Academic Technology Department Chair

The Academic Technology Chair for Pre-K to 8 is a member of Education Administration and reports to the Head of Middle School and will assist in designing and implementing a STEAM and Maker Space center for the Pre K, Lower, and Middle Schools. The Academic Technology Chair teaches design and computer science and serves a mentor to other department member; trains faculty to implement applicable forms of instructional technology; and creates a well-rounded, comprehensive instructional program that reflects best practice in project-based learning and teaching.

Essential Functions

• Serves as an Educator/Department Chair and works directly with the Heads of Primary, Lower and Middle Schools to initiate, implement and oversee the day-to-day programs for students; drives the branding of educational instructional philosophies within these divisions.

• Provides for students a supportive, orderly and interactive classroom environment where creative learning takes place.

• Serves as an advisor to a group of advisees.

• Well versed with and adheres to school policies in all areas of student interaction.

• Serves as a mentor to colleagues in manners of classroom management, teaching methods and school procedures.

• Provides academic guidance to students; serves as student advocate, helping students and families respond to specific academic, emotional and developmental challenges.

• Participates in student-centered assessment and reporting approaches; uses differentiated and social-emotional approach to student engagement.

• Communicates with parents, administrators, student services and with chaplains concerning the emotional and physical well-being of students.

• Assists administration with division long-range planning, as well as the division’s daily schedule and calendar.

• Routinely uses educational strategies and project-based curriculum to bolster a student-centered, inquiry-based instructional design. 

• Informs the Division Administration, the Head of School, the Chaplain, the Director of Student Support Services, and the School Nurse of emotional, academic and physical wellbeing of students.

• Attends admissions-related events.

• Maintains congruency between the school’s board-approved Mission Statement, the Long Range and Strategic Financial Plan, and all activities of the upper school classroom.

• Adheres to the Employee and School Handbooks and makes recommendations to the division head about potential revisions and updates to the School Handbook.

• Assists in the recruitment and selection of new and replacement instructional and support faculty. Takes part in the Professional Growth and Evaluation Program for new and existing faculty within the department.

• Exhibits the behaviors described in the Faculty and Staff: Basic Expectations, Characteristics of Professional Excellence and complies with Physical Requirements and Work Environment.

• Is assessed through the Professional Growth and Evaluation Program and enthusiastically participates in professional growth opportunities.

Essential Tasks

• Attends regular curriculum and instruction meetings with Primary, Lower and Middle School divisions.

• Determines the focus, sequence, emphasis, and essentials of the content in cooperation with school administration.

• Works cooperatively with administration to promote and enhance vertical alignment of curriculum, Pre-K to 8th grade, and preparing students for high school.

• Works cooperatively with specialists, administration and faculty to promote a positive work environment based on a growth mindset and to create interdisciplinary units and courses for the lower and middle schools that will transition to the upper school including design, robotics and computer science.

• Works as a team player assisting co-workers, divisions and departments as needed by the School.

• Examines the current curriculum with recommendations for updates, revisions, and enhancements.

• Supervises and provides feedback to teachers within Pre-K to 8th and provides feedback to teachers and administrators for professional growth of classroom teachers for technology integration and PBL.

• Learns the current ISM evaluation model and contributes to the collaborative, ongoing creation of the St. Francis brand of the Professional Growth and Evaluation model.

• Ensures Pre-K to 8th grade facilities are ready for the start of school each day.

• Assists in maintaining course web pages following guidelines provided by the division and school administration.

• Knowledgeable about Senior Systems and/or other student management software.

• Completes various Tasks related to the employee’s yearly goals and the school’s long range and strategic financial plan.

• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned by Head of School and/or supervising director or head including extracurricular. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education; Master’s degree preferred.

• A minimum of five years of teaching in an independent school environment preferred or relevant professional experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

• Demonstrated leadership and facilitative skills, including the ability to relate effectively with administrators, operations staff, colleagues, parents, and students.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.

• Generally, works in standard office conditions and climate.

• May work in varied extreme outside weather conditions during school events, special activities and fundraising events.

• Ability to work in a highly stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.

• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.

• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, stand, walk, reach