History Department Head

Department: Academics
Reports to: Associate Head of School
Status: Full-time, 10-month faculty position

Westover School is a gender-inclusive girls boarding and day school for grades 9–12. Our community is built on close student–adult relationships, shared responsibility, and a deep belief that young people thrive when expectations are clear, care is consistent, and belonging is intentional.

Westover educators are not only teachers but mentors, advisors, leaders, and community members who contribute meaningfully to the academic, social, and residential life of the school.

Westover School seeks a collaborative, student-centered educator to serve as History Department Head. The Department Head will lead a dynamic history program grounded in historical inquiry, analytical writing, and engaged discussion while fostering a departmental culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth.

This individual will teach history courses, support and mentor faculty within the department, and partner closely with school leadership to advance curricular goals and student learning outcomes. The Department Head contributes meaningfully to students’ intellectual growth, character development, and well-being while participating fully in the life of the school community through teaching, advising, residential life participation, and collaboration with colleagues.

• Provide leadership and support for the History Department, fostering a collaborative and student-centered departmental culture.
• Facilitate department meetings and ongoing curriculum planning and review.
• Support faculty growth through collaboration, mentorship, classroom support, and professional dialogue.
• Partner with the Associate Head of School on departmental goals, hiring processes, scheduling, and program development.
• Promote consistency and alignment in curriculum, assessment practices, and student expectations across courses.
• Support the implementation of inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices within the department.

• Teach a full course load or equivalent thereof, including introductory Historical Inquiry, World History, and other social science courses as assigned.
• Encourage historical inquiry, discussion-based learning, and analytical writing.
• Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with departmental curriculum.
• Create a classroom environment that supports belonging, respect, student engagement, and academic risk-taking.
• Assess student learning regularly and provide timely, meaningful feedback.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date grading and course materials.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

• Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, providing academic and personal support.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress.
• Support students beyond the classroom through meetings, extra help, and informal connection.
• Support the residential life program, including evening and weekend responsibilities during the academic year.
• Participate in school events, traditions, and community activities.

• Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across disciplines.
• Attend faculty meetings, professional development, and required school functions.
• Uphold school policies, community standards, and professional expectations.
• Contribute positively to a respectful, inclusive, and collegial faculty culture.

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Social Sciences, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Teaching experience in secondary education required; independent school experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, or departmental coordination experience preferred.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for teaching history and writing, commitment to student development, and…