English Teacher

About The Branson School

The Branson School is a coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 320 students, grades 9-12, located in Marin County, California. Branson prides itself on fostering nurturing relationships with students while maintaining high academic standards. The faculty values collaboration, professional development, reflection, and continual exploration of good teaching. Branson teachers work in a beautiful, well-resourced environment with dedicated students. The faculty is widely regarded as outstanding and there exists in the faculty an admirable ?esprit de corps and a positive attitude about their work and their relationship with students.

Mission Statement

Branson develops students who make a positive impact in the world by leading lives of integrity, purpose, learning, and joy.

Diversity Mission Statement

Branson believes that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to create a truly excellent learning environment and a vibrant, caring community.  We aspire to have every member of the Branson community feel a deep sense of belonging and inclusion.

Job Summary

Branson’s English curriculum emphasizes close reading of the text, discussion-based classes, and analytical, reflective, and creative writing. English teachers should be able to teach at any level but generally tend to teach a yearlong core (freshman or sophomore) class and one or two upper-level electives each semester. The teachers of each course work very closely together, collaborating to plan each unit of study, individual lessons and assessments. All English teachers report to the English Department chair and are expected to collaborate and form a strong team with all members of the department. The teacher will also serve as an advisor to a group of students in a particular grade, as well as perform an additional to be determined duty at the school—options include committee work, coaching, running a student club or organization etc.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach 4 sections of English, with either two or three preparations.
• Collaborate closely with the other teachers of each course to develop units, lessons and assessments.
• Maintain an understanding of the overall scope and sequence of the English curriculum in order to effectively design curriculum that aligns with the overall goals of Branson’s English program.
• Stress effective oral and written communication in all classes and encourage careful listening skills.
• Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment.
• Treat all students equitably, be sincerely interested in them as individuals, and make a priority of responding to their needs.
• Hold high expectations for all students and communicate these expectations clearly and regularly.
• Hold students accountable for their actions and their learning.
• Engage and encourage students in the active process of learning.
• Incorporate appropriate and varied methods, materials, and technologies into teaching.
• Give timely, meaningful, and personal feedback on student performance and participation.
• Regularly communicate with department chair, administration and parents about student progress and concerns as they arise.
• Serve as a faculty advisor to a group of 8-10 students.
• Attend all assemblies, faculty meetings, department meetings and required school events.
• Perform an additional extra-curricular duty approved by the school -- coaching, advising a student organization, serving on a committee, etc.
• Respond to evaluations from supervisors and students professionally and constructively.
• Be available to meet with students outside of class to provide academic support.
• Be available to meet with students outside of class to provide social, emotional and mentoring support.

Key Qualifications and Skills:

• A. or B.S. in English, or equivalent experience.
• Must love working with teenagers, and be understanding and compassionate about the realities of being an adolescent.
• Must have a high level of integrity as well as strong communication and organizational skills. A sense of humor is a plus.
• Must be interested and conversant in creating a culturally inclusive classroom.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with or understanding adolescent development.
• Must be committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, exceptional teaching, and contributing to a dynamic climate for lifelong fitness and wellness.
• Able to pass state and federal background check, fingerprinting, and provide a recent negative TB test or screening.
• Able to perform all of the physical requirements of being a teacher at Branson.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Branson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, employees, volunteers and interns, and the School makes decisions based on the merits of each candidate. Branson prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion (including all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality) national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status or registered domestic partner status, uniformed service member or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other basis protected by law. The School will afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.

For Consideration

To apply, please send a cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy and resume to https://thebransonschool.applytojob.com/apply/vfC0vkus9y/English-Teacher