Social Studies Department Head; SY

Position Overview

The Social Studies Department Head leads the 6-12 grade social studies program for the Weston Public Schools. This full‑time role includes teaching responsibilities and release time ranging from 25% to 50%. The department head works under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning and collaborates with building principals and district leadership to ensure high‑quality instruction, curriculum development, and professional growth.

• Create an inclusive learning environment that respects diversity.
• Establish a culture of learning aligned with educational goals.
• Set and monitor classroom routines and procedures for smooth operation.
• Manage student behavior to sustain high engagement.
• Use precise, expressive language to communicate expectations, directions, and content.
• Employ questions, prompts, and discussion techniques to challenge students cognitively and promote metacognition.
• Design learning tasks that require complex thinking and provide appropriate scaffolding.
• Use formative and summative assessments to guide instruction, monitor learning, provide feedback, and support student self‑monitoring.

• Develop and manage the department budget.
• Observe classrooms and conduct meetings to monitor instructional programs.
• Serve as a resource to teachers on pedagogy, content, and student behavior.
• Assist the Assistant Superintendent in setting program priorities and identifying in‑service training needs.
• Plan and coordinate summer workshops.
• Oversee student assessment and grade reporting for the department.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and staff assignments.
• Act as a subject consultant for 6‑12 when requested by the Assistant Superintendent.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Valid Massachusetts license as a History/Social Science Teacher (Grades 5‑12) and a Supervisor/Director license by appointment.
• Minimum five years of experience teaching middle or high school social studies.
• Master’s degree required.
• Strong team‑building and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; effective facilitator and public speaker.
• Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.

The role is a school‑year position (189 days). Salary follows the same scale as teachers and professional staff, ranging from $77,499 to $151,439 per year. The department head receives a leadership stipend between $14,200 and $17,750. Benefits include subsidized health insurance, participation in the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

The Weston Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or disability.

• Susan Bairstow, Principal, Weston High School
• 444 Wellesley Street
• Weston, Massachusetts 02493
• Phone: 781‑786‑5800
• Email: bairstows