Posted: 28-Apr-26
Location: Los Altos, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $86,000 - $152,000 annually
Categories:
Salary Details:
Required Education:
POSITION SUMMARY:
Pinewood is seeking a qualified and enthusiastic full-time Junior High English Teacher, Grades 7-9 for the 2026-27 school year. Because Pinewood is unique in requiring students to take two discrete, concurrent English courses per year, this position entails teaching four sections (2 preps) of junior high literature and/or junior high writing. Accordingly, this junior high teacher will collaborate with team members to create meaningful and challenging course content that integrates thoughtful pedagogical practices and technology to enhance student learning. Such a practice includes designing lesson plans and assessments that secure student understanding, mark progress, and scaffold English content so that students are prepared for the transition to the next year’s reading and writing demands. Finally, this teacher will support student learning and well-being in and outside the classroom, communicate student progress to parents and administrators as needed, and be a positive and active participant in campus life.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Instruct four junior high English courses in literature and/or writing (average class size is under 15 students) with appropriate depth and challenge
- Collaborate with teaching teams and department members to design and to fine tune course content, lesson plans, and assessments that encourage critical thinking, interaction, and independent thought
- Support student growth through discrete skill instruction, clear feedback, practice, variety, and challenge
- Cultivate and maintain a positive, inclusive, equitable, and respectful classroom environment
- Communicate and interact effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators
- Fulfill additional school responsibilities such as advisory, supervisory, and chaperoning duties, and attending faculty meetings and school events
- Uphold and model Pinewood’s mission and WISCR’s: being well-rounded, an insightful and critical thinker, self-motivated, a clear communicator, and a respectful individual.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to spend long hours in stationary positions while using computers and office equipment
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally
- Ability to climb stairs
- Visual and auditory acuity to monitor student activities and ensure safety.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- a Bachelor’s degree in English or a related field is required; a Master’s degree and/or a valid teaching credential is desired
- a minimum of 3 years’ experience teaching junior high English (teaching experience at an independent school is a plus)
- a passion for and strong knowledge of English language and literature
- the ability to teach writing as a separate course from literature, including grammar and vocabulary
- strong interpersonal, collaborative, and classroom management skills
- comfort using technology in the classroom; Pinewood is a “one-to-one” iPad school
- a commitment to professional development
- a willingness to jump in when and where needed in response to a dynamic school environment
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your cover letter, resume and three professional references to Patty Welze, English Department Head (Grades 7-12), at pwelze@pinewood.edu, with the subject line: Junior High English Teacher by May 20, 2026.
