The Blake School seeks to hire a PK-12 Chair for Equity and Instruction for the 2023-24 school year. The chair offers strategic leadership in curriculum and instruction, project management, and diversity, equity and inclusion coaching, playing a critical role in supporting Blake’s ongoing commitment to pluralism.

Strong candidates will demonstrate a deep understanding of teaching and learning across a variety of grade levels, familiarity with the theory and practice of intercultural competence, and experience collaborating with faculty to develop curriculum and evolve instruction in support of student identity development.

The PK-12 Department Chair for Equity and Instruction reports directly to the Director of the Office and Equity and Community Engagement and meets regularly with the Associate Head of School and the PK-12 chair group. The chair teaches up to two semesters annually depending on the needs of the school and serves as Blake's coordinator for the School Participatory Action Research Collaboration (SPARC) with the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Blake is particularly interested in candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity and lived experience that strengthens our community and empowers students to engage across differences. Blake offers highly competitive salary and benefits packages, as well as significant support for local and national professional development opportunities.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately. Blake will typically cover the travel and lodging costs for finalist candidates visiting from out of town.

Required Experience:

Curricular and Programmatic Leadership

• Promote educational, instructional and curricular leadership in the areas of equity, intercultural competence and identity development
• Collaborate closely with PK-12 Department Chairs and Division Directors to create professional development and instructional coaching opportunities for faculty
• Serve on the Academic Affairs Committee, participating in administrative decision making and the work of building consensus on diversity, equity and inclusion issues to support the best interest of Blake students
• Teach and facilitate lessons and units related to positive identity development and intercultural competence across all grade levels and divisions

Faculty Support

• Build community and collegiality by being a reliable and accessible presence across campuses and divisions
• Envision and support professional development for all faculty so that each teacher can effectively implement best practices in interculturally competent instruction and assessment
• Initiate and continue conversations about the role of intercultural competence in teaching and learning across all content areas

Institutional & Community Partnerships

• Collaborate with the Office of Equity and Community Engagement to lead, facilitate and support individual and schoolwide efforts that foster a more equitable, inclusive and engaged community
• Develop and maintain connections with relevant programs, institutions and thought leaders in the Twin Cities and beyond

Minimum Qualifications:

• Substantial teaching experience; teaching in multiple content areas and/or divisions preferred
• Advanced degree or work toward an advanced degree in a relevant field
• Knowledge of and commitment to continuous learning about best practices in DEI and curriculum and instruction
• Superb interpersonal and communication skills, relational intelligence, anticipatory judgment
• Logistical and organizational acumen, reflecting the needs of a multi-campus, three-division school, and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to coach adults
• Demonstrated skill in project management
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,350 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake’s mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and core values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE
From: The Blake School