Upper School English Teacher

Episcopal School of Acadiana is seeking a dynamic and engaging secondary English teacher to join our faculty for the 2024-2025 school year with the possibility of sitting as chair of the department if interest is indicated.  Specific course assignments will vary based on the successful candidate’s interests and expertise.  Our English department fosters three core skills: active reading, critical thinking, and crisp writing. As an Episcopal school, we also endeavor to advance the ethical development of our students, and we consider the English department’s curriculum and teachers vital components of that mission. Through a wide range of developmentally appropriate fiction and nonfiction reading and writing, students wrestle with moral and ethical questions. Teachers act as guides and facilitators who lead students toward logical and empathetic values in verbal and written expression.

Our English curriculum introduces students to the foundations of world literature and to the practice of writing about literature. Freshmen explore the roots of the major early written texts in the sacred scripture, mythology, folklore, and songs of ancient civilizations. Anchor texts vary from year to year but have included Gilgamesh, The Ramayana, and The Odyssey.  Sophomores study British literature and explore the major literary periods, topics and themes beginning with the Anglo-Saxon period and ending with the Modern period.  Juniors study American literature and have the option to take AP English Language and Composition. ESA senior English students take two one-semester capstone courses of their choosing.  Course offerings vary from year to year and may focus on specific topics, themes, genres, or authors. While exposing students to a variety of traditions and points of view, these courses refine and develop student critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.

The English curriculum corresponds with the social studies curriculum, and English class discussion and writing assignments help students draw connections between selected texts and what they are learning in social studies about history, literature, philosophy, and culture. Grammar, rhetoric, and composition lessons ensure that students master the ability to produce academic writing that demonstrates not only standard English grammar and mechanics, but also the sensitive use of a wide range of sentence constructions.

Department chairs at ESA serve as mentors and visionaries for their department while also managing the nuts and bolts of budgets, meetings, and observations. They report directly to the division chairs and oversee lower, middle, and upper school teachers and curriculum.

Episcopal School of Acadiana is a co-ed, college-preparatory day school for students in grades PK-3 through 12.  Our mission is to instill in every student the habits of scholarship and honor.  ESA challenges its students to develop intellectually, spiritually, and physically. The School serves students from the seven-parish area of south Louisiana known as Acadiana. Our Lafayette Campus houses grades PK3 through 5, with a state-of-the-art classroom facility and an Enrichment Center that hosts art, music, language, technology, science, the library, and the learning center, as well as administrative offices. The Cade Campus, home to 6th through 12th grades, is a 100-acre rural site that once operated as a sugar mill. ESA’s academic program is recognized statewide, regionally, and nationally, and ESA alumni succeed in colleges and careers around the world. ESA employs individuals without regard to race, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or other characteristic as protected by federal, state, or local law.

Required Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s degree or higher is preferred.  ESA is accepting resumes from new teachers, but 3 or more years teaching experience is also a preference. The ideal candidate will engage students in a variety of ways to engender enthusiasm for the lessons, and he/she will embrace the idea of experiential learning.

Salary Details: ESA offers a generous benefits plan including paid non-vacation days for medical or family leave. The School provides paid medical insurance for the employee portion, and offers dental, vision and other insurance options, and contributes up to 9% toward a retirement plan for employees who contribute. Employees with children are eligible for a 50% discount on tuition. ESA will assist with relocation costs.

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