Middle School History Teacher

Oakwood School is an independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade. Students come to Oakwood for an outstanding, balanced academic program led by expert, passionate teachers who foster confident self-expression and self-discovery. Our diverse community, thriving on an expansive campus, provides a home for an extended family of learners. Here, we share our unwavering commitment to a more intentional education.

Oakwood’s middle school, which serves 6th through 8th grade students, is in high demand and the school is preparing to expand its middle school enrollment to afford more students the opportunity to learn, grow, and benefit from being part of the Oakwood community that focuses on providing each student an exceptional and well-rounded education. Oakwood believes that students learn best in an atmosphere where peer relationships and teacher interactions are meaningful and supportive. As these relationships develop, students feel safe taking risks in an environment that values and carefully considers growth mindset as a defining pillar. Oakwood School believes that there is great power and special potential specifically in the middle school years and seeks educators who share this vision.

Expanding the faculty is part of the middle school expansion, and Oakwood is now seeking additional full-time middle school faculty. 

Located in beautiful suburban Morgan Hill, CA, Oakwood offers its faculty convenient access to many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The world-class resources of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, the University of California-Berkeley, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area are only a short drive away.

SUMMARY

Oakwood School seeks a qualified and passionate expert to join the History/Social Studies Department at the middle school level. This full-time position includes teaching six out of eight periods (core and elective), as well as serving as a middle school advisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)

• Teach four sections of middle school core history classes (Ancient History, U.S. History I, or U.S. History II) and two elective courses per trimester or teach five sections of middle school core history classes and one elective course per trimester (exact courses and sections will be determined after hiring depending on the expertise and interest of the teacher and based on the needs of the school)
• Serve as a Middle School Advisor as the first line of communication and support for a small cohort of students and families (grade to be determined after hiring)
• Contribute to the mission of the school and the History/Social Science Department
• Promote a learner-centered approach to instruction focused on student engagement
• Understand and connect exceptionally well with middle school-aged students
• Collaborate enthusiastically with colleagues
• Communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in a timely and professional manner
• Contribute talents and skills to the school community in additional capacities, including coaching and advising
• Chaperone three social events each year (typically on Friday evenings) and the possibility of chaperoning overnight trips to Golden Gate National Recreation Area (6th grade), Catalina Island (7th grade), or East Coast (8th Grade)
• Fulfill campus responsibilities including break supervision, crosswalk duty, or other duties as assigned
• Participate in Admission events, including Open House, New Student Orientation, and applicant interviews
• Attend various staff meetings, Back-to-School Nights, promotion ceremony, and other events as directedPossibility of serving as the Middle School Humanities Department Chair, depending on experience and qualifications

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)

• Embody Oakwood School’s mission and values
• Support and follow school policies and procedures
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School

SKILLS

Required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent classroom management skills
• Demonstrated interest in being part of a collaborative team
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy in all aspects of work
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and the integrity of all aspects of information disseminated within or external to the school community
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to being part of a diverse and inclusive school community in a culture of dignity that respects and authentically celebrates different backgrounds and viewpoints
• Demonstrated confidence and aptitude with the use of instructional technology

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in history, economics, geography, anthropology, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• Content and pedagogical expertise

Useful/Preferred

• Previous teaching experience at the secondary level or equivalent professional experience relevant to working with middle school students

• Experience advising middle school students’ academic and social/emotional development
• Experience contributing to co-curricular activities like club advising or athletics coaching

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to stand for long periods of time, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach with arms and hands, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-30 pounds
• Ability to speak, hear, and see near and far
• Ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to escort students to different classes, to recess and to field trips, etc.
• Ability to perform repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement to work on computer and/or related office equipment
• Ability to work at a desk/computer for extended periods of time
• Occasional to frequent interruptions
• Ability to adapt to a variety of different environments with varying levels of noise, temperature, physical space, etc.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's education and experience for this position, typically in the range of $52,000 to $96,000.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement plan with employer match, paid sick leave, professional development opportunities, and on-site cardio and weight room. 

Dependent children of employees receive tuition remission (one child no-cost tuition/full-time employee), financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and on-site before and after school care. Please visit Oakwood’s Employment webpage to learn more and access a full listing of benefits.

Oakwood School is dedicated to a culture of dignity and inclusion for all and is honored to be an equal opportunity employer.