Department Chair — Forest Park, IL at Proviso Township

About the Role

The Department Chair at Proviso Township High Schools serves as a vital instructional leader dedicated to elevating classroom instruction through the successful implementation of the Proviso Instructional Framework. Acting as an instructional coach, a facilitator of adult learning, and a model of best practice, this role is designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement within departments and across the school.

In this position, you will bridge the gap between district vision and classroom reality. You will spend your time collaborating with the Director of Instructional Framework to align departmental practices, leading professional learning cycles, and providing non-evaluative coaching to teachers. The role requires a balance of teaching (25%), coaching (50%), leading professional learning (20%), and miscellaneous support (5%). Department Chairs are granted released time to perform these duties, ensuring they can focus on deepening instructional expertise and supporting their colleagues.

The Hiring Process

We are seeking a rigorous, transparent selection process to identify candidates who demonstrate exceptional instructional expertise and leadership capacity. The process includes:

Application and Screening: A review of qualifications, leadership experience, and alignment with district instructional priorities.
Framework Alignment Exercise: Candidates will observe a live or recorded lesson to demonstrate their ability to analyze instruction, identify evidence of student learning, and provide actionable, standards-aligned feedback.
Artifact Review: Submission of artifacts showcasing instructional coaching and professional development facilitation, such as coaching plans, feedback tools, and data-driven decision-making examples.
Panel Interview: A discussion with a cross-functional team of district and school-based leaders to assess instructional leadership, coaching practices, and equity-driven decision-making.

Our Culture and Commitment

Proviso Township High Schools District 209 is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment. We value sensitivity to and effectiveness in working with a diverse school and community. As a Department Chair, you will be expected to demonstrate equity-based leadership and the ability to work successfully in challenging environments.

We believe in the power of collaborative inquiry and reflective practice. This role offers the opportunity to build a positive, organized learning environment where teachers are motivated to grow. Participation in school events, meetings, and extended professional development sessions is an integral part of our shared commitment to student success.

Contact Information

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact the Office of Human Resources at Proviso Township High Schools District 209, 8601 W. Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL 60130, or call (708) 338-5900.

Work location

Work model: On-site

U.S. Bank, 7525, Madison Street, Forest Park, Proviso Township, Cook County, Illinois, 60130, United States

Forest Park, Illinois

Key Responsibilities

check_circleCollaborate with the Director of Instructional Framework to align departmental practices with district expectations
check_circleChampion the Proviso Instructional Framework by modeling and reinforcing its principles in all interactions
check_circleLead and monitor alignment of instructional practices through intentional planning, observation, and feedback cycles
check_circleEstablish and implement an instructional support schedule including classroom visits and coaching cycles
check_circleMonitor fidelity of instructional framework implementation using walkthroughs, lesson artifacts, and formative data
check_circleServe as a primary decision-maker for departmental professional learning by identifying needs and planning supports
check_circlePartner with district leadership to co-plan professional learning priorities and align session content to initiatives
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Requirements

verifiedMaster's Degree
verifiedValid Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL) or CTE license for grades 9-12
verifiedEndorsement in subject area of the department
verifiedMinimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience in area of discipline

Nice to Have

ESL or Bilingual Certification (Grades 9-12), Special Education Endorsement (LBS1), Multiple subject-area endorsements within the department, Experience teaching a variety of levels of coursework (e.g., honors, AP, IH), Ability to design and deliver interactive presentations for large and small groups and to coach colleagues in effective instructional strategies, Capacity to critically evaluate and enhance the quality of education within one's discipline, Strong understanding of data-driven instruction and assessment, with proven ability to analyze student data to support teaching, Excellent verbal, written, and public-speaking skills, Proficiency with educational and presentation technologies, Sensitivity to and effectiveness in working with a diverse school and community, Ability to foster growth, motivate colleagues, and build a positive, organized learning environment, Documentable equity-based leadership ability and success working in challenging environments, Willingness to fully participate in all district curriculum and instruction initiatives and projects, Broad, up-to-date knowledge and experience in one's discipline, with a commitment to lifelong learning, Enthusiastic, open, and organized approach to teaching and collaboration, Ability to prioritize Department Chair work by limiting competing priorities, Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish

Benefits & Perks

check_circleTwo to three regularly scheduled periods of released time daily

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Illinois Professional Educators License, Cte License, Esl Certification, Bilingual Certification, Special Education Endorsement, LBS1, English, Spanish, Data-Driven Instruction, Instructional Framework.

Education: Minimum of a Master's Degree required.

Frequently asked questions about Department Chair - Science at Proviso Township Schools

What does a Department Chair - Science at Proviso Township Schools do?expand_more

A Department Chair - Science at Proviso Township Schools is responsible for the following: Collaborate with the Director of Instructional Framework to align departmental practices with district expectations; Champion the Proviso Instructional Framework by modeling and reinforcing its principles in all interactions; Lead and monitor alignment of instructional practices through intentional planning, observation, and feedback cycles; and Establish and implement an instructional support schedule including classroom visits and coaching cycles.

What are the requirements for this Department Chair - Science role?expand_more

Proviso Township Schools is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Master's Degree; Valid Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL) or CTE license for grades 9-12; Endorsement in subject area of the department; and Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience in area of discipline.

Where is the Department Chair - Science role at Proviso Township Schools located?expand_more

Department Chair - Science at Proviso Township Schools is based in U.S. Bank, 7525, Madison Street, Forest Park, Proviso Township, Cook County, Illinois, 60130, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Department Chair - Science job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Proviso Township Schools has listed this Department Chair - Science role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Department Chair - Science role?expand_more

Department Chair - Science at Proviso Township Schools typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience at the senior level.

What skills do you need for the Department Chair - Science role at Proviso Township Schools?expand_more

Key skills for Department Chair - Science at Proviso Township Schools include Illinois Professional Educators License; Cte License; Esl Certification; Bilingual Certification; Special Education Endorsement; LBS1; English; and Spanish.

What education is required for Department Chair - Science at Proviso Township Schools?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Minimum of a Master's Degree required.

What category does the Department Chair - Science role belong to?expand_more

Department Chair - Science at Proviso Township Schools is part of the teaching job category on Recrutus.

Department Chair - Science