Department Chair - ELA

Applications will be accepted beginning Thursday, February 19, 2026 12:00 AM (Central Standard Time)

The Dedham Public Schools, home to America’s first tax supported, free public school, is looking for an English Language Arts Department Head to join our team.

Dedham Public Schools seeks candidates who share our commitment to the advancement of students from underrepresented groups or who have been historically marginalized.

Please complete our online application and upload:
Cover Letter, Resume, Email address for three references.

You may also upload letters of recommendation.

This is a confidential process until after interviews have occurred.

Dedham Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Dedham Public Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, military status or disability. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to assure that each applicant for a position is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability.

The Department Head works as a teacher leader in grades 6-12. The Department Head’s role is shared between direct teaching with students (2 classes - 0.4 FTE) and the overall leadership of the department (0.6 FTE).

This position reports to, and is evaluated by the Principals and Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning.

• Current MA DESE Supervisor/Director License (or eligibility for licensure)
• Master's Degree
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as an ELA teacher
• Effective leadership skills and experiences
• Proven background in instruction, assessment, and professional development
• Ability to speak a second language strongly preferred

• Support and model effective teaching and assessment practices throughout the department
• Work closely with the middle and high school principals to evaluate the quality of teaching and learning through supervision and evaluation of teachers within the department
• Monitor student performance throughout the department and ensure courses and the overall program are continuously reviewed, revised and tuned to maximize student engagement and learning
• Research, model, and support the implementation of innovative teaching practices throughout the department
• Monitor the department’s curriculum to ensure that it is current, relevant, aligned to standards, and supports the district’s vision for instructional practices
• Coordinate the ongoing review and revision of department curriculum with the Assistant Superintendent

• Monitor teaching and learning throughout the department to understand professional learning needs
• Engage faculty throughout the department in the development of professional learning opportunities
• Coordinate professional development planning with the Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum Coordinators, and other District Leaders

• Coordinate with school and district leaders to support strategic planning for long range growth and efficacy of the department
• Coordination of the department’s curriculum with Directors other Department heads and the Assistant Superintendent to support an integrated and coherent curriculum
• Provide ongoing support and mentoring to teachers throughout the department
• Determine the number of sections for each departmental class offering and assign the deployment of teachers into these classes
• Support students, teachers, and parents during instances of disagreement regarding assessment, curriculum, and assignments
• Provide periodic reports and presentations to the Superintendent and School Committee

• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of the department’s current material resources
• Develop a strategic plan for the maintenance and replacement of the department's material resources
  
  Coordinate with school and district leaders to develop the department’s annual budget