Laguna Blanca School is a college preparatory, coeducational day school located on two campuses in Santa Barbara, California. Grades EK-4 are located on a quaint campus in Montecito, while Grades 5-12 are located on Laguna’s historic campus in idyllic Hope Ranch. Laguna Blanca emphasizes its core values of scholarship, character, balance, and community in its programs.
Laguna Blanca School seeks a full time, passionate and dedicated Upper School history teacher to join our talented faculty.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Teach five classes of social science coursework across the Upper School curriculum.
Possess knowledge of inquiry-based pedagogy including project-based learning and other progressive approaches.
Demonstrate knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and commitment to ongoing growth in this area.
Serve as a member of the Social Sciences Department, attending departmental meetings, developing and updating course curricula and supporting the work of the department.
Serve as a member of the applicable grade-level team(s) of teachers meeting on a regular basis to plan, develop, and coordinate student support in alignment with the mission of the school.
Perform other non-teaching duties as assigned by the Head of School and the Upper School Head.
Serve as an advisor, overseeing the academic and social growth of a group of advisees.
Communicate progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to parents and, as appropriate, other faculty, staff, and/or Head of School.
Discuss academic difficulties or behavioral problems with students as they arise.
Maintain required documentation for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records.
Build and maintain positive relationships with parents and families.
Enforce safety and security standards for students, staff, and visitors.
Maintain knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in secondary education.
REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree and teaching credential highly preferred.
3-5 years of teaching experience; 5+ highly preferred.
Knowledge of the current theories, techniques, and methodologies in social science pedagogy.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Experience with collaborative project-based learning.
Creative analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations.
Ongoing maintenance of all requirements regarding Laguna’s professional courses and in-services required.
TEACHERS AT LAGUNA
Encourage a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice.
Exhibit knowledge of student cognitive development and various learning styles.
Communicate effectively with students and families about classroom activities and student progress.
Demonstrate content knowledge.
Set high academic achievement expectations.
Identify and support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs.
Implement project-based learning techniques and strategies.
Facilitate and design effective group work.
Provide timely feedback and collaborate with faculty to offer specialized support.
Foster student growth through Student-Led Conferences (SLC).
Showcase student work within the community.
Scaffold instructional activities that facilitate engaging and appropriate learning opportunities.
Differentiate instruction based on feedback, needs, and learning levels.
Provide opportunities for student engagement through “voice and choice.”
Create relevant and authentic learning experiences.
Implement backward design to align all lessons, activities, and assessments.
Design formal and informal assessments that measure student progress.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
Must be able to traverse school facilities and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency.
COMPENSATION
Salary range $50,000 - $105,000 depending on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision and retirement.
Laguna Blanca School does not discriminate based on gender, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any characteristic that is legally protected under applicable local, state, or federal law. This nondiscrimination policy includes but is not limited to admission, financial aid, educational programs, athletics, and employment.