Polytechnic School is looking for an energetic and dynamic English teacher and Writer Center coordinator who, above all, loves working with Upper School students and values and affirms the unique contributions of each child in the school community. The successful candidate will join the English Department’s mission to foster an awareness and love of the expressive power of language, an appreciation for literary art, and the mastery of critical thinking, reading, writing, and speaking. The candidate will join an English department that values collegiality, flexibility, and embraces cultural and linguistic diversity. 

In addition to English teaching responsibilities, the Writer Center coordinator will encourage and support Upper School students in their efforts to learn about, engage in, and enjoy the art of writing. 

The functions of the center include:

• generating and discussing ideas for all types of writing
• working individually with students to support writing assignments
• providing a place for collaboration, feedback, and the showcasing of writing
• offering workshops on different styles of writing and the writing process
• promoting an environment that values, encourages, and joyfully affirms the imaginative process and self-expression
• fostering a school-wide understanding of the importance and value of writing

Reporting to the director of the Upper School, the successful candidate will take a student-centered approach to all school work and will use the school’s mission to design and support the academic, extracurricular, social, and emotional success of students. 

Responsibilities

• Teaching three courses per academic semester/year.
• Leading the functions described above for the Writer Center
• Demonstrated success in the development of strong writers across grade levels and abilities.
• Preparation of course materials in collaboration with the English department, including syllabi, homework assignments, assessments, and supplementary materials.
• Administration and evaluation of classwork, assignments, and assessments.
• Preparation and maintenance of student attendance records, grades, comments, and other required records.
• Planning, evaluation, and revision of curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
• Regular participation in professional development opportunities to maintain and grow expertise in the subject matter.
• Providing assistance and advice to students during free periods and before and after school.
• Collaboration with members of the English department, the Upper School faculty, and the entire K-12 community. 
• Serving as a grade-level advisor.
• Enthusiastic participation in the greater life of the school, particularly extracurricular activities as an advisor or spectator and chaperone. 
• Interest in fostering diversity, inclusion, and social justice to promote a healthy learning environment.
• Availability to parents, students, administration, and colleagues outside the school day when needed.
• Willingness to take on other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree. Advanced degree(s) preferred.
• At least three years of teaching experience.
• Ability to teach all levels of high school English and a willingness to shift assignments from year to year depending on the needs of the department and the school.
• Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes.
• Ability to work collaboratively and methodically with students, parents, faculty, and staff on a regular basis.
• Ability to use effective class management techniques.

An independent, coeducational college-preparatory school in Pasadena, CA, Polytechnic School offers a broad curriculum in the liberal arts for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Founded in 1907, the school enrolls approximately 870 students from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds. 

The mission of Polytechnic School is to develop the intellect, talents, and character of each student in a community of learning dedicated to principles of academic excellence that values the uniqueness and dignity of each member and fosters personal responsibility and service to others. We are committed to honesty, justice, charity, and the pursuit of knowledge. We respect the dignity and worth of all human beings—their thoughts, their feelings, and their individuality. We seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. We strive to be responsible and contributing members of our families, our school community, and the world. The Poly community appreciates the cultural, ethnic, and economic diversity present in the Pasadena area and strives to reflect it. Members of the Poly community appreciate and learn from individual differences, foster the ability to disagree with civility, and embody courtesy and compassion.   

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts.
• Work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment.
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Salary: Polytechnic School is committed to attracting and retaining talented, dedicated employees through a competitive compensation plan that is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: A full benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage and a 403 (b) retirement plan. 

To Apply: Applicants should submit a résumé and cover letter to Polytechnic School, c/o Cheryl Flores, 1030 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Poly will recruit, hire, train, and promote faculty and staff without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition and physical or mental disability (whether perceived or actual), or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. School policy also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.