Ojai Valley School is a pre-kindergarten to grade 12 boarding and day school located on two campuses in Ojai, California. The Lower Campus serves students in grades PK-8 and the Upper Campus serves students in grades 9-12.

Summary of Position

Ojai Valley School is currently seeking a qualified candidate for a full-time high school Science Teacher (Physics), under the supervision of the Head of School, Upper Campus, for the 2024-2025 academic year. Specifically, we are looking for a Science background and an ability to teach specifically in Physics at the general and Advanced Placement levels and in one of the following areas: Biology or Chemistry at the general or Advanced Placement levels. The ideal candidate has a degree in science, or another related field, and has experience as a high school classroom teacher delivering a math curriculum. The candidate should also have experience developing and documenting new curriculum.

Ojai Valley School welcomes your interest in our employment opportunities. The school is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and seeks individuals with exemplary character and skills. Preference will be given to individuals who have worked in or attended independent schools for at least two years, particularly in a boarding school environment, and who understand the independent school philosophy of educating the whole child in a homelike environment.

This position is for a day faculty position, however some weekend and evening hours may be required. In addition, housing may be available if requested as a resident counselor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Teaching Duties:

• Leads students by example and otherwise, adhering to the guidelines of the school Course of Study and Faculty Training Manual.

• Organizes the methodology of respective courses to satisfy individual needs and preparation for the following grade level.

• Communicates with the administration, parents, and dorm parents regarding student progress.

• Maintains a warm and positive environment in the classroom, while establishing and managing classroom rules and regulations.

• Cares for and protects the safety of the students and is versed in emergency and disaster procedures. Is thoroughly advised and clear about role during emergency and disaster procedures, and provides leadership with emergency and disaster procedures.

• Prepares course objectives and outlines for the Course of Study following curriculum guidelines, satisfying state and local requirements.

• Checks homework.

• Lectures, demonstrates, and uses audiovisual teaching aids to present subject matter to class.

• Prepares, administers, and corrects tests and records results.

• Assigns lessons, corrects papers, and hears oral presentations.

• Takes roll and promptly reports to the Front Office.

• Supports and participates in the Outdoor Education Program.

• Accompanies classes to special events and school functions.

• Communicates with parents, dorm parents, and administration on a regular basis.

• Displays student’s work around the school and in publications.

• Teaches rules of conduct.

• Maintains order and discipline in the classroom.

• Counsels students and reviews grades on a continual basis.

• Coordinates and contributes to class field trips.

• Contributes to Family Tree and/or other school publications.

• Gives instructions to students regarding desirable health and personal habits.

• Provides pre and after-school tutoring for students in need.

• Leads or assists in coaching duties and school electives.

• Supervises weekend activities (one weekend in every three weeks).

Resident Duties (if using on campus housing):

When on duty, focus on the students’ needs. Take care of personal business during off hours. Plan ahead to avoid schedule conflicts with your duty. Maintain your health to meet the challenges of your duty times. (i.e. adequate sleep, proper diet, etc.). Seek assistance in crisis situation and keep administration informed.

• Duty for approximately one weekend in every three weeks.

• Awaken students each morning and ensure students are dressed, fed, and ready for school or other activity.

• Gives instructions to students regarding desirable health and personal habits.

• Plans and leads after school recreational activities and participate or instruct students in games.

• Supervise study hall and monitor homework.

• Disciplines students and recommends or initiates other measures to control behavior.

• Counsels students.

• Maintains parent contact.

• Provides leadership in fire drill and disaster procedures.

• Administers minor first-aid.

• Responsible for security.

• Supervises student’s housekeeping duties.

• Provides phone coverage as assigned.

• Completes daily log book.

• Coordinates with the Dean of Residential Life, Assistant Head of Campus - Student Life, and the Weekend Coordinator.

Above all else remember that we are dealing with impressionable adolescents and children. Act professional while being kind, gentle, and responsible. Our responsibility is to help each student to grow up to be young adults. The examples we set, the way we live our lives, all influence the behavior of the young people we work with. Each one of us is responsible to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the faculty and staff training manual, rules in the student handbook, and the laws and regulations of the state.

Emotional Leadership:

• Communicate with students.

• Follow their progress - academic, social, family life.

• Be aware of both the physical and emotional health of students in the dorm --understanding the difference between confidential situations and what you must share with school authorities.

• Do not allow a student's crisis to become your own, nor allow your crisis to become a student’s.

• Lead by example. (Be positive and upbeat. Your life is the example students will follow.)

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Fifth year college or university program certificate preferable; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common trade and technical journals. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from parents, regulatory agencies, or members of the community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to management, and parents.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

California driver's license preferred.

Current CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

California Teaching Credential preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Grade school specialties:

• High school
• Science

Physical setting:

• Boarding school
• Private school

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person