La Jolla Country Day's Upper School honors LJCDS' founder Louise Balmer's educational philosophy of balancing traditional teaching with a progressive approach. While we’re proud of our students’ future successes in college, our greater mission is to prepare students for life. The student experience isn’t solely about the path to college but about the journey of education. Our contoured learning approach serves the individual needs of our wide variety of students. The magic of discovering a scholar who has artistic gifts and throws a no-hitter inspires all of us.

Through the study of the social sciences and world literature, students become familiar with both historical facts and concepts and with the more general social scientific skills that are especially useful in examining current events. Students gain a deep (albeit developing) understanding of themselves and their humanity, the cross-cultural humanity of others, and the connections between life and literature. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with a demonstrated passion for learning and for the teaching that builds interest in, excitement for, and mastery of the designated curriculum to our English team for the 2024-2025 academic year. This individual will teach two sections of English I (Grade 9) and two seminar-style English courses (Grades 11 and 12). In addition, the candidate will be expected to collaborate effectively with colleagues, serve as a student advisor, and contribute to the life of the school in co-curricular areas, by coaching an athletic team and/or serving as an advisor for at least one other extracurricular activity.

This is an interim position for the 2024-2025 academic year. Based on an individual's interest and performance, this position may transition into a full-time position.

Position Requirements

• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field of English, literature, or other humanities related field;
• Motivates and facilitates student learning; 
• Communicates effectively with colleagues and parents;
• Meets curricular and co-curricular duties;
• Participates in program curriculum development, vision and pedagogy;
• Is supportive of the LJCDS mission and vision;
• Demonstrates sensitivity to all school constituents;
• Possesses familiarity with computers and expertise in the use of technology to enhance instruction. To perform this job successfully, an individual must have working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, and be able to learn to use other applications and hardware (Apple TV, On Record, Canvas, Blackbaud, etc.).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in varying group sizes and individually in the specified subject matter
• Establish and maintain standards of student behavior necessary to achieve a functional learning environment
• Develop disciplinary and multidisciplinary lesson plans and instructional materials as part of planned learning experiences to motivate students
• Evaluate pupil academic and social growth, keep accurate records, prepare progress reports and communicate with parents on individual pupil progress
• Maintain professional competence through participation in in-service education activities provided by the school and/or self-selected professional growth activities
• Complete all reports as required, including student evaluation, orders, program evaluation and lesson plans
• Attend faculty meetings, grade level meetings, department meetings and team meetings, as required
• Administer and score such tests as may be required by the school
• Performs basic attendance accounting as required
• Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day as required
• Coach an athletic team and/or advise an extracurricular activity as required
• Initiate and participate in the Experiential Education Program with students
• Participate in some infrequent evening or weekend activities, including meetings, professional development or other school activities
• Perform other duties of an adjunct nature, which are necessary to smooth operation of the school as needed

The ideal candidate is committed to anti-racist education and culturally responsive instructional practices. They will possess or demonstrate the following: a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-motivation, positive energy, strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented and team approach to work, approachability, adaptability, vulnerability, openness to new and divergent ideas, excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfort in an educational setting where children and adults are present.

All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.

Salary range: $64,000 - $140,000 annualized. The salary offer to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience, training, practical knowledge, and education.

To be considered for this role, submit your (1) current resume/CV, (2) a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and your interest in joining the Country Day community, (3) a statement describing your educational philosophy, and (4) a sample lesson plan.