Walnut Hill School for the Arts is seeking a full-time Humanities Department Head for the 2025-2026 academic year starting in mid-August 2025. This is a 10-month position reporting to the Assistant Head of School.

The Humanities Department Head at Walnut Hill School for the Arts is a key educational leader, fostering excellence in English & History education while supporting the School's mission of developing intellectual artists of impact. This role blends visionary leadership, collaborative management, and a commitment to cultivating a dynamic, innovative and culturally responsive learning environment. 

With a focus on student-centered teaching, the Humanities Department Head guides and supports faculty in content-specific and teaching best practices, promotes the integration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and ensures that teaching reflects these values. They inspire students to see the connections between the study of English and History and their local and global worlds, applying concepts to real-world challenges and opportunities. The Department Head serves as a full-time faculty member responsible for teaching 4 sections of English or History. 

Overseeing curriculum development, faculty growth, and departmental operations, the Humanities Department Head prepares students for success in both their artistic and academic pursuits.  A dedicated and engaged member of the school community, they embody the School’s Core Values of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect.  

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Faculty Development

• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of School and Dean of Innovative and Inclusive Pedagogy to align departmental goals with institutional initiatives;
• Establish expectations for teaching and assessment, and facilitate goal-setting aligned with departmental and school-wide priorities; and
• Mentor, coach, and supervise department faculty, providing regular feedback through teacher evaluations and facilitating professional development opportunities.

Curriculum & Instruction

• Develop and oversee a cohesive English & History curriculum that reflects best practices, meets diverse learner needs, and aligns with institutional priorities;
• Lead efforts to integrate interdisciplinary opportunities, including global initiatives and applications of critical thinking in the arts;
• Regularly review and refine the curriculum to ensure vertical alignment across grade levels; 
• Promote culturally responsive teaching practices and anti-racist pedagogy within the department; and 
• Support faculty in integrating technology and educational tools to enhance student learning. 

Teaching 

• Teach 4 sections in the Humanities department; utilize best practices in teaching within this academic discipline; prepare lessons and develop curriculum that reflects the diverse educational and cultural backgrounds of the student body; teach, lead, and guide students and promote an open and safe classroom space;
• Foster a skills-centered, student-centered learning environment; and
• Utilize technology and other educational tools to support student learning.

Administrative & Operational Duties

• Manage departmental budget and resource allocation;
• Oversee student course placement and scheduling in collaboration with the Registrar;
• Facilitate department meetings with clear agendas and actionable outcomes; and
• Coordinate the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of English & History faculty.

Community Engagement & Student Support

• Serve as a resource for students, families, and colleagues regarding English & History education and student progress;
• Actively participate in school-wide initiatives, including assemblies, performances, and community events; and
• Serve as a Student Advisor and fulfill weekend team duty (4x per year), as assigned by the Student Life office.

Qualifications:

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Literature, History, American Studies, or a related field; advanced degree preferred;
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in English, History, or Humanities; experience in independent or arts-focused schools a plus;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams, with experience in faculty mentorship and evaluation;
• Expertise in curriculum design, implementation, and assessment;
• Strong understanding of culturally responsive teaching and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) practices;
• Background in interdisciplinary curriculum development;
• Familiarity with politics, justice or global studies;
• Proficiency with technology, including learning management systems and Google Workspace; and
• Experience working with diverse populations, including international students.

Core Competencies

• Growth mindset and a passion for teaching and learning;
• Compassionate, empathetic, and student-centered approach;
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to balance academic rigor with creativity and innovation;
• Adaptability to thrive in a dynamic school environment.

About us:

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theater, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that compliments and supports our diverse community.  

Commitment to the School’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.  

Physical Demands

Physical demands include dexterity for office machines and supply operations including but not limited to writing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy/fax machine, and printers. Stooping, bending, traveling to/from locations on campus, ascending/descending stairs, reaching and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.

Compensation: Faculty salaries are based on the School's salary scale, education, and experience. The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $78,000 with an additional $10,000 department head leadership stipend that is separate from the base salary. Department Heads receive one course remission in addition to the leadership stipend.

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.  

Note: All offers of employment are contingent upon enrollment and the successful completion of state and federal background checks. Walnut Hill does not provide visa sponsorship.  

About Walnut Hill School for the Arts

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theatre, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that compliments and supports our diverse community. Commitment to the school’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.

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