Position Classification: Full-time, 10-month, faculty, salaried exempt
Hours: 7:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m. with additional hours as needed to fulfill after school coaching/activity responsibilities assigned.
Reports to: Head of Upper School, Upper School Dean of Faculty, and Upper School English Department Chair
Position Summary:
St. Christopher’s School, the largest all-boys school in Virginia and one of the largest and oldest boys’ schools in the Mid-Atlantic region, seeks an Upper School Teacher of English.
Serving approximately 1,000 boys in Grades JK-12 in Richmond, Virginia, St. Christopher’s is an Episcopal school committed to cultivating a community that is diverse, inclusive, and welcoming. We pride ourselves on bringing out the best in every boy. Our boys benefit from an education and curriculum that is holistic, including academics, the arts, athletics, and service learning. The St. Christopher's experience is further differentiated by a strong emphasis on our Community Pillars—honor & integrity, the pursuit of excellence, and community & brotherhood.
Principal Responsibilities:
Teaching a full academic course load (four classes with two or three preps, depending on need)
Specific course assignments and levels (on-level, honors, and AP) will be determined based on the strengths of the successful candidate and needs within the department; ability to teach from on-level college prep level to the Honors and AP level is preferred
Candidates should be prepared to teach in more than one area of the English curriculum (e.g. World Cultures I: Literature, World Cultures II: Literature, American Literature & Composition, A.P. Literature, semester-long senior English electives—individually designed with input and approval by the Dept. Chair)
All Upper School English courses seek—in and out of class—to emphasize student engagement with these four essential skills: Reading with Understanding; Thinking Critically; Listening & Speaking Thoughtfully; and Writing Persuasively, Expressively, and Descriptively. The U.S. English program, guided by principles of relational teaching, develops these essential skills for each student
Advising (six to eight students, generally two students from each grade level) and actively participating as a member of the House System (a group of approximately 6 advisories under a House Dean)
Coaching or leading a significant co-curricular activity (e.g., clubs, community service, student government) generally for two after-school seasons
Attending department and faculty meetings and all-school professional development meetings, including the Curriculum Institute, which occurs every four years at the end of the school year
Attending chapel regularly
Offering an X-Term cohort (experiential learning program through the academic year that culminates in a one-week intensive at the end of the school year) and/or supporting the school’s Rites of Passage program, both of which may require the occasional overnight trip
Handling other duties (e.g., study halls, chaperoning dances) as assigned
Creating a positive classroom environment in which all boys feel known and valued
Collaborating with colleagues to design meaningful learning experiences for boys
Planning and preparing lessons and instructional materials that facilitate active learning
Delivering individual, whole-group, and small-group instruction as appropriate
Assessing student progress using a variety of formal and informal data collection tools and methods and providing feedback in a timely manner
Managing student behavior in accordance with best practices for teaching boys
Communicating in a timely and professional manner with parents, students, and colleagues
Engaging in continuing professional growth and development, including staying abreast of best practices for teaching boys
Participating in the life of the School through committee work and being a regular presence at major events such as concerts, plays, athletic contests, and other events as a means of supporting the students and the mission of the School
A clear commitment to diversity, community, and inclusion in school communities, as expressed in the St. Christopher's Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree with strong academic record in the subject area or a closely-related field of study; a masters degree preferred; teaching certificate is not mandatory
Possess a thorough knowledge of and passion for teaching the discipline being taught, including an openness and experience in employing inquiry-based instructional methodologies
Show an understanding of the vital role of research and analysis in preparing students for college and professional life
Demonstrate familiarity, ease, and openness with integrating technology into the classroom
Effectively collaborate with members of an academic department, House advisory groups, and the Upper School faculty
Enhance students’ skills and abilities in creative thinking and problem solving, intellectual curiosity and risk taking, research and analysis, collaboration and teamwork, and ability to apply core knowledge to new and changing situations
Possess excellent problem-solving, communication, and analytic skills
Exhibit a growth mindset, creativity and flexibility, and a sense of humor
Accept constructive feedback as part of professional growth and development
Model professionalism and integrity at all times
Enjoy working with young people, especially adolescent boys
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to circulate among students in a classroom setting for a minimum of four class periods per day
Must be able to move from classroom to classroom and from building to building as assigned or required by classroom assignment and activity of the day
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
How to Apply:
We only accept applicant resumes through our online portal, which you can access here. Once you select the "Apply Now" button, it will take you through the prompts to complete your application and upload your resume, cover letter and other required documents.
Established in 1911, St. Christopher’s School, is a JK-12 all boys school in Richmond, VA. With over a century of rich history in the education of boys, St. Christopher's has the reputation as a national and international leader in the education of boys. Our work with the International Boys’ Schools Coalition and our very own Center for the Study of Boys, support the Second Century Vision, which states that we will be a global leader in understanding boys, engaging and teaching them effectively, and developing in them the strength of character, wisdom, and life skills required to succeed in college and to make a positive impact as leaders in a rapidly changing world. The School's single campus location consists of 43 contiguous acres and 23 buildings with over 300,000 square feet.
St. Christopher's is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and holds membership through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), and the International Boys' Schools Coalition (IBSC).
St. Christopher's School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, col...or, sex, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
Mission Statement: St. Christopher’s School knows, loves, and celebrates boys, promotes their pursuit of excellence, and prepares them for lives of honor and integrity, service, and leadership.