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Social Studies Department Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Department Chair

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

... Department Chair Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20013486 Vacancy ID NF0009911 ... social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

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Social Studies Department Chair information

See salary details

$28.5K

$43.7K

$59K

How much do social studies department chair jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for social studies department chair in the United States is $43,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $51,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social studies department chair?

Social Studies Department Chairs are educators who lead and manage the social studies department within a school. Their responsibilities typically include overseeing curriculum development, supporting and evaluating teachers, organizing departmental meetings, and ensuring that the department aligns with school-wide educational goals. They may also teach classes, coordinate standardized testing, and represent the department in administrative meetings. Department Chairs play a key role in promoting effective teaching practices and fostering a collaborative environment among social studies teachers.

How does a social studies department chair typically balance teaching responsibilities with departmental leadership duties?

As a Social Studies Department Chair, you will often divide your time between classroom teaching and administrative leadership. While you may still teach several classes, you'll also be responsible for tasks such as curriculum development, mentoring teachers, coordinating department meetings, and representing the department in school-wide committees. Effective time management and delegation are crucial, as you'll need to support your team while ensuring your own classes run smoothly. Collaboration with other department chairs and school administrators is common, fostering a community-oriented environment focused on continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social studies department chair, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Studies Department Chair, you need a strong background in social studies education, leadership experience, and usually a teaching certification and advanced degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with curriculum development tools, learning management systems, and educational assessment platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills help in guiding faculty and fostering a collaborative department culture. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring high-quality instruction, effective team leadership, and the successful implementation of departmental goals.

What is the difference between Social Studies Department Chair vs Social Studies Teacher?

AspectSocial Studies Department ChairSocial Studies Teacher
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, master's preferred, administrative experienceBachelor's degree in education or social studies, state certification
Work EnvironmentSchool administration, department meetings, curriculum planningClassroom teaching, student engagement, lesson planning
Employer & Industry UsageHigh schools, district offices, educational institutionsElementary, middle, or high schools
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, curriculum development, department managementClassroom instruction, student assessment, lesson delivery

The main difference between a Social Studies Department Chair and a Social Studies Teacher is that the Department Chair oversees curriculum and department management, often with administrative responsibilities, while the Teacher focuses on classroom instruction and student engagement. Both roles require social studies expertise and relevant credentials, but their daily duties and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Social Studies Department Chair jobs
Infographic showing various Social Studies Department Chair job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,685 per year, or $21 per hour.

Supervisor Social Studies

Newark, NJ • On-site


Newark Board of Education
Elementary and Secondary Schools • 5 - 10K employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

410th of 638 rated elementary and secondary schools

People enjoy working here


$107K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Instructional -Admin - Central Office/Supervisor Social Studies
Date Posted:
7/10/2025
Location:
Soc. Studies/Multicultural - 438
NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION
HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES
765 BROAD STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102
ROGER LEON, SUPERINTENDENT
Supervisor - Social Studies
(Pending availability of funds and Superintendent's approval)
The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Supervisor - Social Studies.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
  2. New Jersey Department of Education Principal Standard (Preferred) and/or Supervisor Standard license.
  3. Valid New Jersey Social Studies Teaching Certificate.
  4. Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in school or district level administration.
  5. Minimum of four (4) years successful experience in teaching Social Studies.
  6. Knowledge of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for curriculum, assessment and instruction.
  7. Demonstrated knowledge of subject specialty and effective teaching methods.
  8. Ability to plan, organize and administer a District-level professional development program.
  9. Ability to maintain a positive learning environment.
  10. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Management and Coaching of Instructional Staff
  1. Observes, coaches, and evaluates Teachers and Department Chairs, and provides ongoing professional development for targeted improvement in identified growth areas.
  2. Provides constructive feedback to Principals, Vice Principals, and Department Chairs on the effective facilitation of learning, inclusive of planning, assessment, rigor, and student engagement aligned to NJ Social Studies Standards and other applicable measures and guides.
  3. Monitors all Teach NJ Educator Effectiveness activities (IPDP/CAP), observations, and evaluations) of Department Chairs of Social Studies and Teachers of Social Studies.
  4. Validates evaluation ratings of Department Chairs of Social Studies.
  5. Assumes the orientation and mentor responsibilities of all novice Department Chairs of Social Studies and monitors the orientation and mentorship of novice Teachers.
  6. Leverages Department Chairs of Social Studies, Teacher Coaches, and Academic Interventionists to reach maximum implementation of District approved curricular guides and intervention strategies by providing monthly and quarterly ongoing professional development opportunities.
  7. Synthesizes all Social Studies achievement quarterly reports from Department Chairs of Social Studies and provide a comprehensive review and presentation at various forums throughout the school year.

II. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  1. Serves as a lead in the area of Social Studies education.
  2. Authors, updates, and furnishes rigorous Social Studies curriculum guides, units of study, bridge manuals, and technological resources to the district.
  3. Supports district's textbook adoption committee and process ensuring all curricular resources and supplements are fully vetted; meeting State Standards and the diverse needs of all students.
  4. Maintains the Social Studies section of the District's online Learning Management System (LMS)
  5. Supports in the development of a comprehensive strategy to guarantee an accurate inventory and timely distribution of all curricular resources.
  6. Supports in the development of all Social Studies diagnostics, interim assessments, district assessments, mid-term and final exams.
  7. Collaborates with the Supervisors of Bilingual and ESL services, and the Supervisors of Special Education to ensure curriculum guides, units of study, resources, and assessments are tailored for all learners.
  8. Collaborates with all district Directors and Supervisors to ensure curriculum guides, units of study, resources, and assessments are aligned to State Standards and result in interdisciplinary opportunities.

III. Organizational Leadership
  1. Establishes and executes organizational systems and strategies to monitor Department Chairs, Teacher Coaches, and district goals.
  2. Develops and monitors strategies for high level collaboration among faculty and staff.
  3. Communicates effectively and maintains a positive disposition in all circumstances to ensure an outcome that promotes student academic achievement, staff professional development, and district-wide success.
  4. Performs other duties as assigned by the Department Director or Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.

REPORTS TO: Director of Social Studies
SALARY, EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, AND UNION AFFILIATION
  1. Salary: $107,500 - $143,500
  2. Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months
  3. Union Affiliation: City Association of Supervisors and Administrators (C.A.S.A.)

In an effort to attract and retain staff, NBOE offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full-time staff. Offerings include Medical and Prescription Drug plans, employer-paid Dental and Vision coverage, an array of Wellness and Voluntary benefits programs, and paid time off; all employees receive paid Personal and Sick days, as well as Vacation days for 12-month employees. For details, please go to https://nboehrs.com/
HOW TO APPLY:
Newark Board of Education is only accepting electronic applications.
THE NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER


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