The English Department at JLA will provide students with a rich understanding and love of literature as well as a solid foundation in the skills, mechanics, and craft of writing. The goal of our program is to develop an appreciation of learning, ignite curiosity and critical thinking, nurture a sense of empathy, and cultivate an appreciation for self-expression and the written word.
Middle school classes will be year-long, while upper school classes will be pairings of semester-long electives, with the exception of a year-long freshman writing course. All of our classes will be held at an honors level with an option for an accelerated level as well. Our English classes, both in the middle and upper school, are theme based. Each unit will be driven by essential questions such as "what makes a hero?" or "What is a 'citizen of the world' and how does someone remain grounded to their nation or culture?"
Once students reach the upper school, they will have two foundational semester classes: a multi-genre writing workshop and an American literature course. From there, they may choose pairs of electives, but the courses are still designed to give a broad exposure to American, British, and world Literature in a way that is driven by a unifying theme and combines both classic and contemporary texts. The pedagogical approaches will be a blend of Harkness, writing assignments, project-based learning, and some traditional assessments, though the emphasis will be on authentic and written assignments.
For the school year, we are seeking candidates who feel comfortable teaching literature at the middle and upper school level. However, most teachers do teach in both middle and upper, so it is possible that the candidate could have a few sections of high school English. We are also seeking teachers who might also have an interest or background in either speech and debate, yearbook, or newspaper.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Full-time employment for faculty teaching positions will commence in August 2024. Responsibilities will include:
- 20 teaching periods per week (5 periods daily M-Th)
- Advisory, media-literacy, research, service learning, or mentorship role as part of our unique Friday schedule.
- Tutorial sessions twice weekly
- Robust professional development throughout the year
- Special on-boarding and leadership programming with students for the first 3 weeks of the school year
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience at the middle/upper school level, as well as a strong foundation in classroom pedagogy. He/She must have an undergraduate degree in a related field, though advanced degrees are preferred. Experience working with gifted and talented students is an asset.
In addition, the successful candidate will demonstrate:
- The ability to connect with and inspire students.
- The ability and desire to work collaboratively on a high-functioning team.
- Excellent people skills.
- Mastery of Google Workspace for Education and an overall comfort with technology.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- The desire to be a part of a learning community.
- A strong work ethic.
- An understanding of project and inquiry-based learning.
BENEFITS
A strong benefits package includes:
- Highly competitive salary
- Full health, dental, and vision for employee
- 8% annual retirement match
- Daily breakfast and lunch
- Generous PTO
- Relocation stipend
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Short and long term disability and life insurance