Middle School History Teacher Temporary appointment

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 School seeks a qualified and passionate expert to join the History/Social Studies Department at the middle school level. This includes teaching five or six out of eight periods (core and elective), as well as serving as a middle school advisor.

Please note:

this position is temporary, covering the period Feb 23-May 22, 2026 (approximately) when the incumbent teacher will be on leave.

• Teach five sections of middle school core history classes (Ancient History, U.S. History I, or U.S. History II) with the option to add one elective course.
• Lesson planning and grading for courses above
• Serve as a Middle School Advisor as the first line of communication and support for a small cohort of students and families
• Contribute to the mission of the school and the History/Social Science Department
• Promote a learner-centered approach to instruction focused on student engagement
• Understand and connect exceptionally well with middle school-aged students
• Collaborate enthusiastically with colleagues
• Communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in a timely and professional manner
• Contribute talents and skills to the school community in additional capacities, including coaching and advising
• Fulfill campus responsibilities including break supervision, crosswalk duty, or other duties as assigned
• Participate in Admission events, including Open House, New Student Orientation, and applicant interviews, as applicable during this term
• Attend various staff meetings, Back-to-School Nights, promotion ceremony, and other events as directed

• Embody Oakwood School’s mission and values
• Support and follow school policies and procedures
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School

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 and inclusive school community in culture of dignity that respects and authentically celebrates different backgrounds and viewpoints
• Demonstrated confidence and aptitude with the use of instructional technology

Required

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in history, economics, geography, anthropology, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• Content and pedagogical expertise

Useful/Preferred

• Previous teaching experience at the secondary level or equivalent professional experience relevant to working with middle school students

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

• 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 movement 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.

Salary will be based on a flat rate of $18,000 for the full expected tenure of 55 days, for all core classes plus elective. May be pro-rated as necessary for exceptions. No benefits included.

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