Job Description

Summary

Albuquerque Academy seeks a 6-12 Computer Science Department Chair to start July 1, 2024. Albuquerque Academy is looking to engage candidates who embrace a creative and growth mindset in their approach to education and will bring that skill set to teaching and leading in our 6-12 program. Successful candidates are deeply grounded in their content area and are master teachers. They demonstrate a dedication to collaboration with faculty and other academic leaders and evince a creative and flexible approach to curriculum design and instruction. Interdisciplinary proficiency is highly desirable. Diversity is a core value at Albuquerque Academy, and we seek candidates who demonstrate an abiding commitment to equity and belonging. 

All teachers at Albuquerque Academy approach their work in accordance with the values in our mission and in a spirit of kindness, professionalism, generosity, and civility to all members of the community. An education at the Academy focuses on the whole child, and teachers and administrators are expected to teach well and also to function as adult mentors for students, in and out of the classroom. Our community norms, listed below, underlie our school culture, and all community members are expected to commit themselves fully to them.

• Value and respect the diverse contributions of each person in the community.
• Assume positive intent and inquire if you are left with questions or concerns.
• Engage in face-to-face direct conversations; be clear, open, and honest in your conversations.
• Be present and participate.

The Computer Science Department Chair has a passion for the study and teaching of Computer Science and is interested and vested in the teaching of the subject matter in all levels, grades 6-12. The Chair works collaboratively with the department faculty to create a curriculum that inspires a love of Computer Science in our students. The Chair’s daily activities have a natural flow among their various roles as administrator, teacher, coach, mentor advisor, and leader with both faculty and students alike. 

Albuquerque Academy seeks to maintain a diverse and energetic faculty to work with over 1100 highly capable students, including over 50% students of color. We encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities. The position is open until filled, and applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume along with their online application. Please explain why Albuquerque Academy is the right fit for you and detail how you inspire a love of learning and passion for computer science.

Essential Functions

• Understands, champions, and applies the Academy’s mission with respect to pedagogy and curriculum.
• Creates, develops, and implements relevant curriculum, teaching and learning objectives, varied assessments, and departmental policies that support the needs of students in collaboration with members of the department, and that reasonably align with the norms in other academic departments.
• Identifies minimum competencies; gauges student preparedness; conducts regular reviews of the curriculum and ensures vertical and horizontal alignment grades 6-12; monitors and records the scope and sequence of curriculum, ensuring that this is a living document.
• Communicates and coordinates teaching and learning objectives, curriculum, and resources across, and in collaboration with, other departments.
• Models and assists faculty in modifying and differentiating to meet the needs of individual learners.
• Ensures proper placement of students in department courses/levels.
• Works productively with parents, faculty, and division heads when student academic concerns arise.
• Designs and facilitates regular, engaging, and productive departmental meetings; facilitates regular grade-level/divisional team meetings.
• Arranges and facilitates coverage when departmental faculty are absent.
• Serves as a role model and coach to faculty to encourage their self-assessment, professional growth, and scholarship.
• Evaluates the performance of faculty within the department in adherence to the school-wide system; additionally, creates individualized goal-setting and evaluative processes, based on a growth mindset model.
• Works proactively, and in collaboration with the division heads and the associate heads of school, to address individual faculty performance concerns.
• Synthesizes feedback and data regarding direct classroom observations and student course evaluations to inform departmental changes to goals, policies, and processes.
• Takes the lead on the search, recruitment, and evaluation of candidates for faculty openings.
• Models life-long learning by engaging in professional and personal growth through sustained continuing education.
• Represents the school at educational conferences and associations.
• Participates in accreditation processes for the school.
• Prepares and manages an annual departmental budget.
• Helps oversee the acquisition and maintenance of departmental hardware.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of the computer labs and makerspace.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the head of school.
• Adheres to the administrative norms set by the school.
• Partners with admission and advancement in positive and effective ways.

Other Responsibilities

• Oversees an advisory group and engages fully in the divisional advising curriculum.
• Teaches at least two-year long courses or the equivalent.
• Fosters and stewards a culture of mutual respect, equitable practice, and joy, in and out of the classroom.
• Demonstrates cultural competence and communicates and collaborates effectively across differences.
• Sets high expectations for learning, academic achievement, and character development.
• Exhibits strong working knowledge of student cognitive development and learning preferences.
• Identifies and supports students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.
• Provides timely feedback to students and collaborates with others to offer individualized support in pursuit of each student’s learning goals.
• Implements a wide array of pedagogical tools and strategies in appropriate and effective combinations.
• Communicates effectively with students/families about classwork, learning goals, and student progress.
• Demonstrates content knowledge and expertise; scaffolds curriculum to ensure progress towards mastery.
• Collaborates and plans actively for learning with colleagues and students.
• Seeks to implement backward design to align all lessons, activities, and assessments.
• Designs formal and informal assessments that measure student progress; employs a variety of formative and summative assessments to gauge student progress toward mastery.
• Fosters student growth through structured opportunities for self-reflection
• Provides opportunities for student engagement through differentiated instruction and student choice.
• Creates relevant and authentic learning experiences; is able to include and/or connect with outside experts and resources towards this aim.
• Showcases student work within the community and prepares students to exhibit and communicate effectively.

Job Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree ina science-related field is required. A degree in computer science is preferred.
• Advanced studies, professional experience, and/or a master’s degree are preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Interest in the teaching of all levels of the subject, demonstrating a mastery of current pedagogy.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Capable in both written and oral communication.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Proven success at working collaboratively as an educational leader.
• Passion for the study and teaching of Computer Science.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Experience

• 5 years prior experience in schools, with a strong background in curriculum and instruction is required. 
• Prior experience with adolescents is preferred.

Working Environment

• Generally, teaching is performed indoors in a classroom or office setting.
• Hours are generally from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, from mid-August to early June. 
• Coaching, extracurricular, or other chaperoning/sponsoring duties may take place outdoors and may extend into pre-school hours, the late afternoon/evening, or weekends.

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. Must be able to traverse school facility and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency. Involves long periods of standing/sitting. Frequently involves carrying textbooks and classroom supplies, communicating/speaking, retrieving files and supplies, writing, using a computer, and reading for preparing daily teaching and grading.

EEO/ADA Compliance

Albuquerque Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.