English Faculty​/English Department Chair

English Faculty / English Department Chair

Status:
Full-time, Faculty, Housed

The Thacher School is one of the most selective and highly regarded boarding schools in the nation. Founded in 1889 by Sherman Day Thacher, the School serves academically talented students from over 20 states and close to 10 countries in a rigorous college preparatory experience. The faculty and students live and work closely together on a 427-acre campus nestled in the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest in Ojai, California (85 miles north of Los Angeles).

Honor, fairness, kindness, and truth are the cornerstones of School life. Together, the School community commits to the belief that demands in the academic classroom, when combined with those of mountains and horses, of sports and the arts, produce independent minds, strong bodies, and powerful character. The School enrolls 260 students, has an operating budget of $28 million, and an endowment of $180 million.

Thacher seeks an experienced teacher of English for the 2026/27 school year. There is also the potential for this position to include Department Chair responsibilities, but interest in taking on the role of Department Chair is not required for application. Interested candidates should indicate their desire to discuss the Department Chair role in the cover letter requested below.

In this process, we seek to interview candidates whose demonstrated excellence and enthusiasm extend beyond the classroom to encompass all aspects of boarding school life. Thacher faculty engagement entails a commitment to residential life and advising, to athletic coaching or other participation in the School’s afternoon program, and to helping co-lead backcountry camping trips. We also seek teachers who are dynamic leaders, lifelong learners, and compassionate mentors to adolescents.

SUMMARY OF

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach four sections in Thacher’s English department. Ideal candidates have both the capacity to teach survey-style courses (such as American literature and global literature) and the creativity to design exciting elective opportunities in areas of particular interest. Additionally, candidates with interest and/or experience teaching across disciplines, in particular teaching history, are encouraged to describe that interest, as well as relevant qualifications, in the cover letter.
• Advise a grade-level group of between 4-6 students.
• Participate in the residential program through attendance at community dinner, as well as evening duty one weeknight/week and approximately 6 weekends/year.
• Participate in the afternoon program by coaching, running an activity, or its equivalent for two of the three seasons/year.
• Partner with colleagues to co-lead two five-night outdoor backcountry trips per year. These trips are most often true backcountry experiences, and many take place at high elevation (8000’+) on trails throughout California.
• Serve on at least one school-wide committee; participate in departmental and full-faculty meetings, provide timely written feedback to students, advisees and their families, and actively support school activities and events.
• Support the senior exhibition program as a research and/or presentation advisor to students.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES OF THACHER FACULTY & STAFF

• Contribute to the delivery of the mission, vision, and values of the school community.
• Build, foster and participate in an inclusive school community.
• Model lifelong learning, flexibility and a growth mindset.
• Maintain a commitment to professional development.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism with students and colleagues.
• Enthusiasm for working with teenagers.
• Manage time effectively and meet deadlines and commitments.
• Values collaboration with colleagues and active participation in a community of students and adults.
• Embrace and actively participate in signature Thacher programs, including the backcountry program.
• Exhibits flexibility and adaptability to change as needed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required in English or related field, advanced degree preferred.
• At least three years of successful experience teaching English at the high school level.
• Strong…