English Department Chair

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Dean of Faculty and Dean of Academic Affairs, the English Department Chair leads the pedagogical and curricular development in the department. They supervise department members and facilitate the growth and professional learning of student‑centered teachers by regularly observing class meetings and offering teachers actionable feedback through the Classroom Insights program. The English Department Chair provides instructional leadership by helping to ensure effective teaching strategies and multi‑section and grade‑level alignment.

They assure curricular coherence within the department while creating a culture of collaboration, growth, and professional learning by planning and leading pedagogical and curricular department meetings. They provide curricular leadership by ensuring the Department student learning outcomes are specific, measurable, and meaningful. They also collaborate with the Dean of Faculty to recruit and hire the highest quality teachers for the English department.

The primary classroom responsibility will be teaching, across a mix of grade levels, three sections of courses that emphasize both literature and writing. The primary out‑of‑classroom responsibilities will include leading co‑curricular activities (varsity or sub‑varsity teams, community service activities, publications, etc.), dormitory residence or supervision, advising, committee work, and family‑style dining hall meals with students. Faculty also have opportunities to design and lead domestic and international travel programs.

We are looking for candidates who exhibit excellence in the classroom and who can help develop in students the fundamental learning traits outlined in The Deerfield Student and A Framework For Schools
. Beyond the classroom, candidates must be prepared to fully engage in the activities and less formal spaces that help define a strong residential educational community. Additionally, candidates for this position will possess the following specific attributes/qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Pedagogical excellence and expertise
• Astute classroom observation skills to diagnose growth opportunities and high‑leverage feedback
• Excellent communication skills to give clear and direct feedback to advance pedagogical growth
• Facility in assessment of student learning for departmental improvement
• Experience teaching the reading and analysis of texts from a broad range of genres and voices
• Strong writing skills and enthusiasm for teaching writing
• Success running discussion‑centered classes or facilitating inquiry‑driven discussions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Canvas Learning Management System, and other basic classroom technologies
• Interest and demonstrated skill in working with adolescents
• Demonstrated multicultural competency and commitment to inclusivity
• Excitement for continued professional growth
• Enthusiasm for developing and aligning shared approaches to student learning
• The ability to work with colleagues as part of a team
• A sense of humor

• Close visual acuity to view a computer terminal, analyze text, data and/or figures.
• Ability to frequently stand and/or sit for sustained periods of time
• Ability to frequently reach items and paperwork
• Ability to frequently sustain substantial movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Ability to frequently receive and communicate information, verbally and in writing
• Ability to occasionally stoop or kneel
• Ability to occasionally lift/carry/push up to 10 pounds

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. This job description is not intended to be construed as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. It is expected that job duties and responsibilities will develop over time commensurate with performance.

Deerfield Academy offers a competitive total compensation package, where base compensation or salary is just one component. Pay within the published range is determined by factors such as qualifications, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, allowing for growth and progression within the role.

We also offer a comprehensive suite of benefits to eligible employees, including:

• Health & Financial:
  Medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b)-retirement plan; and employer‑paid life and disability plans.
• Time Off:
  Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Campus Perks:
  Tuition remission, fitness center access and complimentary dining hall meals

See benefit plan details here.