Upper School History Department Chair

St. Luke’s School, a secular (non-religious), college-preparatory day school serving grades 5 through 12 in New Canaan, Connecticut, seeks an Upper School History Department Chair. A successful candidate will lead a team of passionate teachers who bring history to life for students. Our History Department faculty are enthusiastic people who love teaching and learning. We hold advanced degrees but wear our intellectualism lightly. We pride ourselves on professionalism, collegiality, and the supportive, innovative environment that is conducive to exceptional teacher development. 

As Department Chair - with clarity, compassion, and creativity - you will lead the professional growth and development of the five full-time and four part-time teachers in the department. You will shape the ongoing design and delivery of a dynamic History curriculum that prepares students for advanced courses of study. The St. Luke’s Educator Competencies form the foundation of our professional work. As a Department Chair, you will work closely with the Assistant Head of School for Academics and have opportunities to continue to grow as a leader. 

History teachers play a formative role in helping students learn how to think carefully about the political, economic, and social frameworks that shape our world, both past and present. We seek a colleague who encourages students to engage with serious ideas with curiosity rather than certainty, and to discuss complex and sometimes contested questions in a manner that is age-appropriate, disciplined, and grounded in civil discourse, both in the classroom and beyond.

The History Department is asking the same questions as humanities teachers everywhere: how do we assert the centrality of reading, thinking, and writing in an age of LLMs, bytes, and reels? Which texts and teaching methods are timeless, which are relevant, and which are we simply fond of? How do we craft a curriculum that not only includes but also celebrates multiple perspectives? How do we leverage Artificial Intelligence while ensuring students can think critically and express their own unique voices? How can we best align our writing practices so students experience a spiraling curriculum, so each year builds upon the last, and so students more consistently apply the feedback they receive? How can we best engage our students with charged or controversial issues in constructive ways? Determined to explore these questions in partnership with our students, we are looking for a highly collaborative colleague who revels in the discussion, is as engaged by the questions as by the answers, and brings expertise to share in student-led learning as described in the school’s Strategic Plan. This is an exciting opportunity for a teacher who is eager to help shape the curricular direction for the Upper School History program.

The Upper School Humanities wing includes Harkness tables in nearly every classroom.  Our Upper School History curriculum includes an Advanced Curriculum, a variety of 12th grade electives, and the opportunity for seniors to participate in a capstone research project as Global or Literary Scholars.  

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct ongoing observations and evaluations of department teachers to foster their continuous professional growth and renewal.
• Collaborate as a member of the Academic Council with fellow department chairs in the development and delivery of St. Luke’s academic program.
• Work with the Middle School History Department Chair and faculty to fully align our middle-through-high school History course of study, especially our writing program.
• Teach a full-time course load of four Upper School History classes: primarily ancient history in 9th grade and modern world history in 10th grade. 
• Help lead or assist in an after-school activity for three seasons.
• Serve as co-advisor for a group of 6 to 8 students.
• Assist with supervisory and other duties as assigned, such as lunchroom or chaperoning events. 

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Minimum of 5 years’ History classroom teaching experience
• Desire to work with high school students from 9th graders just beginning high school through 12th graders doing advanced coursework
• Expert knowledge of writing curriculum and pedagogy 
• Demonstrated excellence in the collaborative design and delivery of student-led learning and creative use of technology
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to navigate conflict skillfully while building authentic relationships with students and adults alike
• An inspiring, creative, innovative classroom teaching practice
• Commitment to collaboration with colleagues
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong cultural competency skills, with demonstrated commitment to furthering an equitable and inclusive school community 
• Eagerness to develop student agency through meaningful learning experiences
• Dedication to cultivating a sense of belonging in students by building trusting relationships 
• Experience providing clear and actionable feedback to students, grounded in a growth mindset
• Desire to continue growing professionally 

Candidates who advance in the interview process should be able to provide lesson plans and a portfolio of assignments that reflect current research-supported educational practices.

Located in New Canaan, Connecticut, St. Luke’s attracts families from over 35 towns throughout Connecticut and New York. A combination of challenging academics and truly exceptional community support distinguishes St. Luke’s and encourages our students to go above and beyond their own expectations. St. Luke’s offers an inclusive environment where differences in race, culture, and personal beliefs are embraced as assets that enhance education. St. Luke’s prides itself on being a forward-thinking school where students hone their own distinct leadership skills - developing a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead.

St. Luke’s School is an equal opportunity employer. St. Luke’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law with regard to hiring, terms and conditions of employment or educational programs. We strive to provide a welcoming educational environment where the value and dignity of every member is respected.