Position: Head of Department, English/English Teacher – Senior School

Term: HOD: Five-year appointment with possibility for two-year extension. Teacher: Permanent

Department: Academics – English

Reports to: Associate Principal, Academics – Senior School

Starting date: September 1, 2023

Application Closing date: March 13, 2023 – Interviews will be scheduled for the week of March 27 (post Spring Break)

The role of the Head of Department is to lead the faculty, manage resources and support curriculum delivery within the English department in a manner that fosters a stimulating learning environment for students and a collaborative and fulfilling culture with faculty. The Head of Department is a subject specialist and an instructional leader.

The Head of Department is provided 1 block of release time and an annual honorarium for their leadership work, and teaches 4 blocks of English, preferably covering a range of courses from Grades 8-12.

Heads of Department are valuable members of Senior School leadership, and are working towards continual professional growth, and are already demonstrating strengths across the Characteristics of Excellence of our educators. The leadership role requires someone who demonstrates high EQ which encompasses self-awareness, self-management, social agility, empathy, impact and influence. The ability to lead through and towards a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice lens is essential to all school positions.

In order to provide the best possible learning environment for our highly diverse, multicultural student population, St. George’s actively seeks to recruit staff from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in independent and international schools. BIPoC and 2SLGBTQ+ people and those with disabilities are warmly encouraged to apply, and invited to reach out for more information about our commitment to pluralism.

Responsibilities will include:

• Facilitate the development of a cohesive departmental team and expedite conflict resolution and growth and renewal through supportive accountability practices;
• Supporting a diversity of voices and worldviews to classroom material and learning experiences, including Indigenous, local, and global perspectives. In particular, providing leadership in the implementation of English First Peoples 12 and English First Peoples 10 Literary Studies, beginning 2023-2024.
• Coordinate and motivate department cohesiveness in shared planning, instruction, and assessment;
• Be an advocate for the role of English and literacy education experiences and skills broadly in the life of the school through curricular and extra-curricular initiatives that bring energy and a love of learning of literacy and cultures;
• Ensure that the BC Ministry and AP curricula are implemented in all courses with current focus on Core Competencies, Literacy, Numeracy, and First People’s Principles;
• Facilitate consistency of instruction and assessment principles and practices across all courses and class sections;
• Facilitate ongoing teacher development: evaluate probationary teachers, provide mentoring and coaching within the department and foster an environment that promotes a continued exchange of best teaching practices and peer mentoring;
• Respond to parent inquiries and work collaboratively with HOG’s, Personal Counselling, Boarding and others with respect to student needs;
• Consult with the Associate Principal of Academics on course offering, teacher schedules and room allocations;
• Attend Head of Department and other leadership meetings as required and act as a conduit of information;
• Support school initiative and priorities with problem-solving, advocacy, and feedback;
• Develop and manage the departmental budget.

Qualifications will include:

• Post-secondary and/or postgraduate degree in a related curricular area is an asset;
• Minimum of five years current teaching experience in related courses at a variety of grade levels. Previous departmental or school leadership is an asset.
• Current in teaching methodologies and implementing the BC curriculum within the classroom, with a particular focus on curriculum design and assessment practices. Knowledge of AP curricula (AP English Language and Composition 12, AP English Literature and Composition 12) is an asset;
• Training or experience with English First Peoples 10-12 is an asset;
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and strong interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated and ongoing learning, reflection and implementation of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice practices;
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner with all stakeholders of the school;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills;
• Demonstrated interest in professional development, especially curriculum design and development;
• Proven ability in budgetary planning and financial management;
• Training or experience in teacher evaluation and development plans would be an asset;
• Fluency in school platforms, including Canvas, Gradebook, Google products (Meet, Drive, etc.), Zoom.

Interested applicants should email their cover letter and resume to: [email protected]