Website The Branson School
About The Branson School
The Branson School is a coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 320 students, grades 9-12, located in Marin County, California. Branson is more than just a great school. It’s an ever-evolving educational community that challenges and supports students as they grow into confident, thoughtful, ethical people.
We encourage students to be brave in whatever they do – in the classroom, on the field, on stage, in the community, even with their peers. The faculty values collaboration, continual growth and improvement, reflection, and student centered teaching. Branson teachers work in a beautiful, well-resourced environment with dedicated students. The faculty is widely regarded as outstanding and there exists in the faculty an admirable esprit de corps and a positive attitude about their work and their relationship with students.
Mission Statement
Branson develops students who make a positive impact in the world by leading lives of integrity, purpose, learning, and joy.
Diversity Mission Statement
Branson believes that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to create a truly excellent learning environment and a vibrant, caring community. We aspire to have every member of the Branson community feel a deep sense of belonging and inclusion.
Job Summary for Math Department Chair and Math Teacher
Branson’s math department seeks to develop every student’s ability to think logically, visualize mathematical relationships, reason using abstract representations, and effectively find solutions to new and unfamiliar problems. Students become comfortable with challenges and we enable students to persevere when the path to a solution is not immediately obvious. We also use technology to enhance students’ mathematical understanding. We develop mathematical skills and an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics, but also self-confidence and the ability to work collaboratively with classmates. The program is designed to inspire math superstars, students who struggle, and all those in between. Our students solve problems creatively and to apply their learning across disciplines. The curriculum runs from Algebra I through Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus, and includes electives such as Linear Algebra, Introduction to Data Science, and AP Statistics. It also houses our extensive Computer Science curriculum. The Chair will teach three year long courses, fulfill the expectations of the department chair position, serve as an advisor to a group of students in a particular grade, and will perform an additional to be determined duty at the school—options include committee work, coaching, running a student club or organization etc.
Department Chairs are appointed by the Head of School after an interview process with department members, the Dean of Studies, the Director of Teaching and Learning, the Dean of Students, and the Assistant Director of Studies and are the leaders of their respective academic departments. The primary responsibility of the Department Chair is to oversee the quality, scope and continued development of each teacher and each course in their respective disciplines. Chairs manage their department’s budget, conduct bi-weekly meetings, set agendas and priorities for the department, and sit on the Department Chairs committee Chairs must be well-versed, if not expert, in their discipline; willing to remain informed of the latest literature and research within the discipline; collaborative, yet decisive; and willing and able to evaluate and supervise colleagues. Department Chairs must have the ability to first and foremost put the needs of our students front and center in departmental decision making.
Duties and responsibilities for department chair:
Oversee the implementation of the goals of the Strategic Plan for the department (https://bransonstrategicplan.org/teachingandlearning/)
Oversee the placement of all students into the appropriate math course, especially incoming freshmen.
Create yearly departmental goals based on the Strategic Plan
Assist department members in creating personal yearly goals based on goals of the SP
Oversee the scope and sequence of all courses within the department
Ensure that teachers are trained in and employ culturally competent teaching practices
Evaluate each department member at the conclusion of each year based on the following:Classroom observations
Student Feedback
Yearly Goals
Report regularly to the Director of Studies regarding curricular changes and departmental proposals
Guide department members to appropriate professional development each year based on the goals of the Strategic Plan.
Observe classes of all teachers within the department regularly and provide timely feedback
Serve on the Department Chairs group, which meets weekly
Participate in staffing decisions, student course placement, and scheduling decisions as needed
Coordinate standards across classes and between teachers who are instructing the same class
Serve as a “thought leader” for the department by researching and sharing educational trends, best-practices, and educational research related to the department’s curricular goals, current projects and the landscape of secondary education in the discipline.
Ensure that all department materials (curriculum guides, webpages, etc.) are updated and current for each teacher and for the department
Coordinate with the Director of Studies and the Director of Teaching and Learning to provide appropriate professional development and examination of pedagogical practices
Hold department members accountable – through motivating, nudging, and inspiring, as well as helping them to see the ‘big picture.’
Relay pertinent information and action items from Department Chair meetings to department members in a timely fashion
Work with the school administration to implement and support school initiatives (SP) and keep the school mission at the forefront of all decision making.
Duties and Responsibilities for math teacher:
Teach 3 sections of math, with either two or three preparations.
Collaborate closely with the other teachers of each course to develop units, lessons and assessments.
Maintain an understanding of the overall scope and sequence of the math curriculum in order to design curriculum that aligns with the overall goals of Branson’s math program and strategic plan.
Stress effective oral and written communication in all classes and encourage careful listening skills.
Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment.
Treat all students equitably, be sincerely interested in them as individuals, and make a priority of responding to their needs.
Hold high expectations for all students and communicate these expectations clearly and regularly.
Hold students accountable for their actions and their learning.
Engage and encourage students in the active process of learning.
Incorporate appropriate and varied methods, materials, and technologies into teaching.
Give timely, meaningful, and personal feedback on student performance and participation.
Regularly communicate with advisors, administration, and parents about student progress and concerns as they arise.
Serve as a faculty advisor to a group of 8-10 students.
Attend all assemblies, faculty meetings, department meetings and required school events.
Perform an additional extra-curricular duty approved by the school — coaching, advising a student organization, serving on a committee, etc.
Respond to evaluations from supervisors and students professionally and constructively.
Be available to meet with students outside of class to provide academic support.
Be available to meet with students outside of class to provide social, emotional and mentoring support.
Key Qualifications and Skills:
B.A. or B.S. in math, or equivalent experience.
Significant experience as a high school math teacher
Work experience as a department chair, supervisor, or team leader
Must love working with teenagers, and be understanding and compassionate about the realities of being an adolescent.
A desire to embody and support the goals of Branson’s Strategic Plan, including our commitment to Reimagining Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Building Character and Leadership, and Strengthening/Expanding Our Diverse Community
Must have a high level of integrity as well as strong communication and organizational skills. A sense of humor is a plus.
Must be interested and conversant in creating a culturally inclusive classroom as well as a professional and high-functioning department of colleagues.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with or understanding adolescent development.
Must be committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, exceptional teaching, and contributing to a dynamic climate for lifelong fitness and wellness.
Able to pass state and federal background check, fingerprinting, and provide a recent negative TB test or screening.
Able to perform all of the physical requirements of being a teacher at Branson.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Branson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, employees, volunteers and interns, and the School makes decisions based on the merits of each candidate. Branson prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion (including all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality) national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status or registered domestic partner status, uniformed service member or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other basis protected by law. The School will afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.
For Consideration
We encourage those that align with Branson’s shared commitment to its Mission Statement, Diversity Mission Statement and Core Values to apply by uploading a cover letter and resume to Michelle Jones, Director of Human Resources at: https://thebransonschool.applytojob.com/apply/vaddRRH5F4/Math-Department-Chair-And-Math-Teacher
