Academic Director of Humanities

Job Description

Job Description

Job Posting TitleAcademic Director of Humanities

About UsNorthside Charter High School is a public, college-preparatory charter school serving grades 9–12 in North Williamsburg/Greenpoint (Brooklyn, New York). Our mission is to provide an enriching and innovative learning environment where students achieve postsecondary readiness, and our vision is that college completion becomes both expectation and reality for all students. We pursue this mission through an explicit IDEA commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Anti-Racism, actively dismantling barriers and treating every identity as an asset. Our community lives on four core values: Commitment, Accountability, Respect, Integrity, which guide every policy and interaction.

Position Summary:

The Academic Director of Humanities at Northside Charter High School will provide visionary leadership in the development, coordination, and implementation of the history and language curricula. The director will support faculty in delivering high-quality, standards-aligned instruction while fostering student success and academic excellence. This role combines curriculum leadership, teacher mentorship, and departmental administration, ensuring that the history and language programs prepare students for academic and personal growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Departmental Leadership:

• Lead and manage the history and language departments, ensuring that teaching aligns with the school's academic vision and New York State standards.

• Develop a shared departmental vision that encourages a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to history and language education.

• Promote collaboration among department staff to foster a dynamic, innovative learning environment.

Curriculum Oversight and Development:

• Design and implement curricula for history and language courses that meet state standards and reflect best practices in education.

• Collaborate with faculty to create a cohesive, interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates critical thinking, cultural awareness, and global perspectives.

• Ensure that curriculum materials are up to date and reflect diverse voices, histories, and languages.

Instructional Support and Teacher Development:

• Provide ongoing mentorship, guidance, and professional development for department faculty to ensure high-quality instruction.

• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide feedback to improve instructional practices.

• Lead initiatives for differentiated instruction, ensuring that all students, including English Language Learners and students with disabilities, have access to a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Assessment, Data Analysis, and Student Achievement:

• Oversee student assessment practices to monitor and support student progress in history and language courses.

• Analyze student performance data and use it to inform instructional adjustments and improve student outcomes.

• Ensure the implementation of innovative assessment methods, including project-based learning and performance-based assessments

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the school administration, other academic directors, and the teaching staff to integrate history and language studies with other subjects and promote interdisciplinary learning.

• Act as a liaison between teachers, students, and parents, providing clear communication about academic expectations, student progress, and departmental initiatives.

• Participate in school leadership meetings, contributing to the overall academic planning and decision-making process.

Event and Program Coordination:

• Lead the planning and execution of school-wide events related to history and language education, such as historical debates, language immersion programs, and cultural celebrations.

• Encourage student participation in extracurricular activities like history clubs, language competitions, and study abroad programs.

Policy and Compliance:

• Ensure that history and language programs are in compliance with state and federal educational standards, including assessments and graduation requirements.

• Stay updated on educational policies and advocate for departmental needs to support curriculum alignment and student achievement.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, History, Language Studies, or a related field.

• New York State certification in educational leadership or administration preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience teaching history or language arts, with a proven record of leadership and curriculum development.

• Expertise in both history and language studies, with a passion for interdisciplinary education.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and families in a diverse school environment.