Annie Wright is seeking an Upper School for Girls Social Studies Teacher to begin on August 23, 2021. This is a full time position.
Mission Statement
Annie Wright’s strong community cultivates individual learners to become well-educated, creative and responsible citizens for a global society.
About AWS
Tradition meets innovation at Annie Wright Schools, where we honor our rich history and traditions, embrace the present, and continue always to move forward. Founded in 1884, Annie Wright Schools serve students from age three through high school. The Lower and Middle Schools offer co-ed programs in Preschool through Grade 8, while separate Upper Schools for boys and girls offer day and boarding options in Grades 9 through 12, welcoming students from Tacoma and around the world. We are proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School, delivering IB programs in every division.
Position Description
The Upper School for Girls (USG) Social Studies Teacher brings history to life through engaging discussions, active class participation, and a true passion for storytelling and making history relevant to all students. Specifically, in Grade 10, the USG Social Studies Teacher will explore world history, while in Grades 11 and 12, the Teacher might focus on either year one or year two of higher level International Baccalaureate History, a study of selected topics within the twentieth century, Global Politics, or possibly Environmental Systems and Societies.
In all cases, the USG Social Studies Teacher uses historical and contemporary texts and artifacts that reflect a variety of lived experiences to make their classes come alive and to engage students in inquiry, analytical thought, and effective writing. The USG Social Studies Teacher gives detailed feedback to their students to enable them to grow through the learning experience and to become thoughtful and reflective citizens. The teacher guides students to use a wide range of resources and media, make interdisciplinary connections, and consider the implications of social studies from a global and multi-dimensional perspective.
The USG Social Studies Teacher must be able to form authentic connections with high school students of all backgrounds and abilities. In addition to supporting young historians in the classroom and developing their understanding of how history informs current affairs, the USG Social Studies Teacher supports students’ growth and understanding of their role within the school community and more broadly, by serving as an advisor and by leaning in to the playful and collegial nature of the Upper Schools communities through a variety of annual co-curricular day, evening and weekend events.
As a core member of the Upper School for Girls faculty, the Social Studies Teacher reports to both Upper Schools for Girls Division Director, working collaboratively with them and other faculty to continuously assess the curriculum and review best practices, and is integral in supporting and developing students that embody the school’s mission and vision.
Position Overview: core duties & responsibilities
The Upper School for Girls Social Studies Teacher:
teaches history and social studies courses in alignment with the mission and philosophy of Annie Wright Schools and with the International Baccalaureate framework;
works closely with colleagues to develop the Humanities program in the Upper School for Girls and to align it with other divisions;
communicates effectively with parents informally as needed and formally through consistent recording of grades and comments in an electronic gradebook and in narrative reports at quarter and semester;
Implements curriculum based on best practices in teaching, student-centered instruction, and relevant educational technologies;
fulfills all faculty duties, including serving as an IB Extended Essay Advisor or student advisor;
participates actively in the life of a day/boarding independent school, including attendance at games, concerts and plays and some evening and weekend events throughout the academic year;
engages fully in professional responsibilities of a preschool through twelfth grade community, including attending meetings and serving on committees, as called.
Qualifications
The Upper School for Girls Social Studies Teacher, will demonstrate key elements of the listed expertise and experiences. This is an aspirational list and Annie Wright Schools encourages candidates to apply who may not currently possess, but are working on building, all of these qualities. The Upper School for Girls Social Studies Teacher:
holds a BA in history or other related field, preferably, holds an MA degree;
demonstrates success teaching high school Humanities at multiple levels;
is familiar with independent schools and/or the International Baccalaureate framework and is familiar with trends in education;
has experience in, interest in and/or enthusiasm about teaching in a single gender environment;
is a strong communicator and empathetic listener and practices cultural humility in personal interactions;
demonstrates proficiency in educational technologies, flexibility, and excellent organizational skills;
is eligible to work in the United States.
Salary & benefits
Compensation includes competitive benefits including medical and dental benefits, a retirement plan, daily lunch, and salary commensurate with experience.
Application process
Annie Wright Schools remain firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. Annie Wright shall hire, promote, transfer, terminate, and make all other employment related decisions without regard to an employee’s race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, political ideology, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Annie Wright Schools are actively seeking to create a more culturally diverse school community and accordingly, applicants of color and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and email and telephone contact information for 3-5 professional references, all in PDF format, to Mrs. Erin Gann, Executive Assistant to the Head of Schools, at
erin_gann@aw.org. In accordance with Annie Wright Schools’ strategic focus on issues related to social justice, candidates should anticipate being asked to address how their past work, as well as future contributions, might serve to advance Annie Wright’s commitment to a more diverse and inclusive community. Applications for this position will be accepted until filled.