Westtown School seeks a visionary, collaborative educational leader to serve as the Upper School Science Department Chair and environmental science teacher. The Chair will represent the science program in the Upper School, providing collaborative leadership to colleagues, and maintaining a cohesive and culturally competent 9-12 science curriculum built on Westtown’s mission to challenge students to realize their individual gifts. The Science Department Chair will implement the Strategic Vision within the Science Department. They will identify ways to embed our priorities in knowledge, community, and environment into daily practices and programming across the division, while also honoring and carrying forward the legacy of Westtonians within the field of science and the study of the natural world. The Department Chair will teach three sections of science, including environmental science and biology.

Westtown School is an independent, Quaker co-educational, pre-K to 12, college preparatory day and boarding school located in suburban West Chester, PA, approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia. Leading by example, Westtown adopts sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible resource management. This is demonstrated through Westtown's inspiring campus, a 600-acre, biodiverse, natural setting that includes a 14-acre lake, an arboretum, mature forest, greenhouse, and an instructional organic farm. Our campus is a living laboratory, perfect for field research, that supports thriving ecosystems and wildlife habitats, allowing students to experience and study the natural world while at school. Our natural campus setting is interconnected with Westtown's commitment to reducing its environmental impact through renewable energy. These resources serve as cross-curricular, interdisciplinary teaching tools for faculty to use in developing experiential project- and place-based learning opportunities for students. 

 Essential Responsibilities

Curriculum Oversight and Leadership: Serve as a leader in curriculum and pedagogy trends in the discipline and guide the department in growth and direction; lead the department in embedding culturally competent and responsive teaching practices into curriculum; prioritize ways to incorporate institutional sustainability and science initiatives into teaching and learning; lead curriculum review work with attention to best practices as well as alignment with the school’s mission and strategic vision.
Teaching Responsibilities: Teach three environmental science or biology classes that emphasize field research both on and off of our campus, experiential learning, and a connection to the natural world; develop culturally competent lessons and learning activities that promote problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills while encouraging risk-taking in learning.
Upper School Responsibilities: Advise a small group of students, serve on school committees, participate in the co-curricular program by coaching interscholastic sports, facilitating lifelong fitness programs such as yoga, or collaborative activities such as robotics. Faculty contribute to our residential program as either Dorm Parents or Dorm Affiliates. Both roles require one weeknight of evening duty per week and scheduled weekend duties throughout the academic year. Housing may be available for faculty participating in the Upper School residential program, but it is not guaranteed.
Course Placement: Confirm proper placement in curriculum for all Upper School students with special attention to international students from a variety of international school curricula (at time of course registration, end of the year, and at semester grade report periods); communicate with students, advisors, and families about recommended or required adjustments.
Admission: Work with the Admission office to coordinate recruitment of science students; communicate regularly with admissions directors; coordinate Science Center tours and represent the Science Department at admissions events. 
Faculty Support and Evaluation: Observe science faculty using the growth and renewal framework, provide constructive feedback and support, recommend professional development and community involvement for all department faculty, and work with the US Dean of Academics and US Principal to determine faculty teaching assignments.
Administrative Department Management: Arrange for appropriate substitute coverage for classes; read all grade reports written by department faculty; follow-up with department members on appropriateness and quality of grade reports; hold regular department meetings; set and create a team approach to accomplish department goals; attend to care and maintenance of classrooms and equipment; in the US order materials and supplies and manage the Science Department budget.
Communication: Serve as liaison for communication to department members about topics discussed with administrators and help the department support the school’s strategic initiatives; attend meetings of the US Department Chairs Committee and report back to the department. 
Hiring: Coordinate with the US Principal to fill open department positions with leadership over academic concerns. 
Independent Study Leadership: Support Upper School students in directed independent study.
Qualifications

A minimum of 8 years of relevant classroom teaching experience; 
A Master's degree in a science field is preferred; 
A collaborative approach to teaching and learning;
Enthusiasm for full participation in the curricular, co-curricular, and residential duties required of a full-time Upper School faculty member; 
An understanding of the unique developmental, social, and academic needs of Upper School students;
Familiarity with Google products and the integration of a learning management system, Canvas, into best teaching practices;
Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize responsibilities;
Highly developed oral and written communication skills with the ability to effectively manage interpersonal conflicts;
Experience in coaching interscholastic sports and an eagerness to participate in the athletics program are a plus;
A demonstrated commitment to inclusive Quaker pedagogy based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
A strong character with a team-oriented spirit, and the ability to connect meaningfully with students and adults throughout our diverse community;
Strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an educational philosophy consistent with the school’s Quaker values.
For additional information about Westtown School and to explore current career opportunities, please visit our website westtown.edu/careers. Interested applicants can apply online by submitting their resume, cover letter, and three professional references, directly to the specific job posting on the faculty employment portal.