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