English Head of Department

St. John's School; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Department to lead academic initiatives and enhance student learning experiences. This pivotal role involves collaborating with faculty to develop and implement curricula, ensuring adherence to educational policies, and fostering a supportive environment for both students and teachers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in educational leadership, a passion for curriculum development, and the ability to inspire and guide staff. Join a dynamic team committed to academic excellence and student success in a vibrant educational setting.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in educational settings with a focus on student-centered learning.
• Experience in curriculum planning and assessment aligned with IB policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the academic department to ensure high-quality teaching and learning.
• Manage departmental logistics, budgets, assessments, and communications.
• Support teachers in professional development and student advocacy.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum Development

Assessment Practices

Teaching Methodologies

Staff Management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education

Master's Degree in Education

Job description

Position Purpose & Overview

The role of Head of Department (HOD) is to act as a leader of learning within the school. The HOD will ensure that students are at the centre of the department’s aims and objectives as well as its practices and procedures. The HOD will be assisting teachers to develop their teaching and other professional skills, and advocating for students in their subject area. The HOD is instrumental to the continued development of the department and school, and will work as part of the larger Senior School Leadership Team to promote whole school aims and implement school policies through the work of the department. The HOD will help, with the support of their teams, to manage departmental logistics, budgets, assessments, and communications.

Key Responsibilities

TEACHING, LEARNING & CURRICULUM

• Responsibility for leading academics within the department
• Assisting teachers within the department to ensure shared understanding of the following academic policies and procedures:
  • Assessment Policy
  • Academic Integrity Policy
  • Language Policy
  • Learning Diversity and Inclusion Policy
  • MYP and DP-specific Policies and Procedures
• Leading the department in developing and improving teaching and learning
• Establishing priorities and goals for the department that integrate with and support the school's Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic
• Planning curriculum including developing and maintaining curriculum documentation (for example DP - Subject Booklets, Internal Assessment Booklets, Unit Plans) in consultation with colleagues within the department and across the school, in collaboration with JS curriculum leaders, and in line with the requirements of IB policies and procedures
• Maintaining and developing assessment practices in the department in line with the school practices and policies, IB MYP and DP assessment practices and policies, and when required the BC Ministry of Education assessment practices and policies (including oral assessment, task clarifications, task standardization, assessment management, and moderation strategies, etc.)
• Reviewing and moderating student assignments in the case of disputes or perceived misalignment of grading within the department
• Analyzing and evaluating examination and student performance data and reporting results to the Senior School Leadership Team
• Liaising and planning with the Senior School Learning Support Coordinator and Learning Support team to ensure student accommodations are supported and to support inclusion and differentiation of teaching and learning for the department
• Monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning within the department in line IB & school policy and procedures.

STAFF

• Identifying staffing needs in consultation with the Principal and advising on the recruitment of new staff
• Planning and implementing the induction of new teachers within the department
• Supporting and guiding departmental colleagues in their interactions with students, parents and other colleagues as needed
• Participate in performance management of staff by lesson observations, personal interviews, pro-growth support as required
• Recommending appropriate professional development for department teachers within the subject area.

MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION

• Hold and chair weekly department meetings, providing agendas and taking minutes of these meetings to share each week with the department, Principal, and Vice Principals (IB MYP and IB DP Coordinators)
• Liaising with Vice Principals (IB MYP and IB DP Coordinators) about examination entries and related matters
• Liaising as necessary with the Principal for timetabling the assignment of classes and of staff
• Managing departmental budget and resources, including maintaining and up-dating of departmental inventories, textbooks and other student learning resources
• Ensuring department budget is adhered to
• Maintaining teaching and display areas including overseeing the display areas in teacher’s classrooms
• When necessary, assist with the management of cover work for absent colleagues in the department
• Liaising and collaborating with other Heads of Department as appropriate.

STUDENTS

• Overseeing students' academic progress within the department
• Setting up, operating, monitoring and standardizing departmental marking and assessment procedures in line with IB & school policies and procedures
• Review subject student subject choices and advise on the suitability of course selections
• Establishing a common approach to homework, and adhering to the school policies and procedures.

Job Information

• Reports to: Senior School Principal and PYP, MYP, and DP Coordinators as appropriate
• Direct Reports: N/A
• Phase: Senior School and in collaboration with the Junior School
• Key Interactions:
  • Internal: Faculty, non-teaching employees, School Principals and Vice-Principals.
  • External: Teacher's Regulation Branch, parents, and alumni.