What are the responsibilities and job description for the Upper School English Teacher position at Hammond School?
Hammond School seeks a dynamic, student-centered Upper School English Teacher to join our faculty beginning August 2026.
The successful candidate will bring strong content knowledge in English literature and composition and a deep understanding of effective pedagogy for adolescents. This educator will design classrooms where rigorous academic standards are paired with relational trust - spaces in which students feel supported enough to take intellectual risks and challenged enough to grow. We are looking for a teacher who understands that excellence in English instruction is not only about mastery of content, but about cultivating habits of mind such as critical reading, thoughtful writing, careful analysis, and intellectual curiosity.
The ideal candidate is intellectually curious and committed to continued professional growth. They collaborate thoughtfully with colleagues on curriculum alignment and instructional practice, contribute to meaningful conversations about teaching and learning, and approach their work with both reflection and energy. Just as important, they find genuine joy in working with high school students and recognize the privilege of shaping young people during a formative season of their lives. Clear communication, organization, responsiveness, and integrity are hallmarks of our faculty, and we seek a colleague who embodies those qualities.
Responsibilities
Founded in 1966, Hammond School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students in Pre-K through Grade 12 in Columbia, South Carolina. Our mission calls us to cultivate academic excellence, character, and a deep sense of belonging. In the Upper School, we challenge students with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum while fostering intellectual courage, integrity, and joy in learning.
At Hammond, we believe that exceptional teaching is rooted in both expertise and humanity. Our faculty are scholars of their disciplines, mentors to their students, and active participants in a vibrant school community.
Application Process
Interested Candidates Should Submit
Hammond School is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Hammond School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
The successful candidate will bring strong content knowledge in English literature and composition and a deep understanding of effective pedagogy for adolescents. This educator will design classrooms where rigorous academic standards are paired with relational trust - spaces in which students feel supported enough to take intellectual risks and challenged enough to grow. We are looking for a teacher who understands that excellence in English instruction is not only about mastery of content, but about cultivating habits of mind such as critical reading, thoughtful writing, careful analysis, and intellectual curiosity.
The ideal candidate is intellectually curious and committed to continued professional growth. They collaborate thoughtfully with colleagues on curriculum alignment and instructional practice, contribute to meaningful conversations about teaching and learning, and approach their work with both reflection and energy. Just as important, they find genuine joy in working with high school students and recognize the privilege of shaping young people during a formative season of their lives. Clear communication, organization, responsiveness, and integrity are hallmarks of our faculty, and we seek a colleague who embodies those qualities.
Responsibilities
- Teach Upper School English courses (Grades 9–12), potentially including advanced or AP-level coursework, depending on departmental needs.
- Design engaging, developmentally aligned lessons that support diverse learners.
- Provide regular office hours and individualized academic support.
- Serve as an advisor, guiding students academically and personally.
- Collaborate in vertical team planning and departmental curriculum development.
- Participate actively in faculty meetings, professional development, and school-wide initiatives.
- Contribute positively to a collegial, mission-driven faculty culture.
- Bachelor's degree in English or related field (required).
- Graduate degree preferred.
- Experience teaching Upper School English (Grades 9–12) preferred.
- Demonstrated technological literacy and comfort integrating digital tools into instruction.
Founded in 1966, Hammond School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students in Pre-K through Grade 12 in Columbia, South Carolina. Our mission calls us to cultivate academic excellence, character, and a deep sense of belonging. In the Upper School, we challenge students with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum while fostering intellectual courage, integrity, and joy in learning.
At Hammond, we believe that exceptional teaching is rooted in both expertise and humanity. Our faculty are scholars of their disciplines, mentors to their students, and active participants in a vibrant school community.
Application Process
Interested Candidates Should Submit
- A cover letter describing interest in the position and philosophy of teaching and learning.
- A résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Hammond School is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Hammond School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.