Social Studies Teacher

Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include ten boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art learning commons and library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.

For more information, explore our Shawnigan at a Glance.

Shawnigan provides academic ambition to develop a culture of collaboration, independence and resilience in our students through educators and peers who inspire our students to embrace a love of learning by challenging them to solve problems critically and creatively.

Staff endorse our School’s values (Curiosity, Compassion, Community and Courage) and are deeply committed to our mission: Spark Minds, Kindle Hearts, Forge Futures.

Shawnigan is always looking for outstanding, worldly and world-class, diverse, and ambitious educators to inspire our students and to model our three pillars of Academic Excellence, Co-Curricular Distinction and Student Life Unparalleled. As a teacher at Shawnigan, you will contribute to all facets of life on an international boarding school campus with 85% of our students as full-time boarders, representing thirty different countries from around the world.

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

JOB DESCRIPTION

SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

Commencing August 31, 2026, preference will be given to qualified teachers who are a) academically multi-disciplinary b) can offer expertise, experience and enthusiasm in co-curricular activities c) are committed to contributing to our boarding campus and community, and d) have boarding school experience.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a nurturing, family-friendly workplace. The teaching load for this position is equivalent to a 1.0 FTE with a salary range of $71,673 to $114,105 per year (based on current year grids and subject to 2026-2027 increase). Actual salary offered will be commensurate with placement on the teaching grid.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to both the Head of Academics and the Academic Department Head, teachers are expected to:

• Carry assigned load of classes while meeting all of Shawnigan’s prep, planning and reporting protocols as expected in the teaching profession;
• Collaborate with fellow department members and across departments to design and deliver content that challenges our students and prepares them for their post-secondary pathways;
• Be available to support students in their learning through tutorials or enrichment opportunities;
• Be involved in the full Shawnigan program and the delivery of “The Shawnigan Journey.”

REQUIREMENTS

• Legally entitled to work in Canada or if not, receive all appropriate visa and permissions to legally work in Canada;
• Hold a post-secondary degree in Social Studies, History, Geography or related discipline that aligns with the Shawnigan academic program;
• Be in possession of, or eligible to apply for, a British Columbia Teaching Certificate (Independent or Certificate of Qualification) before March 2026;
• Experience teaching Social Studies grades 8 – 12;
• Ability to teach French immersion Social Studies is an asset;
• Training and experience in teaching the six historical thinking concepts is an asset;
• Proven record of professionalism, punctuality, flexibility, dependability, and reliability;
• Have experience working with teenagers;
• Have experience working in a boarding environment an asset;
• Experience instructing a co-curricular or coaching a sport;
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.

NEXT STEPS

To apply, please visit our Careers Page.

We ask you to please provide references at the shortlist stage of the recruitment process.

Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline is 5 pm (PST), February 20, 2026.

About Shawnigan Lake School

Connections working at Shawnigan Lake School