Career Center

Upper School Social Studies Teacher (Full-Time)

The Overlake School - Redmond, WA

The Overlake School seeks a full-time Upper School Social Studies Teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Founded in 1967, The Overlake School is an independent, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory day school. Each Overlake community member is committed to the school's mission to champion students and their vast potential through engaging educational experiences in a diverse and inclusive community.  Overlake students are valued as multifaceted individuals and graduate with a passion for learning, ready for any path that contributes to a better world. 

The Overlake School is committed to diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, or disability in the administration of its educational policies, financial aid, employment, and other school-administered programs. ?Our school is committed to the strategic goals of developing our collective capacity in areas of well-being for all, the attraction and retention of talented and qualified educators, integration of diversity, equity & inclusion into the life of our school, and defining our institutional identity. 

About the Social Studies department

The Overlake School Social Studies department seeks to present a challenging, relevant, and engaging curriculum aimed at educating students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and active and open-minded citizens of the world.  Our curriculum is grounded in four core values: historical awareness, global perspectives, civic engagement, and social justice.  We aim to foster students’ curiosity, empathy, and independent thinking by examining assumptions through an inquiry-based approach that uses a variety of sources and perspectives to present concepts and events, with the goal of using the past as a tool to understand the present. 

The Overlake School's strategic vision is to develop its capacity to have equity and inclusion at the institution's heart in its teaching and learning. We are seeking educators who can carry cultural competence and teach for equity and justice as central to their instruction.

Diversity Strategic Plan (DSP) Statement: TOS's new Diversity Strategic Plan builds on Inclusion and Equity values, where students gain cultural competency and anti-racism skills they will carry as graduates. Over the next five years, there are Five Goals which we will work towards. The successful candidate will be an integral part of this process and the department.

 Responsibilities:

The full-time Upper School Social Studies teacher will be responsible for teaching four classes that may include ancient world civilizations, modern world history, or U.S. history.  Students in the Upper School are also encouraged to take electives in the department; past years’ offerings include Popular Culture in the United States, Technology and Change, and Ethnic Studies.

Overlake seeks an outstanding educator who will contribute to our school community on many levels outside of the classroom. Additional required duties may include supervising a club, chaperoning Experiential Education programming, leading a Project Week course, or facilitating an affinity group. Faculty are expected to lead an advisory (homeroom) after year one. Faculty are also expected to collaborate with colleagues to prepare for classes and contribute to the overall development and reflection of courses in the department.

Salary:  $57,200 - $105,542

Benefits: Overlake Benefits 

For more information about The Overlake School, or to apply, visit: www.overlake.jobs. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in history or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of teaching experience, preferably in grades 9-12
• Demonstrated cultural competence in teaching and pedagogy
• Effective practices that engage students' critical thinking about systems and power across the curriculum
• Belief in the critical importance of diversity in the life of the school and is excited about working to build and maintain a classroom that honors diversity of opinion and practice
• Technologically proficient and interested in incorporating technology in instruction.
• Fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (including booster if eligible)

Desired Qualifications

• A strong background in non-Western history and/or framework that decenters the white perspective in American history or government
• Experience designing curriculum and courses, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary studies
• A student-centered approach to teaching
• A skilled writing instructor
• Familiar with a variety of assessment styles
• Collaborative with effective communication and interpersonal skills
• A growth mindset and evidence of ongoing professional development
• Prior experience with AP coursework, or a willingness to be trained
• Desire to contribute to Overlake beyond the classroom, including as an advisor, running clubs, coaching athletics, facilitating affinity programs, and joining committees for strategic schoolwork.