English Department Chair/Teacher (K–12)

English Department Chair/Teacher (K–12)

The Nightingale-Bamford School seeks an enthusiastic, dynamic, and collegial English Department Chair and Teacher to lead our K–12 English Department beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. The Department Chair will be an accomplished educator who communicates high standards for both teaching and learning, demonstrates a deep commitment to best practices in English instruction, and fosters a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture.

At Nightingale, Department Chairs serve an essential academic leadership role with responsibility for the development and stewardship of their department, its curriculum, and teaching staff. Reporting to the Assistant Head for Academic Affairs, Nightingale’s Department Chairs work together to oversee departmental alignment with the School’s mission and vision of academic excellence, the sequence and content of their curricula, the daily operation and oversight of their departments, and the support and well-being of their department members. 

Chairs are responsible for leading  ongoing conversations about curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment,  ensuring excellence and coherence across Nightingale’s  K-12 program, and supporting faculty growth through mentorship and feedback. They serve as key liaisons between faculty and school leadership, work to translate vision into practice, and share decision-making  responsibility for a cohesive, forward-thinking, and evolving academic program.

To support this work, Department Chairs receive a one-course release (or equivalent to a 1/4-time role)  and an $8,000 base stipend plus additional  funding for departments with more than six members. Chairs are 10-month positions with the expectation of availability for up to two weeks over the summer to support hiring, new employees, departmental curriculum work, scheduling and course placement.

Responsibilities

(including but not limited to)

Curriculum Leadership

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing refinement of a cohesive, 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 are diverse and culturally responsive.
• Promote culturally responsive and inclusive pedagogy that reflects a wide range of voices and experiences.
• Lead efforts to integrate interdisciplinary connections and innovative instructional methodologies, including project-based and inquiry-driven learning.
  Ensure a clearly articulated scope and sequence for all departmental curricula.
• Manage the daily operation and supervision of the department, including maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, implementing needed changes, and fostering constructive working relationships with administrators and colleagues.

Faculty Support & Professional Development

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate English faculty to ensure excellence in instruction and ongoing professional growth.
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and support in curriculum design, pedagogy, and assessment practices.
• Organize and facilitate department meetings, workshops, and professional development aligned with best practices in English education.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, reflection, innovation, and continuous learning among faculty.

Student Learning & Assessment

• Ensure consistent, 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 designing authentic and differentiated assessments that 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.

Teaching Responsibilities

Department Chairs are expected to teach three courses (or the equivalent of a 3/4-time role) in their respective department and to take on other responsibilities as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English or a related field; Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• Five to ten years of experience teaching English at the middle and/or upper school level.
• Demonstrated excellence in classroom management and instructional practice.

Personal and Professional Characteristics

• A strong alignment with the mission of The Nightingale-Bamford School.
• Demonstrated cultural competence.
• Excellent attention to detail, sound judgment, high integrity, and a strong work ethic.
  A supportive, compassionate, and student-centered approach to teaching and leadership.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style.
• Superb oral and written communication skills.
• High initiative and a proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• A sense of humor and an appreciation of this trait in others.

Salary Range

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $85,000–$135,000. When extending an offer, Nightingale considers factors including (but not limited to) the scope of the role, the candidate’s experience and education, key skills, internal equity, and market 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 is deeply committed to cultivating a community rooted in principals of  belonging and inclusion, the foundations of excellent teaching and learning. We expect all community members to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in this work.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

It is the policy of the School to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, 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.

The School does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law, including, but not limited to, with respect to recruiting, interviewing, hiring, staffing, training, promotions, compensation practices, employee benefits, school-administered 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.