Position Overview
Woodland School seeks an inspiring Middle School Humanities teacher who develops students’ passions and curiosities, and helps them think deeply about the world through various lenses of history, literature, and media. We want our students to find their voices and express their ideas confidently through the spoken and written word. The position requires maintaining a full teaching load, serving as an advisor to a small cohort of students, and active support of various student-life activities.
Overview of the Department
The Middle School humanities program blends the conceptual learning of history, English and current events with core literacy skills. The team challenges students to actively take the role of historian and author. The Humanities department consists of four teachers in grades 5-8 collaborating within and across disciplines to build a passion for reading, writing, and speaking. These skills are developed through activities that challenge students and inspire them to explore across genres. Woodland School’s teachers are facilitators of student-centered learning. They accomplish this by engaging learners in authentic lessons that connect them through real-world situations. Teachers are encouraged to immerse students in critical thinking, collaborative learning experiences, and evidence-based explanations. Woodland teachers are committed to creating inclusive classrooms where all perspectives are heard and valued.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
We seek a dynamic educator who inspires students and works collaboratively and creatively with colleagues in various curricular areas and divisions. The ideal candidate will be passionate about teaching, have a love for the Humanities, and possess a solid understanding of the academic, social, and emotional needs of adolescents.
A minimum of two years teaching experience, preferably at the middle-school level.
Bachelor's degree in English, History or related field. Advanced degree preferred but not required.
Teaching credential preferred but not required.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
Knowledge of a variety of pedagogical approaches and instructional strategies.
An understanding of both formative and summative assessments to guide instruction.
Experience integrating themes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the curriculum.
Commitment to differentiated learning in order to meet the needs of all students in the classroom.
A deep understanding of the writing process.
A thorough understanding of current technologies and tools for teaching and learning.
Invests in the life of the school by participating in the advisory program, social and emotional learning, weekly department meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings, outdoor education, and any and all aspects that support the student experience.
Demonstrated professional behavior, including discretion, judgment and integrity.
Effectively interacts with a diverse population of students and faculty.
All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check, LiveScan fingerprinting and TB screening.
Overview of Woodland School
Located just west of Stanford University, Woodland is an independent day school that offers a joyful approach to learning in a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment for approximately 300 students in early childhood through eighth grade. There are two sections of each grade level K-8 with class sizes that average between 14-18 students.
Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual’s voice, intellect, and character. With rich content and an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-driven projects, students are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students’ innate sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School. Teachers craft meaningful, multi-sensory learning experiences that enable creativity, ingenuity, and deep interdisciplinary connections. Students explore and develop complex understandings that engender a sense of self and purpose in the world.
Woodland School’s faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school—respect, integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, and stewardship. Our teachers are themselves learners, constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports our faculty by connecting them to the best practices in pedagogy, curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment.
Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity. Woodland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin in the administration of its educational or admission policies, financial aid distribution, or other school programs.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The position can be physically demanding. Reasonable accommodations may be made if requested in advance.