English Department Chair

The English Department at Nightingale seeks an enthusiastic, dynamic, and collegial K-12 Department Head and Teacher for our English Department for the 2025-2026 school year. Candidates will possess and communicate high standards for their subject matter and their students and show a commitment to the best practices of teaching. Nightingale-Bamford’s English teachers collaborate to create curriculum and assessments, so candidates should be prepared to work as active members. They should be skilled in conducting writing workshops as well as leading literature discussions. All Nightingale faculty members are expected to value diversity as a source of strength, to commit to equity and inclusion, and to contribute to the school community outside of the classroom. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but are not limited to): 

CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP

• Lead the department in the design, implementation, and refinement of a cohesive and vertically aligned K-12 English curriculum that meets the developmental needs of students.
• Ensure the curriculum fosters critical literacy, analytical writing, and effective communication, integrating both classical and contemporary texts that is diverse and culturally responsive.
• Promote culturally responsive and inclusive pedagogy that reflects diverse voices and experiences.
• Lead efforts to integrate interdisciplinary connections and innovative methodologies, including project-based and inquiry-driven learning.
• Ensure a scope and sequence of departmental curricula
• Manage the daily operation and supervision of the department which includes creating and maintaining superior standards in teaching among teachers and learning among students, bringing about needed changes within their department, and maintaining constructive working relations with other administrators

FACULTY SUPPORT & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate English faculty to ensure high-quality instruction and professional growth.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and support to teachers in curriculum design, pedagogy, and assessment.
• Organize department meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities that align with best practices in English education.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, reflection, and continuous learning among faculty.

STUDENT LEARNING & ASSESSMENT

• Ensure consistent and meaningful assessment practices that measure student growth in reading, writing, and critical thinking.
• Analyze student performance data to inform instructional practices and curricular adjustments.
• Support teachers in developing authentic and differentiated assessments to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Promote a love of literature and writing through student-centered initiatives such as literary publications, book clubs, and writing contests.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in English or a related field; Master’s or PhD preferred 
• At least five to ten years of teaching English at the middle and/or upper school level
• Excellent classroom management skills
• Willingness to teach three English classes

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS 

• A shared understanding of the mission of the School and a demonstrated commitment to the core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Demonstrated cultural competence and an ability to understand, appreciate, and work with constituents across varied backgrounds and cultures
• Excellent attention to detail, professional attitude, good judgment, a high level of integrity and a strong work ethic
• A supportive and compassionate approach to teaching 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively 
• Superb oral and written communication skills
• High level of initiative and a proven ability to work collaboratively
• A sense of humor and an appreciation of this trait in others.

SALARY RANGE: 

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, this position's annual salary range is $85,000 - $120,000. When extending an offer, Nightingale considers factors such as (but not limited to) the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market and organizational considerations.

HOW TO APPLY 

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter and resume online at https://www.nightingale.org/careers.

ABOUT THE NIGHTINGALE-BAMFORD SCHOOL 

Founded by two bold, visionary educators in 1920, The Nightingale-Bamford School’s mission is to inspire girls to go beyond barriers. Tied to this mission is a broader vision of students who are joyful learners who have the intellectual depth and courage to be critical thinkers, compassionate citizens, and agents of their own lives. Nightingale educates girls’ minds and hearts and, in so doing, infuses 

their lives with meaningful relationships, teaching them to value difference as a means of growth and empowering them to question the status quo with confidence, empathy, resilience, and reason. Nightingale’s commitment to social justice and anti-racism requires that all community members engage actively and thoughtfully in work around diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

It is the policy of the School to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, military status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The School’s employment practices and decisions adhere to the principles of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. 

This commitment to equal opportunity applies to and is reflected in all School activities, including, but not limited to, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, staffing, training, promotions, compensation practices, employee benefits, social programs, discipline, and termination of employment. The School maintains zero tolerance for violations of this policy and expects all employees to abide by and support this policy without reservation. The School prohibits retaliation against any employee who in good faith makes a report under this policy.