ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Arlington, MA 02476 

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Director of History & Social Studies K-12 

JOB GOALS: The Director will develop and implement, in collaboration with teachers and other administrators, a comprehensive Social Studies curriculum from Grades K-12. The Director will supervise and evaluate all teachers in the Department in grades 6-12.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Massachusetts’s licensure as a teacher of Social Studies and/or History.

1. Possess or be eligible for licensure as Supervisor/Director.

1. Possess a Master’s Degree from an accredited institution with primary concentration in one of the Social Studies (History preferred).

1. Graduate study from an accredited institution in Curriculum Development and Administration.

1. A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience that includes specialization in Social Studies or History. Teaching experience at more than one level, elementary, junior high/middle school, senior high school preferred.

1. Practical experience in curriculum planning, implementation and evaluation. 

1. Expertise and breadth in Social Studies in general, including history, geography, economics, political science; modes of inquiry and research the social sciences; relationships among the social sciences, behavioral sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology) and other fields of knowledge; contemporary social, economic, and political issues and their historical roots.

1. Demonstrated understanding of social justice standards, antiracist teaching practices, bringing diverse perspectives into the curriculum, the intersection of social studies instruction with SEL, and culturally responsive instruction/DEI initiatives.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Teaches one period per day in a scheduled course.
2. Serves as the Primary Evaluator for all History teachers in Grades 6-12. Evaluates Elementary Social Studies Coach. Supports coach and principals in supporting K-5 teachers.
3. Meets regularly with the elementary social studies coach to discuss curriculum, instruction, PD planning, common assessments, data meetings, cross-curricular opportunities, provide coaching support and development, etc. Observes teachers in grades K-5 teaching Social Studies content, at the request of the teacher and/or Principal. 
4. In conjunction with the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, plans, implements and evaluates all phases of a comprehensive K-12 Social Studies Program. This includes UDL, MTSS and project-based learning. 
5. Develops short and long-range plans for curriculum development, with specific attention paid to assessments and curriculum alignment (EL literacy curriculum and other areas). 
6. Plans, implements and evaluates all phases of staff professional development in the K-12 Social Studies & History Program.
7. Coordinates the selection, adoption and evaluation of curriculum materials and related instructional materials used in the Social Studies & History Program.
8. Plans programs in conjunction with the special ed coordinators and curriculum directors to provide accommodations and access opportunities to all student populations.
9. Coordinates all Social Studies and History programs and activities sponsored by town, state and professional organizations to foster application and enrichment and expand partnerships. 
10. Directs the creation, editing, printing and distribution of all curriculum guides and related materials to be used by staff.
11. Collaborates with Principals in the development of Social Studies and History programs in their buildings and with others to strengthen opportunities for interdisciplinary connections.
12. Collaborates with others to support new district wide literacy curriculum implementation. 
13. Prepares and administers a budget for the Social Studies Department in conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer and the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching & Learning.
14. Assists in the planning and development of school budget’s that pertain to Social Studies.
15. Screens, interviews and recommends, in coordination with the Principals and the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, candidates for employment in the Social Studies and History Department.
16. Provides leadership in an on-going program to bring excellence to all aspects of students’ education in the Social Studies.
17. Keeps current with the latest developments in Social Studies curriculum and instruction and furnishes leadership in determining their appropriateness for inclusion in the instructional program.
18. Develops student, parental and community interest in the importance and relevance of the Social Studies program. This includes communication and coordination with local organizations such as the Arlington Historical Society, Arlington Human Rights Commission, MLK Jr. Committee, Rainbow Coalition, and others. 
19. Other related duties as assigned by the Superintendent and/or Deputy Superintendent for Teaching & Learning.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 205 Days, Terms and Benefits according to Arlington Administrators Union (AAA) Contract

REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.