approved calendar.Facilitate Professional Learning Community meetings.Partner with administration and counselors on master scheduling, course offerings, teacher assignments, and student placement decisions.Attend Board of Education and committee meetings at the request of the Superintendent, Principal or designee.Fiscal OversightAssist in preparing, monitoring, and managing the departmental budget.Oversee procurement, inventory, and maintenance of instructional materials and equipment.Additional ResponsibilitiesImplement and follow District policies, procedures, and guidelines.Perform other duties as assigned.Teacher Essential Duties and Responsibilities*Instructional CompetenciesTeach to prescribed outcomes and goals to lead to positive student outcomesUtilize best practices of standards-based learning and the gradual release of responsibility instructional modelDesign and implement coherent and rigorous instruction to improve student achievement ensuring prerequisite, grade level, and extension skills that are aligned to priority standardsEnsure that students understand the learning goals and the relevance of instructional outcomesInvolve students in learning using research-based differentiation practices and educational technologyUse appropriate school support and resource materials toward improvement in students' social, emotional, academic, and behavioral health outcomesProvide appropriate remedial and/or enrichment materialImplement reteaching and review opportunities and interventions for studentsDifferentiate for students with special needs, language needs, or different learning styles.Promote student success through clear expectations for learning and coursework, timely responses, and regular feedbackAssign and evaluate student work that leads to mastery of standardsTrack, monitor, and post student progress on a weekly basis using the district SIS systemCommunicate regularly with parents, students, counselors, and support staff and document using the district student information system (SIS) systemBe clear in explanations and directions to ensure student understandingSpeak clearly, audibly, and fluently to ensure student understandingEstablish a positive and safe, student-centered learning environmentRegularly revise lesson plans based on formative and summative assessment data to differentiate instruction and guide student learningAddress different styles of learning by employing a variety of instructional techniques and materialsBe creative and innovative in the use of curricular and instructional materialsDemonstrate command of assigned content areas and enthusiasm for teaching the subject matterExhibit knowledge of contemporary instructional research related to assigned content areas and to the teaching of diverse studentsClassroom Management CompetenciesDevelop, communicate, and enforce a set of classroom rules, policies, procedures, and expectations which are consistent with school and department policies and with learning outcomesMonitor and correct student behavior to maximize student learning in a positive and safe learning environmentRespond to behavioral infractions quickly and in a professional mannerDocument behavioral infractions using the district SIS systemUse effective methods to manage student behavior and classroom materialsReinforce/reward appropriate social and academic behaviorEnsure appropriate use and care of required classroom materials and equipment availableInteract with students in ways that are respectful and friendly and reflect an understanding of cultural differencesProfessionally Related CompetenciesEngage in ongoing collaboration with colleagues on curriculum, instruction, pacing, and assessmentsParticipate in review and updating of curricular programsPerform promptly the responsibilities stipulated in Board of Education policies and administrative proceduresAdhere to all personal absences procedures and provides appropriate plans and materials for use by the substitute.Exemplify the district's mission and visionBe punctual in arrival times to the building, to classes, and to meetingsSupport progress of achieving goals outlined the Strategic PlanPromptly report student behavior, attendance, and academic performance to parents/guardians and when necessary, refer students to appropriate school personnel; document using the district SIS systemImplement "future focus area" recommendations made in the evaluation and supervisory processCooperate with other educational personnel and administrationModel and enforce classroom and school rules, policies, and proceduresReflect on professional practice and make necessary adjustments to ensure student successAttend each workdayRecord final course grades in the district SIS system according to the district-provided dates and deadlinesUnderstand and use a range of technologies that effectively support student learning and communication, while modeling legal and safe behavior related to technology usePerformance Evaluation/AccountabilityPerformance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the evaluation of personnel as established by the current Agreement between Proviso Township High Schools District No. 209 Board of Education, Board Policy 5:320, and applicable State and Federal law.Physical RequirementsAs established by the current Agreement between Proviso Township High Schools District No. 209 Board of Education and the Proviso Teachers Union, Local 571, AFL-CIO.Work Environment/ConditionsAs established by the current Agreement between Proviso Township High Schools District No. 209 Board of Education and the Proviso Teachers Union, Local 571, AFL-CIO. Participation in school events, meetings, and extended professional development sessions is expected.Position GoalsIn consultation with the supervisor, the employee will set annual goals, which will be included in the performance evaluation document. In the event of a disagreement regarding the goals, the Superintendent will make the final determination.Compensation & BenefitsSalary Range and benefits as established by the current Agreement between Proviso Township High Schools District No. 209 Board of Education and the Proviso Teachers Union, Local 571, AFL-CIO.Application ProceduresApply online at https://www.applitrack.com/pths209/onlineapp/default.aspxSelection ProcessAll applicants must complete a District application. Applications will be reviewed, qualified candidates interviewed, and a recommendation made by the hiring supervisor to the Office of Human Resources. Employment is subject to Board approval and required background processes per Board Policy 5:30.*Disclaimer: This job description outlines the duties and responsibilities typical of the position. The listed duties are intended as examples and may evolve over time. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the role if they are similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to modification by the district as needs and job requirements change. The district's policies govern all employment matters. As per Board Policy 5:32, no individual with an interested relationship with any member of the Board of Education, the Superintendent, or district-level administrators shall be considered for employment.For Additional Information Contact:Office of Human ResourcesProviso Township High Schools District 2098601 W. Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL 60130