Spanish Department Chair 2025-2026

Company: Mystic Valley Regional Charter School
Location: Malden
Posted on: May 3, 2025

Job Description:

Spanish Department ChairDescription:
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director for Grades 9-12 and in alignment with the Board of Trustees' policy, the Spanish Department Chairperson oversees Mystic Valley Regional Charter School's (MVRCS) Spanish program for Grades 7-12. The Chairperson's primary responsibility is to supervise the implementation of the Spanish curriculum across these grade levels, while also providing advisory support for Grades K-6.I. Instructional Tasks

• Teach two classes: One class for higher-ability students and another for students with a lower ability level (or potentially a Grade 7 or 8 class).
• Teacher Training:
  Collaborate with assistant directors (Grades 7-12) to ensure that new teachers are trained in:
  • MVRCS instructional methodology and behavior management.
  • Department policies.
  • School policies as outlined in the "Parent-Student Compact," the Employee Handbook, and Daily Policies and Procedures (DPP).
  • Curriculum and instructional strategies, including the IB Program, the Core Knowledge program, and other school-specific models.
  • Ensure returning teachers receive continuous training or remediation in the above areas.
  • Teacher Mentoring and Support:
    • Collaborate with HR, operations, and assistant directors to replicate the August Training program for teachers joining mid-year.
    • Conduct regular check-ins with all team members.
    • Hold department meetings at least biweekly to effectively communicate and clarify school and departmental policies.
    • Serve as a liaison between teachers, administration, and parents, addressing feedback and escalating concerns as needed.
    • Facilitate collaborative planning within grade-level teams.II. Department Responsibilities
      • Weekly Tasks:
        • Post homework and other assignments on the designated platforms (e.g., OneDrive).
        • Ensure accurate documentation of weekly lesson plans, materials, and assessments.
        • Coordinate long-term planning for key assessments and monitor academic progress (grades, assessments, GPAs, etc.).
        • Implement and monitor International Baccalaureate assessments, as required.
        • Observations & Evaluations:
          • Perform unannounced, brief (10-minute) classroom observations daily (targeting 200 per year), providing written and verbal feedback within 48 hours.
          • Use the approved teacher evaluation tool for all observations.
          • Plan and conduct full-period or extended observations for first-year teachers or when needed to ensure proper instructional support.
          • Model effective teaching strategies, such as co-teaching or leading lessons, to promote instructional continuity and student achievement.III. Curricular Tasks
            • Curriculum Oversight:
              • Ensure adherence to the documented curriculum for Grades 7-12 as outlined in the curriculum database.
              • Train teachers in using curricular resources and applying them effectively in the classroom.
              • Foster collaboration among department teachers, coordinating weekly lesson plans to ensure consistent pacing across grade-level teams.
              • Maintain an organized inventory of curriculum materials, including texts and approved supplemental resources.
              • Analyze standardized testing data, leading the team in interpreting results and making necessary improvements.
              • Advise assistant directors and school leadership on potential updates to curriculum or instructional practices.IV. Administrative Tasks
                • Reports & Meetings:
                  • Produce monthly reports for the Board of Trustees.
                  • Collect and summarize weekly reports from department teachers on their classes for Grades 7-12.
                  • Attend weekly department chair meetings and offer feedback on policy development and reevaluation.
                  • Provide solutions for any challenges that arise within the team or school community.
                  • Assist in professional development initiatives as needed.
                  • Support & Coordination:
                    • Engage with Grades 7 and 8 teachers on a daily basis, and meet biweekly for continued collaboration.
                    • Meet with K-6 teachers as needed and collaborate with school leadership on curriculum development.
                    • Coordinate student placements and provide support for the school's ability-based grouping model.
                    • Student Support:
                      • Address academic concerns related to student progress, advancement, and achievement.
                      • Oversee the implementation of Academic Achievement Plans and consult with teachers to ensure effective operations within the department.Qualifications
                        • A bachelor's degree in Spanish or a related field.
                        • A master's degree in Spanish, Educational Leadership, or a related field (preferred).
                        • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write reports and professional correspondence.
                        • Experience evaluating student performance and providing actionable recommendations.
                        • Ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.
                        • Strong interpersonal skills to maintain positive relationships with students, parents, staff, and the broader community.
                        • Ability to stay informed of all school policies, state and federal regulations, and MVRCS guidelines.
                        • A collaborative and solution-focused mindset for supporting students and fostering effective teamwork.
                        • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
                        • Commitment to the school's mission and approach, and the ability to plan and implement lessons based on student needs and district objectives.This position reports directly to the Assistant Director for Grades 9-12. The role will be evaluated annually and is an annual appointment.
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Keywords: Mystic Valley Regional Charter School, East Hartford , Spanish Department Chair 2025-2026, Other , Malden, Connecticut