Petaluma, California
Posted: 20-Jun-25
Location: Morgan Hill, California
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Oakwood School is an independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade. Students come to Oakwood for an outstanding, balanced academic program led by expert, passionate teachers who foster confident self-expression and self-discovery. Our diverse community, thriving on an expansive campus, provides a home for an extended family of learners. Here, we share our unwavering commitment to a more intentional education.
Located in beautiful suburban Morgan Hill, CA, Oakwood offers its faculty convenient access to many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The world-class resources of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, the University of California-Berkeley, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area are only a short drive away.
Oakwood is seeking a full-time high school physics teacher. This position starts in the 2025-26 school year, beginning in August 2025.
SUMMARY
Oakwood School seeks a qualified and passionate expert to join the Science Department at the high school level. This full-time position includes teaching six out of eight periods (core and elective), as well as serving as a high school advisor.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teach six total sections, in some combination of 9th Conceptual Physics, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, and science electives (selected based on both teacher and student interest).
- Contribute to the missions of the school and the Science Department.
- Promote a learner-centered approach to instruction.
- Create engaging lesson plans and activities, provide timely feedback on homework and exams, and write comments for each student at the end of each grading period.
- Conduct regular hands-on lab activities to drive student engagement and engender acquisition of content.
- Serve as a High School Advisor as the first line of communication and support for a small cohort of students and families (grade to be determined after hiring).
- Collaborate enthusiastically with colleagues.
- Communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in a timely and professional manner.
- Chaperone three social events each year.
- Fulfill campus responsibilities including break supervision, crosswalk duty, or other duties as assigned.
- Participate in Admission events, including Open House, New Student Orientation, and applicant interviews.
- Attend various staff meetings, Back-to-School Nights, commencement ceremony, and other events as directed.
- Write college recommendation letters as required.
SKILLS
Required
- Experience running a safe and engaging high school physics lab, including the inventory, setup, and operation of all apparati
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent classroom management skills
- Demonstrated interest in being part of a collaborative team
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy in all aspects of work
- Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and the integrity of all aspects of information disseminated within or external to the school community
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to being part of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community
Useful/Preferred
- Demonstrated confidence and aptitude with the use of instructional technology
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required
- A bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, or related field; advanced degree preferred
- A minimum of 5-years of previous teaching experience at the secondary level or equivalent professional experience relevant to working with high school students
- Content and pedagogical expertise
Useful/Preferred
- Valid teaching credential
- Experience advising high school students’ academic and social/emotional development
- Experience contributing to co-curricular activities like club advising or athletics coaching
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Ability to stand for long periods of time, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach with arms and hands, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-30 pounds
- Ability to speak, hear, and see near and far
- Ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to escort students to different classes, to recess and to field trips, etc
- Ability to perform repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement to work on computer and/or related office equipment
- Ability to work at a desk/computer for extended periods of time
- Occasional to frequent interruptions
- Ability to adapt to a variety of different environments with varying levels of noise, temperature, physical space, etc.
COMPENSATION
This position has an expected salary range of $52,000 to $96,000.
BENEFITS
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement plan with employer match, paid sick leave, professional development opportunities, and on-site cardio and weight room.
Dependent children of employees receive tuition remission (one child no-cost tuition/full-time employee), financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and on-site before and after school care. Please visit Oakwood’s Employment webpage to learn more and access a full listing of benefits.
Oakwood School is dedicated to a culture of dignity and inclusion for all and is honored to be an equal opportunity employer.