Who We Are 

Marion P. Thomas Charter School (MPTCS) is the largest independently-operated free public charter school in Newark, NJ. MPTCS was established in 1999 by a group of individuals who were born and raised in Newark and wanted to provide the best possible educational experience for the next generation of Newarkers. The school is one of the only minority-led charter schools in Newark, reflecting both its student population and the community it serves. MPTCS has grown from four classrooms to four campuses and now serves 1,500 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. 

Who We Hire 

As a community-initiated and operated school, each and every MPTCS staff member believes that every child can learn and achieve. You are the right candidate if you are: 

• Passionate about teaching and learning 
• An effective communicator 
• A community relationship builders (students, parents, staff, community-at-large) 
• Committed to making a difference in a child's life every day 
• A Positive thinker and doer 

What Is Your Role 

We are currently seeking a Department of Chair who is passionate about the school's mission of preparing all scholars to be college and career ready, globally aware, and fully equipped to lead in an evolving society. We seek to hire a charismatic, dynamic educator who provides instructional leadership and enhances articulation regarding curriculum alignment with standards, the development and implementation of common assessments, and the use of effective instructional strategies that will meet the needs of all scholars. This is a full-time position and reports to the Principal. 

Responsibilities: 

Under supervision of the School Principal, the Department Chair will possess proven, outstanding abilities in: 

• Instructional Leadership and Supervision, including the capacity to: 
• Inspire and model teaching excellence by teaching one or two classes; 
• Assist teachers with the development of strategies to improve instruction, including classroom management techniques; 
• Cooperate with appropriate personnel in recommendation, placement, and assignment of scholars to levels and special programs; 
• Chair all department meetings; 
• Establish performance goals and review alignment with PD offerings; 
• As requested by the building principal, observe the teaching of members of the department that might need assistance in classroom management, development of lessons, or any other area related to classroom teaching; 
• Lead the effort in working with middle school department staff and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction to coordinate the curriculum throughout the Village; 
• Serve as the communication liaison between the teachers of the department, the principal or assigned VP, and other school groups; 
• Assist new teachers in methodology, technique, material, or any other function needed to enhance their success; 
• Coordinate at least one full interdisciplinary unit; 
• Provide in-service training and turn-keying of information; 
• Assist substitute teachers; 
• Conduct teacher evaluations if requested. 

Curricular Design and Direction:

• Serve as a curriculum leader by assisting in the review of lesson plans and in the development of curriculum, goals, and philosophies 
• Provide leadership to department committees for new text adoptions, and recommend supplementary materials for his/her department. Inventory textbooks and equipment as needed by the administration 
• Assist with implementation of new programs 
• Review requests for new equipment, instructional materials, and supplies for the department 
• Organize procedures regarding tests and homework schedule 
• Be knowledgeable in new trends and developments within his/her departmental content area, and recommend pilot or experimental programs for consideration. 

Assessment and Data-Driven Management:

• Select, use, and interpret evaluation data; 
• Provide guidance and assistance in the maintenance of required diagnostics/prescriptive profiles, records, and portfolios; 
• Produce customized feedback for teachers on how to use data to drive scholar achievement; 
• Help to administer tests, analyze test results, and develop strategies to improve instruction; 
• Work with Intervention Specialist and the Director of Scholar Support Services to ensure continued aligned of targeted intervention; 
• Other Responsibilities 
• Coordinate department duties including preparation of reports, agendas, minutes and surveys; 
• Meet with building administrators and another department chairperson(s) to facilitate articulation; 
• Organize and guide conferences and communications with scholars, parents, support staff and with other teams; 
• Provide input to the master schedule; 
• Participate and encourage team members to participate in all school-wide activities; 
• Assume responsibility for bulletin board displays which should include timely topics, ideas shared with team members; 
• Administer the budget and resources if allocated to the department. 

MPTCS Values: Members of the MPTCS Community will display the following: 

• Understanding and passion for urban education: Drive to make a difference, inspire children to set and achieve stretch goals and culturally sensitive. 
• Commitment to Children: Create a positive learning environment utilizes developmentally appropriate techniques to create and sustain a love of learning; positive and effective behavior management. 
• Collaborate for a Cause: Holds self and others accountable for MPTCS's mission and goals. High energy to achieve goals and willingly crosses boundaries to achieve the mission. Seeks and provides feedback to improve individual and others' performance and treats others with respect and dignity. 
• Analytical/Data Driven in pursuit of Excellence: Leverages systems and information to improve decision-making and performance. Makes fact-based decisions and monitors performance trends to offer and measure improvement. 
• Flexible/innovative/adaptive for goal attainment: Able to think outside the box and proactively seeks new solutions,ideas, and approaches. Adaptable and open minded;takes calculated risks and is a strong problem solver. 
• Lifelong Learner: Able to master and apply new information quickly and reflective; learns from experiences to improve performance…seeks out and leverages professional development. 

Qualifications and Personal Characteristics

• Bachelor's required 
• Prior experience as a department chair, a plus 
• Minimum of five (5) years teaching and leadership experience in an urban setting, charter school experience a plus 
• Track record of high achievement in the classroom and the schools the applicant has served 
• Alignment with MPTCS's core values 
• Demonstrable hands-on expertise in supervising and developing teachers as well as extensive, current knowledge of effective curricular approaches and interventions 
• Passionate commitment to do whatever it takes to achieve student achievement, in particular, a data-driven, results-oriented approach 
• Knowledge of Danielson framework and Teachscape a plus 
• Minimum Supervisor/Principal certification, NJ a plus

Compensation and Benefits

Salary and benefit compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Non-Discriminatory Statement

Marion P. Thomas Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer.