Department Chair - Social Studies

Position Title: Department Chair
Classification (FLSA): Full-time, Exempt
Position Group: Teacher
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Union Membership: Proviso Teachers Union, Local 571, AFL-CIO
Reports to: Director of Instructional Framework and Support  Building Principal
Anticipated Work Year & Hours*: 180 Days, plus five (5) workdays immediately preceding the first regularly scheduled teacher workday each school year. 

Department Chair shall receive a minimum of two (2) regularly scheduled periods of released time daily to perform their duties and responsibilities, as defined in the job description. Based on the operational needs of the District and at the sole discretion of the Superintendent, a Department Chair may be granted up to a maximum of three (3) released periods per day. The number of released periods assigned to each Department Chair is not required to be uniform across all departments and may vary depending on departmental scope, size, or other relevant factors, as determined by the Superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent of School Improvement.

Term: (2026-2027 School Year)

General Description 

Department Chairs at Proviso Township High Schools serve as instructional leaders dedicated to improving classroom instruction through the successful implementation of the Proviso Instructional Framework.  They act as instructional coaches, facilitators of adult learning, and models of best practice within their departments and schools. 

Minimum Required Qualifications
Employees are responsible for obtaining/retaining the most current statutory and administrative rule requirements for their position. 

• Education/Training: Minimum of a Master's Degree 

• Licensure: Valid Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL) or CTE license for grades 9�12 

• Endorsement: In subject area of the department 

• Experience: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience in area of discipline, demonstrating a deep understanding of effective instructional practices. 

• Demonstrated understanding of and compliance with District policies, procedures, and guidelines. 

Desired Qualifications 

• ESL or Bilingual Certification (Grades 9�12) 

• Special Education Endorsement (LBS1) 

• Multiple subject-area endorsements within the department, where applicable  

• Experience teaching a variety of levels of coursework (e.g., honors, AP, IH) 

• Ability to design and deliver interactive presentations for large and small groups and to coach colleagues in effective instructional strategies 

• Capacity to critically evaluate and enhance the quality of education within one's discipline 

• Strong understanding of data-driven instruction and assessment, with proven ability to analyze student data to support teaching 

• Excellent verbal, written, and public-speaking skills 

• Proficiency with educational and presentation technologies 

• Sensitivity to and effectiveness in working with a diverse school and community 

• Ability to foster growth, motivate colleagues, and build a positive, organized learning environment 

• Documentable equity-based leadership ability and success working in challenging environments 

• Willingness to fully participate in all district curriculum and instruction initiatives and projects 

• Broad, up-to-date knowledge and experience in one's discipline, with a commitment to lifelong learning 

• Enthusiastic, open, and organized approach to teaching and collaboration 

• Able to prioritize Department Chair work by limiting competing priorities 

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish  

Distribution of Key Responsibilities  

Teaching � 25% 

Coaching � 50% 

Leading Professional Learning � 20%