Upper School Biology Teacher

Westtown School seeks a one-year full-time Upper School Biology Teacher to begin in August 2024. Interim candidates may apply for future full-time openings if available. Responsibilities will consist of teaching four classes, advising a small group of students, serving on two school committees, participating in the co-curricular program by coaching interscholastic sports, facilitating lifelong fitness programs such as yoga, or collaborative activities such as sustainability or student-directed research. Faculty contribute to our residential program as either Dorm Parents or Dorm Affiliates. Both roles require a combination of weekly weeknight evening duties and regular weekend duties throughout the year. Housing may be available for faculty participating in the Upper School residential program, but is not guaranteed.

Westtown School is an independent, Quaker co-educational, pre-K to 12, college preparatory day and boarding school located in suburban West Chester, PA, approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia. Situated on a beautiful 600-acre campus, Westtown offers a program where our committed faculty and staff inspire and prepare our students to be stewards and leaders of a better world.

Essential Responsibilities

• Teaches four courses each semester
• For the biology position courses include any one of the following:
• Core Biology classes (Biology 1 & Biology 2)
• Core Upper-level Biology classes (Biology 1 (Adv) & Biology 2 (Adv))
• Electives in biology-related topics could include Biology of Disease, Bioethics and Anatomy & Physiology (Adv)
• Develops culturally competent and responsive lessons and learning activities that promote problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills while encouraging risk-taking in learning;
• Actively involves students in the classroom through group work, project-based learning, exploration, questioning, discussion, and other cooperative teaching techniques;
• Helps students hone the essential skills of critical thinking, communication, and empathy, and empowers them to draw out those skills in other people;
• Supports students’ social-emotional and identity development;
• Contributes to building and sustaining an inclusive school community and a program that embodies diverse cultures and perspectives;
• Communicates effectively with all constituents – students, colleagues, administrators, and parents;
• Contributes to students’ development of Quaker values;
• Engages in decision-making aligned with Quaker process in service to the school community;
• Integrates technology seamlessly into teaching strategies and practices, including use of a learning management system;
• Contributes to students’ development outside the classroom through co-curricular activities, student life, and residential life;
• Enthusiastically seeks out and participates in both school-sponsored and self-selected professional development opportunities to grow as an instructional leader and community member.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred;
• 3-5 years of relevant classroom teaching experience at the high school level, including an understanding of the unique developmental, social, and academic needs of high school students;
• Familiarity with Google products and the integration of a learning management system, preferably Canvas, into best teaching practices;
• Enthusiasm for full participation in the curricular, co-curricular, and residential duties required of a full-time Upper School faculty member;
• Strong speaking, writing, and listening skills;
• A demonstrated commitment to inclusive Quaker pedagogy based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
• A strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an appreciation for Quaker values and how these inform community processes and interactions.

For additional information about Westtown School and to explore current career opportunities, please visit our website westtown.edu/careers. Interested applicants can apply online by submitting their resume, cover letter, and three professional references, directly to the specific job posting on the faculty employment portal.