What are the responsibilities and job description for the English Department Chair position at Miami Country Day School?
Miami Country Day School seeks an accomplished educator and visionary academic leader to serve as English Department Chair for grades 6–12. At a pivotal moment in the school's evolution, this position offers an opportunity to shape an intellectually ambitious English program grounded in the Country Day tradition of curiosity, academic excellence, and educating the whole child. The successful candidate will inspire a talented faculty and cultivate students as critical thinkers, discerning readers, compelling writers, and thoughtful participants in an increasingly complex world.
Working collaboratively with faculty and academic leadership, the English Department Chair will guide curriculum development, strengthen instructional practice through coaching and professional learning, and foster meaningful connections across disciplines and divisions. As both a teacher and instructional leader, this individual will champion rigorous, inquiry-driven learning while helping advance a coherent and compelling academic experience for students in grades 6–12.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the grades 6–12 English curriculum, ensuring alignment with the school's educational mission.
- Lead and support Middle and Upper School English faculty in collaboration with Division Directors, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Guide curriculum development and instructional practices that promote engaging, inquiry-based, student-centered learning.
- Collaborate with the History Department Chair to develop and implement an interdisciplinary, thematic humanities curriculum in the Middle School.
- Provide instructional coaching, classroom observations, and constructive performance feedback to support faculty growth and development.
- Facilitate department meetings, professional learning opportunities, and collaborative curriculum planning.
- Collaborate with academic leadership on faculty hiring, staffing, and teaching assignments to support evolving curricular and instructional needs.
- Remain current with educational standards, instructional frameworks, and emerging teaching practices.
- Teach two English courses within the Middle and/or Upper School.
- Serve as an academic advisor and participate in academic leadership committees as assigned.
- Oversee departmental budgets, instructional resources, and procurement of educational materials.
Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree required.
- Minimum of five years of classroom teaching experience required.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in curriculum development, instructional coaching, or academic administration preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES (KSA's)
- Strong instructional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and support faculty.
- Expertise in curriculum design, instructional coaching, and innovative teaching practices.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, administrators, and other members of the school community.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex academic challenges.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and work both independently and collaboratively.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
- Passion for student-centered learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous professional growth.
Join Our Community
At Miami Country Day School, we believe exceptional educators inspire exceptional learning. We are looking for a passionate English educator and thoughtful academic leader who is excited to collaborate with talented colleagues, champion innovative instructional practices, and make a meaningful impact on the educational experiences of our students.