BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT HEAD

Your Role as a Mentor

Congratulations on your position as Business Technology Department Head.  The fact that YOU were selected, elected or appointed to this position indicates that YOU have what it takes to lead a Business Technology Department!  If you are a new Business Technology Department Head, then YOU should seek the assistance of a veteran Business Department Head to serve as your mentor.  If you are a veteran or established Business Department Head, then your philosophy should be to mentor a teacher in the department who would be prepared to serve in your position whenever the situation calls for a new department head to provide a smooth transition and the continuation of the Business Department legacy.  The Business Technology Department Head can also delegate any assignments and/or activities to help coach a potential new Business Department Head.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Business Technology Department Head

As stated in Article XIII, Section II of the UTD Contract, the primary goal of the department chairperson is to provide leadership in the development of quality instruction for students.  The Business Technology Department Chairperson possesses the leadership qualities necessary to set the vision for the department.  You will not only serve as a teacher and role model to students, but also serve as a mentor to the department’s business faculty.  As the curriculum leader for Business Technology Education, you set the vision for the department by being knowledgeable in the areas of technology, instruction, communication, discipline, etc.  Responsibilities that the Business Technology Department Head may be assigned include, but are not limited to:

§         Serving as the curriculum leader by assisting in the review and development of curriculum, goals and philosophies

§         Assisting Business teachers with the development of strategies to:

o       improve instruction

o       demonstrate quality classroom management techniques

o       serve as the resource to help remedy unacceptable areas as cited by the administrators on observation forms

§        Coordinating departmental duties including:

o       preparation of reports

o       completion of surveys

o       compilation of minutes, etc.

§        Recommending curricular offerings and appropriate teachers for instructional assignments

§        Monitoring the master schedule to ensure inclusion and sequencing of the Business programs

§        Assisting substitute teachers

§        Serving as the communication liaison between the Business teachers, the principal and other school groups

§        Assisting in the evaluation, selection, distribution, and inventory of textbooks, materials, supplies and equipment

§        Serving as a member of the school’s Curriculum Council made up of other department chairpersons

§        Cooperating with appropriate personnel in the recommendation, placement, and assignment of students to levels and programs

§        Maintaining an open mind in the area of school reform to remain in the forefront of the latest instructional strategies and technology

§        Disseminating information from the district office

§        Ensuring that the goals and objectives of the department are incorporated in the School’s Performance Excellence Plan

PLANNING FOR THE YEAR

The Business Department Head should familiarize himself/herself with the School’s Performance Excellence Plan and base the department’s vision on the school’s goals as stated in the School’s Performance Excellence Plan.  Time should be allocated at the end of the school year to evaluate and reflect on successful implementation of previous year’s objectives and develop a plan of action with objectives and strategies for the upcoming year. See Appendix A for a sample copy of a Business Department Accountability Plan. This sample plan contains suggestions that can be used as a guide for creating a Departmental Plan.

Classroom teachers use reflection as a method for getting students to think about the positives/negatives of any assignment or activity.  Business Department reflections should take place in order to get feedback on the year’s activities.  This (activity) should help in the preparation of the following year’s goals.  Without proper planning, the department cannot achieve its goals.

LISTING OF DISTRICT DEPARTMENT HEADS

See Appendix B-1 for a current listing of District Business Department Heads.  See Appendix B-2 for a current listing of Middle School Teachers.  It is a good idea to establish collegial relationships with these individuals who can answer any questions regarding departmental and/or educational matters.