Punahou School is actively recruiting a Full-Time Regular Mandarin Chinese faculty member for the Academy World Language Department. The World Language Department offers a range of language choices including French, Hawaiian, Japanese, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. The department supports the mission and aims of Punahou School and the proficiency standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

The goals for our students are to:

• Develop proficiency in an additional language and culture.
• Foster positive global perspectives.
• Promote empathic, compassionate and responsible global citizenship.

Position Details:

• Work Year: 9 Months
• School Year: 2026-2027
• Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Schedule may vary based on operational needs
• Faculty Salary Range*: $59,081 - $119,454 - Compensation is commensurate with qualifications.

*Punahou School offers a comprehensive total rewards program that includes competitive pay and benefits. The pay rate reflects the range of pay for faculty, which is dependent upon educational attainment and years of relevant experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mandarin Chinese (Language), Linguistics, Culture, Literature or related field. Master’s degree preferred. 
• Three (3) years of experience teaching Mandarin Chinese Language. Experience teaching students in grades 7-12 preferred.
• Demonstrates advanced level proficiency in the Mandarin Chinese language across all skills. ACTFL Advanced High or beyond preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully integrate diverse aspects of the Chinese language and culture, as well as technology, into their teaching.
• Strong knowledge of content area curriculum and instructional methodologies and the proven ability to work cooperatively with a team to modify and develop best practice materials and assessments.
• The desire to learn about and understand current research on teaching and learning for this age group and be skilled in applying this research to teaching practices.
• Proven leadership and class management skills.
• Knowledge of ACTFL performance and proficiency standards as well as the ability to design and implement proficiency assessments based on ACTFL standards.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds; an understanding of the developmental needs of adolescents, sensitivity to each individual student’s needs; and ability to appreciate the variety of perspectives offered by individual viewpoints, disciplines and cultural understandings.
• Knowledge of basic software applications and the ability to integrate technology effectively in teaching and learning. Experience with Canvas LMS and digital/electronic textbooks preferred.
• The ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with students, faculty, parents, and other members of the Punahou community to create a positive learning environment.
• Beyond classroom instruction, teachers regularly and frequently conference with students, collaborate with colleagues, contribute to curricular development and may assume additional co-curricular activities such as advising a student club.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills with the ability to respond effectively in both English and Mandarin Chinese. Ability to communicate effectively in large and small group settings.
• Excellent organizational skills; the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and deadlines during a consistently fast paced, time-sensitive school year.
• The flexibility to meet job requirements beyond the school day.
• Excellent work ethic; models respect, honesty, and integrity.
• Demonstrated history of maximizing impact of a variety of professional development opportunities to improve student learning, including connections with local, national, and global Professional Learning Networks.

About Punahou School

Punahou School nurtures the individuality of each child within a vibrant K – 12 school community that celebrates diversity, inspires excellence and connects students for life. Located in Honolulu, Hawai`i, Punahou is the largest coeducational, independent K – 12 school on a single campus in the United States. Students at Punahou have unparalleled opportunities to cultivate their unique interests and talents under the guidance of attentive and caring teachers. Rigorous academics, robust programs in athletics and the arts, and an array of co-curricular opportunities offer an integrated, 21st-century education for the whole child. Students exemplify the diversity and strength of Hawai`i and reflect the School’s commitment to providing robust, need-based financial aid. When students graduate from Punahou, they join a network of 30,000 alumni spanning the globe. Beyond excellent scholars, the School seeks to develop engaged global citizens who can strengthen their communities.

Connections working at Punahou School