Posted: 14-Jan-25
Location: Portland, Oregon
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Salary Details:
Preferred Education:
Oregon Episcopal School seeks an Upper School History and Social Studies Teacher to begin duties in August 2025.
OUR MISSION: Oregon Episcopal School educates students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.
ABOUT US: Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59-acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry-based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.
The School values employees who seek to continually develop the OES Essential Competencies in themselves and others and are prepared to engage in a vibrant, diverse learning community. Committed to the professional development of our faculty, teachers are guided by the Learning and Teaching at OES faculty growth model.
As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose – toward inclusion and respect, service and justice, and commitment beyond ourselves.
JOB SUMMARY: The Upper School History and Social Studies Teacher at OES teaches inquiry-based history and social studies classes to students in grades 9-12. This role involves designing and implementing curriculum and learner-centered activities that foster analytical thinking, research skills, problem-solving, and collaboration while encouraging students to think deeply and creatively about concepts and their applications.
The teacher collaborates with colleagues to advance the school’s mission and serves as a model of community engagement and continuous professional learning. A successful candidate will bring innovation and energy to the classroom, making problem-solving an essential part of the student experience. They should view students as emerging scholars, creators, and engaged citizens, committed to their growth and development.
The ideal candidate will have strong technological proficiency, a flexible and creative mindset, and a collaborative approach to curriculum design and teaching. Teachers at OES are guided by the Learning and Teaching faculty growth model, which emphasizes professional development and reflective practice. This position reports directly to the Upper School Division Head.
In addition to the qualifications detailed below, the successful teacher will promote the School’s commitment to attracting and retaining a highly talented and diverse faculty, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and have the ability to support the School’s educational mission. As professional educators in a dynamic living and learning environment, faculty are required to model professional behavior and observe appropriate adult-student boundaries to support a safe and supportive community for teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated gift for engaging a diverse student body and strengthening the inclusive community of OES.
In addition to teaching or administrative responsibilities, faculty participate in a variety of activities typical to the independent school environment, including advising, committee work, support of experiential education, and other duties as assigned. In addition to strength in their teaching discipline/area, faculty candidates who bring an interest in dormitory association (for the Upper School), or coaching (in the Middle and Upper Schools) are encouraged to apply for these additional opportunities for student engagement and are strongly considered.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Teaching & Curriculum Development: Create, communicate, and maintain clear and consistent learning objectives aligned with department goals and school wide initiatives. Design assessments and activities that promote student learning and growth, and differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs.
- Student Engagement & Support: Build strong relationships with students and families to foster learning and community. Promote cultural awareness and inclusivity while addressing individual student needs and maintaining appropriate student behavioral standards using Restorative Practices.
- Feedback & Professional Growth: Provide frequent, constructive feedback to students. Actively participate in professional development, including the school’s Learning and Teaching program and Equity and Inclusion activities, applying feedback to improve teaching practices.
- Collaboration & Communication: Work collaboratively with colleagues, grade-level teams, and families. Communicate responsibly and professionally within the school community.
- Schoolwide Involvement: Participate in school activities, events, and meetings, including attending an opening-of-school overnight trip, leading an advisory group, and designing and implementing an Activity (one hour a week co-curricular mini-course) and Winterim (week-long experiential education) course.
- Technology Integration: Incorporate technology effectively in teaching and assessment.
- Administrative Duties: Attend meetings, contribute to departmental and grade-level initiatives, and engage in broader school life.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- BA/BS or equivalent in History and Social Studies or related field
- One to three years of experience teaching History and Social Studies or completion of a teaching certification program
- Intercultural competence, ability to work with sensitivity and effectiveness with students, families, and colleagues of diverse backgrounds and identities, demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion for people of all backgrounds and identities
- Digital literacy; intermediate to advanced proficiency in Google Docs/Sheets, and other web-based applications; flexibility and willingness to learn as digital tools evolve
- Ability to pass a criminal background check
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- MA/MS or equivalent in History and Social Studies or related field
- Experience teaching courses from 9th through 12th grade
- Experience teaching World History
- Five years experience teaching at a secondary or post-secondary school
- Demonstrated and successful history with innovation in the teaching of History and Social Studies technology integration, curriculum design, and inquiry-based learning
- Experience in teaching English Language Learners (ELL), particularly international students
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Verbal and written communication skills, ability to manage confidential information in compliance with the law and best practice
- Ability to consistently apply principles of equity and inclusion in day-to-day work and the broader workplace community
- Organizational skills, ability to work well on teams
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to sit at computer and keyboard for moderate periods
- Mobility sufficient to move about the campus, including climbing stairs
- Sight and hearing adequate to perform the duties of the job, ability to communicate clearly
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis