What are the responsibilities and job description for the Internal Only** UHS Department Chairs position at Urbana School District #116?
UHS Department Chair
Department chairs are the chief contact people, educational leaders, and coordinators of activities within each department. They are responsible for working cooperatively with teachers and administrators in determining the basic needs for effective and efficient operation of the department. Department chairs work collaboratively with the School Improvement Administrative Advisory (SIAA) to support building-wide school improvement initiatives. Department chairs will receive a stipend as stipulated by contract and will hold their assignment for two years. The department chairperson shall be directly responsible to the high school principal. The department chairperson shall:
1. Relay information from Departmental Administrative Advisory meetings to department members each month. Conduct department meetings 1-2 times per month. Create department meeting agendas and designate recorder to take minutes. Distribute agendas and minutes to department members and administrators.
2. Facilitate the creation of departmental goals and monitor progress toward goal attainment.
3. Prepare documentation of final exam and final course grade analysis to be submitted to principal twice each year. Facilitate an active discussion with department members to generate the analysis and identify areas in need of improvement and agreed upon measures to address identified concerns.
4. Inventory department materials and facilitate distribution. Organize and store department paperwork for long-term storage. Maintain department office.
5. Prepare a plan for spending annual departmental budget. Approve all department requisitions.
6. Interview and mentor new staff.
7. Identify and share professional development opportunities.
8. Prepare a plan for textbook adoption if requested by administration.
9. Create a department binder or computer file containing the following: Common course maps for all courses, common assessments for all courses, exam analysis for all assessments. Store in a secure place accessible to all members of the department.
10. Create Wednesday team meeting schedule for department based on course teams. Submit the team rotation schedule to the administration within the first two weeks of each semester. Create a system for monitoring attendance and productivity during team meetings. Submit attendance to administration on a weekly basis.
11. Collaborate with committees and other department chairs to develop school improvement initiatives and implement SIP/restructuring initiatives within the department.
12. Promote department elective courses and programs in addition to core curriculum requirements by coordinating activities and representing the department at Curriculum Orientation Night.
13. Write and confirm accuracy of course descriptions for the Course Description and Planning Guide.
14. Work as a liaison between buildings and Urbana School District Program Council.
15. Actively participate in quarterly Program Council meetings and subcommittee meetings.
16. Plan and implement professional development for Opening Institute Day and Winter Institute Day.
17. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the administration.
Department Chair Positions – Math, English, Science, Social Studies, PE, Fine Arts (Performing and Visual), Foreign Language, Special Education, Support Services, and Career/Tech Ed.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Salary is based on a stipend determined through the Urbana School District #116 and UEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Benefit information can be found on the Human Resources webpage.
- This is a position within the collective bargaining unit and is not an administrative position.
- Three-year commitment (SY27, SY28, SY29)
UPDATED: April 2026