Poly Prep seeks applicants for the position of Science Department Chair for the 2024-2025 academic year. We seek a passionate scientist and visionary leader who is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and empowering all of our students by fostering extensive cultural competencies and scientific habits of mind that will propel them to productively engage in life-long inquiry. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with proven interpersonal skills who will promote the pursuit of academic excellence in the study and practice of science by inspiring our students and faculty alike. We seek an individual who is both an excellent teacher and a collaborative leader eager to promote faculty’s professional growth; advance deep knowledge of curricular and pedagogical best practices, including integrative and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning; and engage in progressive thinking and initiative-building in the service of offering our students an outstanding science education.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Teaching Responsibilities: 

• Teach 3 classes/sections 
• Pursue innovative approaches to science teaching, including providing student opportunities to engage with scientists and other practitioners
• Work with students on an individual basis, as need be, and engage them in science research and experimentation
• Keep accurate grades, effectively and supportively communicate with students and families, and provide written and oral feedback on student progress consistently throughout the school year
• Support the department’s commitment to serving a range of learners in innovative and engaging ways

Leadership Responsibilities: 

• Promote a vision for the department’s growth as a leader in science education
• Support faculty self-evaluation, professional development, and scholarship
• Lead regularly scheduled departmental meetings and participate in weekly faculty, grade-level, and department chair meetings
• Evaluate faculty within the context of departmental and individual goals, and motivate them to pursue professional growth
• Familiarize the department with NSTA position statements on Safety and School Science Instruction and adhere to New York state and municipal rules and regulations regarding safety in school science facilities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Head of School, Academics and the Head of School
• Actively participate in school events throughout the academic year.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Applicants must have earned, at a minimum, a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study.

Experience: 3-5 years of teaching experience.

Requirements: Excellent writing, oral communication, and interpersonal skills required.

Knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and integrative and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning strongly preferred. 

Additional Requirement: All employees must be fully vaccinated and show proof of their full COVID 19 vaccination.

Salary Range: $85,710 - $147,487

Poly Prep strives to be an equitable, just, and diverse community, one proud of and deeply committed to empowering students to discover who they are and what they want to be. In keeping with the country day school philosophy, we seek community members who will share a passion for learning in and out of the classroom. 

We offer a supportive environment, with a full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a generous match on our 403(b) retirement plan, long-term disability, flexible spending account, pre-tax commute benefit, and free lunch).   

How to Apply: Click [Apply for this position] to submit your resume, cover letter, and specific evidence of qualifications to Michal Hershkovitz, Assistant Head of School, Academics.

Poly Prep is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.