Upper School English Teacher

Position

Full-time

Location

South Shore Christian Academy (45 Broad Street, Weymouth, MA 02188)

Start Date

August 20, 2024

South Shore Christian Academy seeks a talented, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, collegial English teacher who is ready to engage middle school and high school students in the meaningful and transformative study of literature and language.

South Shore Christian Academy is a Christian, Preschool - Grade 12, college-preparatory, richly diverse day school in Weymouth, Massachusetts. We are on a mission to “glorify Jesus Christ by revealing truth, imparting knowledge, stimulating spiritual growth, and developing Christian character in young men and women through a college preparatory curriculum taught by Christian teachers,” so that students can be well-equipped to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” in our world.

Job Summary

The Upper School English Teacher engages students in meaningful study of English language and literature in support of the school’s mission not only to “reveal truth” and “impart knowledge,” but also to “stimulate spiritual growth and develop Christian character.” This teacher, therefore, finds ways to help students to encounter truths about the human experience in and through literature; to understand how literary texts function and to interpret their meanings; to use language more skillfully and artfully; and to communicate more effectively. Along the way, this teacher invites students to grapple with generative topics, themes, and questions, discovering how their emerging writing skills and deepening understanding of literature can equip them to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” in every sphere.

Though the specific course assignment will depend upon scheduling needs, the assignment will likely include English 6, English 7 (Literary Forms I), English 8 (Literary Forms II), and English 10 (British Literature). This teacher will also facilitate 2-3 student clubs/activities during school hours. This is a full-time, salaried teaching position with generous health benefits and standard school vacations. Resume and cover letter of interest should be uploaded to this application form.

Minimum Requirements

Must be a committed Christian and affirm SSCA Statement of Faith and Teaching Positions.
Must exhibit a high degree of cultural competency to contribute within a multi-racial, multi-denominational environment.
Bachelor's degree in English required; master’s degree in secondary education or content-related field preferred.
Experience with, and orientation toward, understanding-based learning pedagogies strongly preferred.
At least two years of teaching experience is preferred.
Must exhibit competency in the use of technology in an educational context, including learning management platforms, word and data processing, distance learning tools, and other applications useful for teaching and learning.
Required to move about campus regularly, including navigating stairs; to sit, stand, talk, hear, see; and to lift loads of 30 lbs.
Must be able to perform all job functions, or modified functions, remotely if required or deemed necessary by the Head of School.
SSCA conducts background checks and employment authorizations.

Essential Responsibilities

Planning and curriculum design: maintain understanding-based learning goals for students; develop assessments that measure student learning relative to those goals; develop units, lessons, and activities that help students to learn and grow accordingly.
Instruction: systematically guide students in daily learning activities, including direct instruction, application and practice, exploratory activities, hands-on projects, and public exhibitions of learning. Provide formative and summative feedback to help students grow in their skills and understanding; engage students in metacognitive activities to help them monitor their own goals and progress.
Mission alignment: Construct learning experiences designed to “stimulate spiritual growth and develop Christian character” in students, in keeping with the SSCA mission statement. Conform to the school’s philosophy of education and stated Characteristics of Professional Excellence.
Integrated approach: Construct learning experiences that help students to see the relevance of Biblical principles and the cross-disciplinary interconnectedness of knowledge.
Student support: find ways to help students succeed when they encounter difficulties; make productive use of technology and differentiate instruction to meet students’ needs and interests.
Classroom management: maintain clear, high expectations for student behavior, and cultivate a classroom culture that is orderly, productive, respectful, supportive, and joyful.
Discipleship: cultivate the spiritual growth of students through prayer, Bible study, and spiritual conversations; serve as an Advisor to a group of upper school students.
Collegiality: actively support colleagues in their own journeys as educators, and participate enthusiastically in collaborative ventures.
Institutional support: demonstrate support for the school’s mission, board, administration, and school-wide improvement efforts.
Communication: keep parents informed of students’ progress; maintain up-to-date academic records and submit reports in a timely manner. Provide timely and helpful feedback to students about their work.
Multiculturalism: consistently model and promote understanding, respect, and humility among students of various cultural and racial backgrounds, affirming the image of God in each student.
Professionalism: Follow all expectations regarding the HOS’s understanding of professionalism, including student relations, social media practices, communication protocols, and collegiality.

Other Duties

Fulfill assigned duties during and outside of school hours. This may include supervising students, conducting field trips, overseeing Flex Block clubs and other special activities, advising student organizations, and other duties.
Support Admissions and Development functions, such as participating in admissions events, hosting “shadow students,” and evaluating prospective students.
Collaboratively set individual and school-wide professional development goals; participate in on and off-campus professional development activities.
Attend and participate in all faculty meetings and trainings.
Read and be familiar with all policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by HOS.

Upper School English Teacher Job Summary