High School History Teacher

Oakwood School is an independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade. Students come to Oakwood for an outstanding, balanced academic program led by expert, passionate teachers who foster confident self-expression and self-discovery. Our diverse community, thriving on an expansive campus, provides a home for an extended family of learners. Here, we share our unwavering commitment to a more intentional education.

Located in beautiful suburban Morgan Hill, CA, Oakwood offers its faculty convenient access to many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The world-class resources of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, the University of California-Berkeley, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area are only a short drive away.

Oakwood is seeking a full-time high school history teacher for the 2026-27 school year, beginning in August 2026. Based on mutual interest and availability, an earlier start date may be possible as soon as late February 2026.

SUMMARY

Oakwood School seeks a qualified and passionate expert to join the History Department at the high school level. This full-time position includes teaching six out of eight periods, as well as serving as a High School Advisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach six total sections, in some combination of 9th Grade World Cultures, 11th Grade US History (both AP and not), 11th/12th Grade Microeconomics (both AP and not), and social science electives (selected based on both teacher and student interest).
• Serve as a High School Advisor as the first line of communication and support for a small cohort of students and families.
• Contribute to the missions of the school and the History Department.
• Promote a learner-centered approach to instruction while encouraging critical engagement with texts and argumentation.
• Create engaging lesson plans and activities, provide timely feedback on homework and exams, and write comments for each student at the end of each grading period.
• Collaborate enthusiastically with colleagues.
• Communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in a timely and professional manner.
• Chaperone three social events each year.
• Fulfill campus responsibilities including lunch duty, crosswalk duty, or other duties as assigned.
• Participate in Admission events, including Open House, New Student Orientation, and applicant interviews.
• Attend various staff meetings, Back-to-School Nights, commencement ceremony, and other events as directed.
• Write college recommendation letters as required.

SKILLS

Required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent classroom management skills
• Demonstrated interest in being part of a collaborative team
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy in all aspects of work
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and the integrity of all aspects of information disseminated within or external to the school community
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to being part of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community

Useful/Preferred

• Demonstrated confidence and aptitude with the use of instructional technology
• Experience teaching research and analytical writing skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• A bachelor’s degree in history, economics, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• A minimum of 5-years of previous teaching experience at the secondary level or equivalent professional experience relevant to working with high school students
• Content and pedagogical expertise

Useful/Preferred

• Valid teaching credential
• Experience advising high school students’ academic and social/emotional development
• Experience contributing to co-curricular activities like club advising or athletics coaching

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to stand for long periods of time, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach with arms and hands, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-30 pounds
• Ability to speak, hear, and see near and far
• Ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to escort students to different classes, to recess and to field trips, etc.
• Ability to perform repetitive wrist/hand/finger movements to work on computer and/or related office equipment
• Ability to work at a desk/computer for extended periods of time
• Occasional to frequent interruptions

Ability to adapt to a variety of different environments with varying levels of noise, temperature, physical space, etc.

COMPENSATION

This position has an expected salary range of $58,000-$98,000 for the 2026-27 school year, depending on the education level and teaching experience of the candidate.

BENEFITS

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement plan with employer match, paid sick leave, professional development opportunities, and on-site cardio and weight room.

Dependent children of employees receive tuition remission (one child no-cost tuition/full-time employee), financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and on-site before and after school care. Please visit Oakwood’s Employment webpage to learn more and access a full listing of benefits.

Oakwood School is dedicated to a culture of dignity and inclusion for all and is honored to be an equal opportunity employer.