Department Chairs balance many responsibilities. They often teach in the classroom, but also take on the role of supporting Division Heads and faculty members. They are looked to as leaders, providing an essential bridge between school administrators and classroom teachers.
The Department Chair must balance the roles of leader and colleague. When it comes to academics, they should be part of creating and implementing the school’s strategic academic plan. They must have effective communication skills to conduct student and curriculum reviews.
Department Chairs must also be highly involved with the faculty members reporting to them. They should act as mentors and coaches to these individuals to help them achieve their professional growth goals. They must be able to mentor a growth-driven faculty and facilitate change, while managing department staff, budgets, and curriculums.
The Department Chair as a Coach
In this relationship, the Chair guides established teachers in choosing professional development options that helps them better serve their students. These efforts might include helping the faculty member improve in a challenge area that the Chair has pinpointed, or strengthening an area that the teacher is passionate about.
In either case, the Chair and the faculty member work together to help the teacher continue to grow and remain excited about his or her role.
The Department Chair as a Mentor
For a new faculty member, the Department Chair acts as a mentor. This typically includes addressing instructional performance in addition to professional development opportunities. The Chair helps direct choices, but not in a restrictive way.
In either manner, the Chair’s objective is simple. He or she must support teachers in their quest for mission-appropriate professional excellence to deliver the school’s mission. The Department Chair is a busy individual who plays an integral role in helping support the faculty members they lead.
Additional ISM Resources:
The Source for Business & Operations Vol. 10 No. 3 Do You Have the Right Department Chairs?
Additional ISM resources for members:
I&P Vol. 41 No. 2 The Role of the Department Chair: A Middle Manager
I&P Vol. 42 No. 3 The Department Chair’s Role in Supporting Multiyear Strategic Goals
