Science Department Chair

Chapin School, Princeton NJ

About Chapin School
Chapin is a 200-student age-three through eighth grade, co-educational school in Princeton, New Jersey. Celebrating its 90^th year, the school has an excellent academic reputation and outstanding secondary school placement record.

Chapin School’s Mission
Chapin is dedicated to the belief that lifelong habits of the mind and heart are formed in the elementary and middle school years. Chapin provides a richly textured education that inspires academic achievement and builds strength of character. Within a diverse, caring, and supportive community, we prepare our students to meet the future with skill, confidence, determination, and generosity of spirit.

The Position

Chapin School Princeton is seeking a Science Department Chair and Middle School Science teacher beginning Fall 2023 who is committed to nurturing and supporting Middle School aged students. The ideal candidate will have a passion for scientific thinking, science content, and the experience to inspire students through hands-on, active, lab-based classes. The Science Department Chair reports to the Assistant Head of School.

Responsibilities:

Department Chair Responsibilities:

• Serves as a leader in curriculum and pedagogy in the Science Department (grades 1-8), guiding conversations about teaching and learning to ensure that rigor and innovation are being pursued and good practices are being followed.
• Articulates the department's strategies in achieving the mission and goals of the school and to set departmental objectives, assessments, and policies accordingly in cooperation with the members of the department.
• Working with the Director of Curriculum, leads reviews of the curriculum in the department to ensure vertical continuity and appropriateness of content, skills, and assessment.
• Assists in hiring, training, and supporting the faculty members in the Science Department.
• Provides a first line of accountability for teachers in the department.
• Supports teachers within the department including teachers who are new to Chapin or profession or teachers who might be struggling professionally or personally.
• Serves as a role model to encourage faculty self-evaluation, professional growth, scholarship, and effective training.
• Conveys information to members of the department regarding plans, curriculum development and assessment, resources, facilities, and activities which affect department members.
• Holds regularly scheduled department meetings.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure instructional goals are being met.
• Publicizes within the school community the scholarship and endeavors of the department and gives recognition to exceptional achievement within the department.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the head of school and supports the school and its leadership.

Teaching Responsibilities:

• Teach four sections of middle school science in grades 5-8
• Serve as an advisor in the middle school (grades 6-8).
• Collaborate with colleagues to design and improve curriculum and engage students.
• Meet school guidelines regarding grading, recordkeeping, and use of the learning management system to post information about classes.
• Participate in school-wide activities such as workshops, special events, and professional meetings.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a science discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years teaching experience in middle school.
• Knowledge of best practices in 21st century science instruction.
• Forward thinking and creative teacher.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Comfort with technology integration.
• Experience with differentiated instruction.
• Commitment to collaborative and innovative teaching styles.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Experience working in independent schools preferred but not required.

Send electronically in one email and separate pdf documents to:

Karen Hepburn

Assistant to the Head of School

khepburn@chapinschool.org

Chapin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks a diverse and broad spectrum of qualified candidates.

About Chapin School

The Chapin School of Princeton New Jersey, a co-ed three-year-old through eighth grade school dedicated to the belief that lifelong habits of the mind and heart are formed in the elementary and middle school years. Chapin provides a richly textured education that inspires academic achievement and builds strength of character. Highlighting the five virtues of good character; Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Kindness, and Perseverance; these values are interwoven into the whole community at Chapin making it a warm and supportive community for all.

Connections working at Chapin School