Head of Department (Modern Languages) & French Teacher

Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include ten boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art learning commons and library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.

For more information, explore our Shawnigan at a Glance.

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

Commencing August 31, 2026, preference will be given to qualified teachers who are a) academically multi-disciplinary b) can offer expertise, experience and enthusiasm in co-curricular activities c) are committed to contributing to our boarding campus and community, and d) have boarding school experience.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a nurturing, family-friendly workplace. The teaching load for this position is equivalent to a 1.0 FTE with a salary range of $75,084 to $117,516 per year (based on current year grids and subject to 2026-2027 increase). Actual salary offered will be commensurate with placement on the teaching grid.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Head of Department is a key leadership role, acting as a mentor, role model, and leader among the members of a department. This individual not only manages the needs of the department, but also acts as the voice of the department at the Academic Council table.

The Head of Department at Shawnigan will play a pivotal role in integrating Project Future 2.0: The Shawnigan Journey, into the Department, and ensure that the department’s programs and initiatives are aligned with Shawnigan’s well-developed proficiencies of fostering creative, critical, and reflective thinking, effective communication and collaboration, and personal and social responsibility and cultural identity.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Head of Academics and Leadership Development, the Department Head must have a history of teaching excellence and a professional approach in the classroom.

Teaching

• Carry assigned load of classes while meeting all of Shawnigan’s prep, planning and reporting protocols as expected in the teaching profession;
• Collaborate with fellow department members and across departments to design and deliver content that challenges our students and prepares them for their post-secondary pathways;
• Be available to support students in their learning through tutorials or enrichment opportunities;
• Be involved in the full Shawnigan program and the delivery of “The Shawnigan Journey”

Faculty and Department Development

• Establish yearly goals and a strategic plan for the department;
• Lead the development of assessment policies and "best practice" in teaching;
• Lead recruitment and the onboarding/mentoring of new staff;
• Use the PGP framework to guide goal-setting, Pro-D, and regular performance feedback;
• Support lesson planning, assessment design, and adaptation to curriculum changes;
• Model and encourage peer collaboration and classroom observations;

Curriculum Development

• Coordinate scope, sequence, and course outlines to meet Ministry and AP requirements;
• Develop experiential curricula, integrating technology and Indigenous perspectives/histories;
• Monitor course delivery and calibrate assessments for consistency across the department;
• Implement interventions for student progress and manage academic integrity issues;

Department Management

• Chair regular meetings and ensure staff meet deadlines for reporting and school commitments;
• Oversee course selections, student placements, and teacher-course assignments (including summer timetabling);
• Organize summative exams, competitions, and student showcases/performances;

Academic Department Initiatives

• Represent the department at Academic Council (AC) and communicate updates back to the team;
• Partner with other Department Heads on interdisciplinary projects and department reviews;
• Coordinate learning opportunities that embrace the First Peoples Principles of Learning.

REQUIREMENTS

• Legally entitled to work in Canada or if not, receive all appropriate visa and permissions to legally work in Canada;
• Hold a post-secondary degree in French, Education or related discipline that aligns with the Shawnigan academic program;
• Be in possession of, or eligible to apply for, a British Columbia Teaching Certificate (Independent or Certificate of Qualification) before April 2026;
• A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience;
• Experience teaching French and French Immersion grade 8-12;
• A comprehensive understanding of current trends in teaching and learning;
• A comprehensive understanding of the BC curriculum as it pertains to the department;
• A proven record of initiative, professionalism, leadership skills and effective collaboration;
• Skilled at working with teenagers, preferably in a boarding environment;
• Strong communication skills;
• Proven record of professionalism, punctuality, flexibility, dependability and reliability.

NEXT STEPS

To apply, please visit our Careers Page.

We ask you to please provide references at the shortlist stage of the recruitment process.

Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline is 5 pm (PST), April 6, 2026.

About Shawnigan Lake School

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