PreK-12 Science Department Chair

Job Description:

The Blake School seeks to hire a PK-12 science department chair to lead the department starting in the 2025-26 school year. 

For this role, we seek…

An Innovator 

   A strong candidate will… 

…use creative solution-based thinking and seek new opportunities for student engagement. They will actively seek professional development opportunities and will be reflective, open to feedback and eager for professional collaboration. 

…have deep emotional intelligence, extensive teaching experience in a PK-12 environment and a passion for sharing best practice pedagogy in the field—especially modeling and inquiry-based curricula.

…identify opportunities to expand or enhance the science curriculum within and across divisions.

…design PK-12 and divisional department meetings and professional learning experiences.

A Collaborator

   A strong candidate will… 

…partner with other department chairs and with division directors to design, coordinate and integrate course content and offerings.

…work closely with department faculty to oversee the evolution and alignment of the science curriculum, consistent with Blake’s mission. 

…be a strong team member and contributor in administrative teams that convene to support institutional vision and mission. 

…collaborate closely with divisional administrators on hiring, retaining, coaching and evaluating department faculty.

…collaborate with Admissions and Communications Offices to share with constituents and prospective families the department’s philosophy, vision and offerings.

An Expert 

  A strong candidate will… 

…see the opportunities and challenges inherent in working with adolescents and will eagerly embrace both. 

…have familiarity with adolescents' developmental growth for both vertical and horizontal alignment in the PK-12 science curriculum. 

… demonstrate familiarity with research about student learning, science curriculum design and constructivist teaching. 

…envision and support professional development for science faculty so that each teacher can effectively implement a wide range of best-practice instructional and assessment strategies.

A Culture-Builder

   A strong candidate will… 

…be fully committed to meeting both the academic and social-emotional needs of students. 

…build community and collegiality by being a reliable and accessible presence across campuses and divisions.

…possess an understanding of and commitment to modeling and teaching intercultural competence. 

…demonstrate the ability to understand and bridge diverse perspectives, identities, and lived experiences, and empower students to engage across differences.

…be committed to equitable practices. 

…develop and maintain connections with relevant programs, institutions and thought leaders in the Twin Cities and beyond.

A Professional 

   A strong candidate will… 

…possess curiosity and continue to develop knowledge of content, curriculum and best practices in teaching and learning

…possess strong communication skills and the ability to deftly navigate between communication appropriate to students, families and colleagues.

The search committee will begin reviewing resumes on Jan. 15, 2025; we warmly welcome applications after that date as well. Blake will cover travel and lodging costs for finalist visits to campus.

Experience and Skills:

Curricular and Programmatic Leadership  

• Develop a thorough understanding of the curriculum through one-on-one conversations, classroom observations, department meetings and a careful review of current courses
• Teach up to two class sections, modeling best practices in science instruction and inspiring a love of science in students
• Represent the department’s program on school committees 
• Oversee and communicate about department budget

Faculty Support and Evaluation

• Work with division and assistant division directors to support faculty members within your department through their Effective Teaching Initiative (ETI) review process  

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in science with a strong preference for an advanced degree or work toward an advanced degree in a relevant field
• Substantial professional experience in science education with a preference for experience teaching in multiple divisions PK-12
• Superb interpersonal and communication skills
• Logistical and organizational acumen, reflecting the needs of a multi-campus, three-division school
• Knowledge of and commitment to learning about best practices in science pedagogy
• Demonstrated ability to coach and evaluate faculty
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets

Department chairs work closely with division directors and report directly to the Associate Head of School.

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,316 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake's mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE