Upper School History & Social Studies Teacher

Oregon Episcopal School seeks an Upper School History and Social Studies Teacher to begin duties in August 2026. Interested candidates should include a resume and cover letter addressed to Sarah Grenert-Funk (Head of Upper School) when submitting materials.

Please note: there may be an opportunity to serve as a department chair in conjunction with this role. If you are interested in being considered for this additional responsibility, we encourage you to indicate that in your cover letter.

OUR MISSION: Oregon Episcopal School educates students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.

ABOUT US: Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59-acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry-based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together, enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.

OES seeks and values employees who continually grow in their work practices. Teaching faculty engage in the Characteristics of Effective Teaching for their ongoing learning in service of students. All other employees engage in professional growth specific to their responsibilities. Together, faculty and staff create a vibrant and diverse community of lifelong learners.

As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose – toward inclusion and respect, service and justice, and commitment beyond ourselves.

JOB SUMMARY:  The Upper School History and Social Studies Teacher teaches courses in grades 9–12 and designs engaging, learner-centered curriculum that helps students understand history as a dynamic force shaping the world today. Through the study of diverse perspectives, the teacher fosters curiosity, critical thinking, research skills, and collaboration while guiding students to analyze evidence, engage in thoughtful civil discourse, listen respectfully across differences, and develop a deeper understanding of both the past and the present.

The teacher collaborates with colleagues to advance the school’s mission and serves as a model of community engagement and continuous professional learning. A successful candidate will bring innovation and energy to the classroom, making problem-solving an essential part of the student experience. They should view students as emerging scholars, creators, and engaged citizens, committed to their growth and development.

The ideal candidate will have strong technological proficiency, a flexible and creative mindset, and a collaborative approach to curriculum design and teaching. Teachers at OES are guided by the Learning and Teaching faculty growth model, which emphasizes professional development and reflective practice. This position reports directly to the Upper School Division Head.

In addition to the qualifications detailed below, the successful teacher will promote the School’s commitment to attracting and retaining a highly talented faculty, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to support the School’s educational mission.  As professional educators in a dynamic living and learning environment, faculty are required to model professional behavior and observe appropriate adult-student boundaries to support a safe and supportive community for teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated gift for engaging students and strengthening the inclusive community of OES.

Faculty also participate in a variety of activities typical to the independent school environment, including advising, committee work, support of experiential education, and other duties as assigned. In addition to strength in their teaching discipline/area, faculty candidates who bring an interest in dormitory association or coaching are encouraged to apply for these additional opportunities for student engagement and are strongly considered.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Create, communicate, and maintain clear and consistent learning objectives aligned with department goals and school-wide initiatives. Design assessments and activities that promote student learning and growth, and differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs.
• Build strong relationships with students and families to foster learning and community. Promote cultural awareness and inclusivity while addressing individual student needs and maintaining appropriate student behavioral standards using Restorative Practices.
• Provide frequent, constructive feedback to students. Actively participate in professional development, including the school’s Learning and Teaching program and Equity and Inclusion activities, applying feedback to improve teaching practices.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, grade-level teams, and families. Communicate responsibly and professionally within the school community.
• Participate in school activities, events, and meetings, including attending an opening-of-school overnight trip, leading an advisory group, and designing and implementing an Activity (one hour a week co-curricular mini-course) and Winterim (week-long experiential education) course.
• Incorporate technology responsibly and effectively in teaching and assessment.
• Attend meetings, contribute to departmental and grade-level initiatives, and engage in broader school life.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS or equivalent in History and Social Studies or related field
• One to three years of experience teaching History and Social Studies or completion of a teaching certification program
• Intercultural competence, ability to work with sensitivity and effectiveness with students, families, colleagues of diverse backgrounds and identities, demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion for people of all backgrounds and identities
• Digital literacy; intermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite, Google Docs/Sheets and other web-based applications; database and cloud storage solutions, such as Google Drive, ability to troubleshoot common hardware and software issues, and good understanding of data privacy principles, particularly in safeguarding student data and personal information.
• Video-conferencing experience, as appropriate to job duties; flexibility and  willingness to learn as digital tools evolve
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• MA/MS or equivalent in History and Social Studies or related field
• Five years experience teaching students in grades 9-12
• Demonstrated and successful history with innovation in the teaching of History and Social Studies, curriculum design
• Experience in teaching English Language Learners (ELL), particularly international students
• Oregon Central Background Registry qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Verbal and written communication skills, ability to manage confidential information in compliance with the law and best practice
• Ability to consistently apply principles of equity and inclusion in day-to-day work and in the broader workplace community
• Organizational skills, ability to work well on teams

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to sit at computer and keyboard for moderate periods
• Mobility sufficient to move about the campus, to include climbing stairs
• Sight and hearing adequate to perform the duties of the job, ability to  communicate clearly
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis

SALARY:  This is a full-time, academic year position that comes with a competitive salary based on degrees and experience, abundant professional development opportunities, and a generous benefits package.

Candidates should send both a cover letter and resume to the hiring committee at https://www.oes.edu/careers. Please address the cover letter to Sarah Grenert-Funk (Head of Upper School) when submitting your materials.

Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and changes made based on the needs of the school and the position.

Oregon Episcopal School does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), disability, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristic or status. 

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