Department: Academics 

Reports to: Associate Head of School 

Status: Full-time, 10-month faculty position

About Us

Westover School is a gender-inclusive girls boarding and day school for grades 9–12. Our community is built on close student–adult relationships, shared responsibility, and a deep belief that young people thrive when expectations are clear, care is consistent, and belonging is intentional.

Westover educators are not only teachers but mentors, advisors, leaders, and community members who contribute meaningfully to the academic, social, and residential life of the school.

Position Summary

Westover School seeks a collaborative, student-centered educator to serve as History Department Head. The Department Head will lead a dynamic history program grounded in historical inquiry, analytical writing, and engaged discussion while fostering a departmental culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth.

This individual will teach history courses, support and mentor faculty within the department, and partner closely with school leadership to advance curricular goals and student learning outcomes. The Department Head contributes meaningfully to students’ intellectual growth, character development, and well-being while participating fully in the life of the school community through teaching, advising, residential life participation, and collaboration with colleagues.

Responsibilities and Duties

Department Leadership

• Provide leadership and support for the History Department, fostering a collaborative and student-centered departmental culture.
• Facilitate department meetings and ongoing curriculum planning and review.
• Support faculty growth through collaboration, mentorship, classroom support, and professional dialogue.
• Partner with the Associate Head of School on departmental goals, hiring processes, scheduling, and program development.
• Promote consistency and alignment in curriculum, assessment practices, and student expectations across courses.
• Support the implementation of inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices within the department.

Teaching and Learning

• Teach a full course load or equivalent thereof, including introductory Historical Inquiry, World History, and other social science courses as assigned.
• Encourage historical inquiry, discussion-based learning, and analytical writing.
• Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with departmental curriculum.
• Create a classroom environment that supports belonging, respect, student engagement, and academic risk-taking.
• Assess student learning regularly and provide timely, meaningful feedback.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date grading and course materials.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Student Support and Community Engagement

• Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, providing academic and personal support.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress.
• Support students beyond the classroom through meetings, extra help, and informal connection.
• Support the residential life program, including evening and weekend responsibilities during the academic year.
• Participate in school events, traditions, and community activities.

Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across disciplines.
• Attend faculty meetings, professional development, and required school functions.
• Uphold school policies, community standards, and professional expectations.
• Contribute positively to a respectful, inclusive, and collegial faculty culture.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Social Sciences, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Teaching experience in secondary education required; independent school experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, or departmental coordination experience preferred.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for teaching history and writing, commitment to student development, and enthusiasm for ongoing collaboration with colleagues.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in classrooms and throughout campus. Faculty are expected to maintain a visible presence in the school community and to participate in occasional evening or weekend events.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout campus and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work at a computer and communicate in person and electronically.
• Ability to lift or move up to approximately 25 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, 10-month faculty position. Compensation is commensurate with experience and aligned with Westover’s faculty salary scale. Westover School offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Health and vision insurance
• Dental reimbursement
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Professional development support

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Westover School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and strongly encourage applications from candidates from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, as well as those with non-traditional career paths.