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

Title -  Department Head - Science (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. In CPS, we believe all children are capable of achieving their personal best by ensuring a safe and supportive environment for school and classroom environments. The school system 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 a culturally responsive school district. We believe that students learn best when they are engaged in meaningful relationships that fosters and promotes high expectations and risk taking. We are a district of multilingual students where languages are an asset to student development and growth. More information about CPS can be found on our website at www.chelseaschools.com/cps.

Department Head Job Responsibilities:  

Department Heads will support Primary evaluators, as defined in the Collective  Bargaining Agreement, in the evaluation process for assigned staff members  within their departments. CHS administrators will remain the primary evaluators  responsible for all final evaluation ratings. Adapted from the responsibilities  outlined in Appendix B2 of the Contract (page 63), Department Heads may assist with: 

• The development of the Educator Plan, including student learning goals and professional practice goals 
• Supervising the Educator's progress through formative assessments,  including observations and feedback 
• Evaluating the Educator's progress toward attaining the Educator Plan goals
• Providing observation, feedback and identifying next action steps in  TeachPoint/ Vector Solutions utilizing the CVT tool 
• Participate in training on evaluation and supervision, including use of  CVT tool 
• Supporting and coaching teachers within their content area: 
• Supporting departmental hiring processes  
• Facilitating regular coaching sessions with CHS staff members within  their departments 
• Overseeing course design and curriculum implementation in collaboration  with aligned Grades 9–12 District Coordinators 
• Supporting College and Career Pathway development as active members  of the CHS Reimagination Team 
• Facilitating and implementing practices and policies developed through  the CHS Reimagination Project 
• Facilitating department meetings and Professional Learning Communities  (PLCs) 
• Create and lead PD early release days, full PD days 
• Reapply annually, similar to coaches/ mentors/ leads

Collaboration & Leadership:

• Build strong, professional relationships with: teachers and students, instructional coaches, lead teachers, school and district-level 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 with instructional coaching spaces with grade band colleagues and vertical colleagues in order 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 all stakeholders to support the 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:

1. Experienced (3 years) and DESE licensed teacher in relevant content who has demonstrated exemplary teaching and instructional leadership skills.
2. A Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
3. Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education teacher licensure in grade and subject area appropriate for the assignment;
4. Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement for core content teachers
5. Ability to work with diverse population;
6. Knowledge of MA Curriculum frameworks, curriculum, instruction, and assessment;
7. Knowledge of differentiated instruction and response to intervention helpful
8. Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Qualifications Preferred:

• Bilingual Spanish
• Dual certification in ESL and/or Moderate Disabilities 

Terms:

CHS Department Heads fall within the bargaining unit for educators  represented by the CTU. Their annual salary shall be based upon their step and  lane in accordance with Appendix A under the Contract, plus a 6% differential, as applicable to Special Service Personnel under Article II, Section E, for the  duration of their assignment.  

CHS Department Heads will follow the work calendar set forth in the Contract  (i.e., 184 days) plus additional work days as follows:  

• Five (5) additional work days prior to the first day of school 
• Five (5) additional work days following the last day of school 

Compensation for these additional days will be at a per diem rate based upon the  Department Head’s annual salary, including the 6% differential under Article III,  Section E, which the parties anticipate will 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, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.