Upper School English Department Chair

St. Luke’s School, a secular (non-religious), college-preparatory day school serving grades 5 through 12, seeks an experienced English teacher to lead a department known for its scholarship and wit. This is a team of creative teachers who care deeply about literature from across the globe and who are always eager to explore new ways to inspire student engagement with language and story. The St. Luke’s Literary and Art Magazine, The Pendulum, routinely wins recognition from the Scholastic Awards, and St. Luke’s poets are celebrated at informal coffee-house events as well as seasonal poetry readings.  

The English 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? 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 English program.

As Department Chair - with clarity, compassion, and creativity - you will lead the professional growth and development of the six full-time and four part-time teachers in the department. You will shape the ongoing design and delivery of a forward-looking English 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. 

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• 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 English Department Chair and faculty to fully align our middle-through-high school English course of study, especially our writing program.
• Conduct ongoing observations and evaluations of department teachers to foster their continuous professional growth and renewal.
• Work with the Admissions team, department teachers, students, and families to apply consistent and appropriate placement standards for both returning and newly matriculating students. 
• Teach a full-time course load of four Upper School English classes. 
• 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’ English 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 (especially Harkness-style discussion) 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 
  
  

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.