Job Title

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title Department Chair (High School) Department Teaching and Learning Bargain Unit Classification Bargaining Unit-EARL Reports To Building Principal FLSA Designation Exempt Other Appendix B1-District Pay Scale/Lane Collective Bargaining Agreement Benefits Benefit Summary Work Calendar n/a Version Date 1/1/25 PART I: SUMMARY OF POSITION The Department Chair is responsible for providing the essential leadership for implementing and maintaining the educational program of the academic department as it pertains to curriculum, staff, and the overall learning environment. The Department Chair works collaboratively with the Teaching and Learning Department (both building- and district-level) and is a productive member of the school improvement leadership team. The Department Chair provides instructional leadership and enhances articulation regarding curriculum alignment with standards; creates and provides targeted professional development; oversees the development and implementation of common assessments; assists in the research and implementation of innovative procedures to increase student achievement; and supports the utilization of best practices instructional strategies aligned to the district's teaching and learning philosophy. The duties of the Department Chair are critical to the overall educational program of the school and district and require effective and ongoing communication and collaboration with staff, administration, parents, students, and the community. The amount of release time that a Department Chair is provided will be dependent on the amount of FTE in the department and/or activities needed to be managed. Range of FTE in the Department Release Time 0-5 1 period release of duty to support staff and school improvement, 2 periods of release to manage assigned clubs/activities 5.1-12 2 periods release of duty to support staff and school improvement, 1 period of release to manage assigned clubs/activities 12.1 3 periods release of duty to support staff and school improvement Department Chair Club(s) Assigned due to range of FTE in the Department Wellness Panther Health and Wellness Fine Arts Art Club (NAHS) Blackbox/Ghostlight Fall Play Spring Musical Rhapsody Guitar Club Jazz Band Tri M CTE Future Medical Panthers Black Student Union Gender and Sexuality Alliance Game Club Student Council World Language Student Activities Leadership Council Seal of Biliteracy Assessment Spanish Club National Honors Society Counseling Round Lake Ambassadors Athletic Director ESports Golf Club Allied Sports Color/Winter Guard Bass Fishing Speech Team Scholastic Bowl Chess Team Programing/Non-Content Specific Department Chairs Wellness * Driver's Education oversight & evaluation of staff Counseling * Junior future planning night * FAFSA events * Incoming 9th grade transition planning * College and career planning * Blue/Gold programming oversight * Senior award night planning * Freshmen Orientation MLE (if only ESL and BIL teachers are evaluated under MLE there will be 12 or less) * Language screening of new students into the district (as needed, focused primarily for secondary level) * Supports preparation/distribution of notification, placement and ACCESS documents with district MLE team (mainly at the start of the school year) * Supports process related to monitor forms for MLE students at secondary level * Provides support during ACCESS testing at the secondary level (may include testing of Alternate students, accommodations identification etc..) * Working with teachers to provide PD focused on MLE needs for other departments (English, Biology, Math etc..) SPED * Assist staff with development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). * Support compliance with federal, state, and district special education procedures, including timelines for evaluations, reevaluations, and annual reviews. * Serve as a resource to special education staff regarding case management, service delivery, and student programming. * Collaborate with building administration and district special education leadership regarding student placement, services, and programming along the continuum of supports. * Assist with problem-solving for complex student cases and participate in MTSS or problem-solving teams as appropriate. * Support coordination of special education services, schedules, and service minutes within the building. * Facilitate special testing accommodations and scheduling for Special Education students. Work Responsibilities MUST occur within school day CAN occur within/outside school day * 2 periods of instruction * Collaboration period (participating/monitoring PLC) * Lunch period * Walkthroughs * Connecting with teachers - problem solving, etc. * Classroom evaluations & meetings (pre/post) with teachers * Building/district-called meetings: Dept. chairs w/admin, SIP Planning, Curriculum work with coordinators [these are all scheduled during day - could shift to outside school day, but that would be change in practice] * Tableau grade reviews - system does not work off-site * Assessment proctoring * Prep time for instruction & grading * Writing of evaluation documents * Prep for meetings - evaluation, course team, department * Review of department documents and performance - PLC agendas, assessments, curriculum * New Staff Orientation & other trainings with building/district admin * Sectioning and scheduling * Hiring * DC Weekly Meeting * Emails and Other Communication Breakdown of time that can occur outside school day Tasks related to the department chair role (daily communication, preparations, support standardized assessment, etc.) 90 hours (recommended additional 30 minutes per day - before/after school) * 30 mins/day x 180 days = 90 hours Writing of evaluation documents * based on average caseload of 10-12 people 40 hours * ~2 hours per summative evaluation - 25 hours * ~30 minutes per class observation (2x/year) - 15 hours New Staff Orientation & other trainings with building/district admin 40 hours * New Staff Orientation (22.5) * Evaluation Calibrations (13.5) * Other Meetings Needed (5) Planning and Preparation for Professional Development 20 hours * Meetings with building/district admin for planning district PD days * Preparation and organization for leading PD for department/course teams, which will likely be delivered during collaboration time Sectioning and scheduling 15 hours * Organization of data * Reflection on staff feedback and dept. Needs * Multiple drafts of schedule often needed Curriculum Work (can request compensation if beyond allotted 10 hours) 10 hours * Consultation & review of course team work that is being done over during the school year and over summer * Participation as part of a course team doing curriculum work * To be tracked in partnership with the T&L Department Total Time 215 hours PART II: MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES A. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, Master's degree preferred. * Five (5) years of professional teaching experience in the content area * Wellness department chair must hold a Driver's Education certification B. CREDENTIALS: * Professional Educator License with appropriate certification in the grade level/content area * Professional Educator License with Administrative endorsement preferred * PERA Evaluation Qualifications for Teacher Evaluator * Must have tenure currently or have attained tenure in a previous district. Position must have the following certification: PE 9-12 (Physical Education) HEED 9-12 (Health Education) SDE 9-12 (Driver's Education) C. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: * Considerable knowledge of curriculum development, program evaluation, and evidence-based instructional practices aligned to district philosophy and current research. * Considerable knowledge of assigned content area(s), learning standards, and vertical articulation of curriculum. * Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning theory, and academic and social-emotional learner needs. * Knowledge of culturally responsive, equitable, and inclusive instructional practices, including gender, disability, and multicultural considerations. * Knowledge of assessment design, data analysis, and methods for improving student achievement. * Knowledge of instructional technology and educational data systems for instruction, communication, and program monitoring. * Knowledge of district procedures, resources, and the staff evaluation process. * Skill in leadership, supervision, and facilitation of adult learning and collaborative teams. * Skill in communication, active listening, mediation, and conflict resolution. * Skill in organization, documentation, and development of reports and instructional materials. * Ability to plan, model, and support effective instructional strategies and classroom management practices. * Ability to analyze student performance data and guide instructional improvement using MTSS and PBIS frameworks. * Ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, families, administrators, and community stakeholders from diverse backgrounds * Ability to manage multiple priorities, problem-solve, and adapt to changing instructional and organizational needs. * Ability to utilize technology and digital tools for data management, presentations, and professional communication. PART III: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * Promotes and implements the Teaching and Learning philosophy and district goals within the department. * Ensures compliance with Illinois School Code, ISBE regulations, Board policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements. * Supervises and evaluates assigned certified and non-certified staff to improve instruction, professional practice, and student learning. * Mentors and supports new and experienced teachers through coaching, modeling, and feedback on instructional practices and classroom management. * Assists with planning and facilitating new staff orientation, induction, and ongoing professional learning for department staff. * Leads department meetings, collaborative team processes, and communication to support effective instructional practices and school improvement. * Recommends, develops, and facilitates professional development aligned to curriculum, assessment, student learning needs, and school improvement needs. * Collaborates with administration and district coordinators to monitor program effectiveness and implement instructional improvements. * Assists in hiring, assignment, and support of certified, including substitute teachers. * Develops course offerings and assists with master scheduling, student placement, and program articulation across schools. * Communicates with families and collaborates with counseling and support services to address student academic and behavioral needs. * Maintains ongoing communication with administration regarding departmental needs, performance, and concerns. * Develops and monitors the department budget, inventory, instructional materials, and resource allocation in accordance with district procedures. * Participates in textbook and instructional materials review, selection, and implementation processes. * Uses data to evaluate student performance and recommend program improvements or new initiatives. * Establishes and monitors expectations for safe, organized, and effective classroom and learning environments. * Coordinates department participation in school, district, and community events and represents the school in professional, district, and community settings such as academic honors night. * Maintains accurate records, protects confidentiality, and completes required reports in a timely manner. * Serves on leadership teams and collaborates with other departments and administrators to support school operations and improvement efforts. * Activities management to support club/activities attendance, budgeting, transportation, and procedural duties. * Performs duties as assigned PART IV: STAFF SUPERVISION * Supervision and evaluation of certified and non-certified staff THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY THE EMPLOYEE ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES PERFORMED BY PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED. RLAS #116 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE DISTRICT WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGE BOTH PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT EMPLOYEES TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE DISTRICT WHEN NECESSARY.