Social Studies Department Head (2026-27 SY)

Position Overview

The Social Studies Department is responsible for the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Social Studies Department grades 6-12 for the Weston Public Schools. This is a full-time role that includes teaching responsibilities. the Department Head will receive release time in the range of 25-50%. Department Heads provide leadership under the overall direction of the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, who has authority to approve all programs and changes. Department Heads assist in the research and implementation of best practices in curriculum and instruction and take the lead in developing the curriculum and in updating all courses and subject matter to be consistent with system-wide goals and objectives. Department Heads are responsible for the overall quality of instruction in the 6-12 department and assist the building principals in evaluations of the department members. With the support of the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, Department Heads are responsible for targeted professional development. In addition to the above, Department Heads also work under the direction of the Building Principals in leading and managing in the district. Therefore, Department Heads require effective and ongoing communication and collaboration with faculty and administration, building-based and district-wide.

About the Weston Public Schools

The Weston Public Schools enrolls approximately 2,000 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school district includes a high school for grades 9-12, a middle school for grades 6-8, an upper elementary school for grades 4-5, and two lower elementary schools for pre-kindergarten through grade 3. Since 1967, Weston has participated in METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) - a voluntary school integration program that places Boston residents in suburban schools. The Weston METCO program enrolls approximately 150 students (K-12).

Key Teaching Responsibilities

• Embrace the diversity of the Weston Public Schools by fostering an environment of respect and inclusion
• Establish a culture of learning that reflects the educational importance of the work
• Establish and monitor routines and procedures for the smooth operation of the classroom and the efficient use of time
• Manage student behavior to allow for high levels of engagement with the content
• Model a precise and expressive use of language to effectively communicate with students, including: expectations for learning, directions for activities, and explanations of content
• Use questions, prompts, and discussion techniques to cognitively challenge students, advance high-level thinking and discourse, and promote metacognition
• Intellectually engage all students in learning through well-designed learning tasks and activities that require complex thinking, and include appropriate scaffolding
• Utilize formative and summative assessments to drive instructional planning, monitor student learning, provide feedback to students, and facilitate students' self-monitoring of learning

Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Develops and administers the department budget
• Monitors the instructional programs and activities through classroom observations and meetings
• Acts as a resource to teachers on matters of teaching method, course content, and student behavioral challenges
• Assists the Assistant Superintendent in setting program priorities and identifying in-service training needs for teachers
• Assists in planning summer workshops
• Coordinates student assessment and grade reporting for the department
• Supports the hiring and onboarding of new teachers
• Assists the principals in assigning staff
• At the request of the Assistant Superintendent, serves as subject consultant 6-12 in the investigation of specific subject matter issues or the development of new programs
• Other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications

• Hold a valid Massachusetts license as a History/Social Science Teacher (5-12) and a Supervisor/Director by time of appointment
• Minimum 5 years experience as a Middle/High School Social Studies Teacher
• Master''s degree required
• Excellent team building and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills - clear writer, effective facilitator/public speaker

Compensation and Benefits

The Social Studies Department Head is a school-year role (189 days over a full school year), represented by the Weston Education Association, and entitled to the same salary schedule as teachers and other professional staff. In addition to the base salary, the Department Head will be eligible for a leadership stipend between $14,200 - $17,750. The Weston Public Schools also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including subsidized health insurance and participation in the Massachusetts Teachers'' Retirement System. Professional growth is ongoing in Weston and supported through multiple opportunities, both internally and externally.

Hiring Timeline

This position is for the 2026-27 school year. Please note that we will carefully review every application, but only candidates invited to advance in the hiring process will be contacted.