Upper School Teacher of English

Reports to: Head of Upper School, Upper School Dean of Faculty, and Upper School English Department ChairPosition Summary:St. Christopher's School, the largest all-boys school in Virginia and one of the largest and oldest boys' schools in the Mid-Atlantic region, seeks an Upper School Teacher of English.Serving approximately 1,000 boys in Grades JK-12 in Richmond, Virginia, St. Christopher's is an Episcopal school committed to cultivating a community that is diverse, inclusive, and welcoming. We pride ourselves on bringing out the best in every boy. Our boys benefit from an education and curriculum that is holistic, including academics, the arts, athletics, and service learning. The St. Christopher's experience is further differentiated by a strong emphasis on our Community Pillars-honor & integrity, the pursuit of excellence, and community & brotherhood.Principal Responsibilities:

• Teaching a full academic course load (four classes with two or three preps, depending on need)
• Specific course assignments and levels (on-level, honors, and AP) will be determined based on the strengths of the successful candidate and needs within the department; ability to teach from on-level college prep level to the Honors and AP level is preferred
• Candidates should be prepared to teach in more than one area of the English curriculum (e.g. World Cultures I: Literature, World Cultures II: Literature, American Literature & Composition, A.P. Literature, semester-long senior English electives-individually designed with input and approval by the Dept. Chair)
• All Upper School English courses seek-in and out of class-to emphasize student engagement with these four essential skills: Reading with Understanding; Thinking Critically; Listening & Speaking Thoughtfully; and Writing Persuasively, Expressively, and Descriptively. The U.S. English program, guided by principles of relational teaching, develops these essential skills for each student
• Advising (six to eight students, generally two students from each grade level) and actively participating as a member of the House System (a group of approximately 6 advisories under a House Dean)
• Coaching or leading a significant co-curricular activity (e.g., clubs, community service, student government) generally for two after-school seasons
• Attending department and faculty meetings and all-school professional development meetings, including the Curriculum Institute, which occurs every four years at the end of the school year
• Attending chapel regularly
• Offering an X-Term cohort (experiential learning program through the academic year that culminates in a one-week intensive at the end of the school year) and/or supporting the school's Rites of Passage program, both of which may require the occasional overnight trip
• Handling other duties (e.g., study halls, chaperoning dances) as assigned
• Creating a positive classroom environment in which all boys feel known and valued
• Collaborating with colleagues to design meaningful learning experiences for boys
• Planning and preparing lessons and instructional materials that facilitate active learning
• Delivering individual, whole-group, and small-group instruction as appropriate
• Assessing student progress using a variety of formal and informal data collection tools and methods and providing feedback in a timely manner
• Managing student behavior in accordance with best practices for teaching boys
• Communicating in a timely and professional manner with parents, students, and colleagues
• Engaging in continuing professional growth and development, including staying abreast of best practices for teaching boys
• Participating in the life of the School through committee work and being a regular presence at major events such as concerts, plays, athletic contests, and other events as a means of supporting the students and the mission of the School
  
  

Qualifications and Key Skills:

• A commitment to St. Christopher's mission, Community Pillars, policies, and initiatives
• A commitment to best practices in education, as articulated in the School's Teaching Excellence Document, and a dedication to best practices for boys, as espoused by the St. Christopher's Center for the Study of Boys
• A clear commitment to diversity, community, and inclusion in school communities, as expressed in the St. Christopher's Diversity and Inclusion Statement
• Hold at least a bachelor's degree with strong academic record in the subject area or a closely-related field of study; a masters degree preferred; teaching certificate is not mandatory
• Possess a thorough knowledge of and passion for teaching the discipline being taught, including an openness and experience in employing inquiry-based instructional methodologies
• Show an understanding of the vital role of research and analysis in preparing students for college and professional life
• Demonstrate familiarity, ease, and openness with integrating technology into the classroom
• Effectively collaborate with members of an academic department, House advisory groups, and the Upper School faculty
• Enhance students' skills and abilities in creative thinking and problem solving, intellectual curiosity and risk taking, research and analysis, collaboration and teamwork, and ability to apply core knowledge to new and changing situations
• Possess excellent problem-solving, communication, and analytic skills
• Exhibit a growth mindset, creativity and flexibility, and a sense of humor
• Accept constructive feedback as part of professional growth and development
• Model professionalism and integrity at all times
• Enjoy working with young people, especially adolescent boys
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to circulate among students in a classroom setting for a minimum of four class periods per day
• Must be able to move from classroom to classroom and from building to building as assigned or required by classroom assignment and activity of the day
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
  
  

How to Apply:We only accept applicant resumes through our online portal, which you can access here. Once you select the "Apply Now" button, it will take you through the prompts to complete your application and upload your resume, cover letter and other required documents.Application deadline is open until filled. School Website: www.stchristophers.comSchool Information:Established in 1911, St. Christopher's School is a JK-12 all-boys day school in Richmond, VA. St. Christopher's School is committed to cultivating a school community that is diverse, inclusive, and welcoming and prides itself on bringing out the best in every boy. Our Episcopal foundation is at the center of what we do, and we care most about developing young men who possess honor and integrity. Our boys benefit from an education and curriculum that is focused on excellence in all forms, including academics, the arts, athletics, and service learning. The School's single-campus location consists of 43 contiguous acres and 23 buildings with over 300,000 square feet. With over a century of rich history in the education of boys, St. Christopher's has a reputation as a national and international leader in the education of boys. Our work with the International Boys' Schools Coalition and our very own Center for the Study of Boys, supports our new strategic plan, Momentum 2025, setting a bold path forward for the entire St. Christopher's community. St. Christopher's School is committed to fostering, in broad and meaningful ways, an inclusive school community in which all members feel respected, welcomed, and valued. As such, St. Christopher's School is an equal opportunity employer. St. Christopher's School provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and job applicants without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, disability, genetic information or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.Mission Statement: St. Christopher's School knows, loves, and celebrates boys, promotes their pursuit of excellence, and prepares them for lives of honor and integrity, service, and leadership.Benefits Package:Among peer independent schools nationally, St. Christopher's offers one of the most generous, comprehensive and competitive employee benefits packages available.Summary of Employee Benefits for Full-Time Employees Full-time employees work a minimum of 1,000 hours per year.Retirement PlanThe School contributes 7.5% of the employee's contract salary each year to a 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan for employees at least 21 years of age who have completed one year of full-time employment with St. Christopher's School or similar experience at another institution. In addition, the School will provide a matching contribution equal to 1.5% of contract salary if the employee makes an elective deferral equal to or greater than 1.5% of contract salary to their 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, for a potential School contribution of 9.0%. Medical InsuranceThe School will pay 100% of the Consumer Directed Health Plan (also known as the High Deductible Health Plan), including vision coverage, for the employee. Employees may choose to add dependents or upgrade to a more traditional PPO Plan by applying the School's contribution to the monthly premium cost. Dental InsuranceEmployees may choose from the plans currently offered and are responsible for 100% of the premium. Long-Term Disability & Professional Liability InsuranceLong term disability and professional liability insurance are provided at no cost to the employee.Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment InsuranceLife and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance are provided at no cost to the employee equal to 1x the employee's contract salary. Additional supplemental coverage for the employee and their dependents is available to employees at their own expense.Pre-tax Savings AccountsEmployees have the opportunity to participate in pre-tax savings accounts through either a dependent care flexible spending account, a medical flexible spending account or a health savings account, subject to respective IRS contribution limits.Tuition Remission JK-12Employees who work a minimum of 1,500 hours per contract year (July 1 to June 30) and have completed three years of prior full-time employment, either with St. Christopher's School or another institution in a similar role, will be eligible to receive JK-12 tuition grants for eligible children enrolled in St. Christopher's School or St. Catherine's Schools. The three years of prior full-time employment must immediately precede the awarding of this tuition grant. For purposes of this benefit, full-time employment is defined as: a minimum of 1,500 hours per year for faculty employees and a minimum of 1,800 hours per year for all other employees. Employees with a full-time start date before July 1, 2020, who have met the eligibility criteria as stated above and have worked a minimum of 1,500 hours per year for the school prior to this date, will receive a tuition grant of 90%. Employees with a full-time start date on or after July 1, 2020, will receive a tuition grant of 75% upon completion of the eligibility criteria as stated above. Grants do not include non-tuition expenses such as fees, books, supplies, etc.The School will provide tuition grants for up to four eligible children and will support one year in JK. Eligible children are defined as the biological, adoptive or legal ward of the eligible employee.Extended DayEmployees receive full tuition remission for Extended Day services for the period of time up until the end of their regular workday.Summer Programs Employees are eligible to receive discounts on Summer Programs offered by St. Christopher's School. Discounts are also available for summer Extended Day offerings.MealsEmployees receive lunch at no expense while School is in session. In order to perform normal mealtime duties, all full-time employees, as well as their immediate families, may receive breakfast five days a week and dinner two days a week at no expense when breakfast or dinner is served.Additionally, lunch fees are waived for full-time employees' sons enrolled at St. Christopher's School. Leave PoliciesWellness Leave Full-time employees receive ten (10) paid wellness leave days per fiscal year and may accumulate and carry forward any unused wellness leave days to a maximum of sixty (60) days. Included in the 10 wellness days are two (2) personal days that may be converted and used. Part-time employees will receive and may accumulate and carry forward a prorated amount of wellness leave days based upon the amount of time worked. Employees should provide as much notice as possible when requesting wellness leave and must have a supervisor's approval.VacationVacation days are available to 12-month employees based on their job classification and continuous length of service. Please contact the Business Office for additional information. Bereavement/Funeral LeaveEmployees may take up to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave for an immediate family member. Employees may also take one day off per year with pay to attend the funeral of a relative outside the immediate family. Additional LeaveAdditional Leave of no more than five business days beyond those listed above may be granted subject to the discretion of the employee's Division Head or the Headmaster.Professional DevelopmentThe School is committed to supporting the professional growth of employees and will cover costs associated with job-related courses, workshops, conferences, professional associations and graduate degrees. Coverage of costs is budget dependent year to year and subject to the approval of both the employee's Division Head and the Headmaster.Onsite ChildcareLittle Saints, an on-site daycare facility, is available to employees on a voluntary basis and at the employee's expense.Athletic and Fitness CenterKemper Athletic and Fitness Center is open to employees subject to Athletic Department Rules and Guidelines. Campus HousingSt. Christopher's may provide an employee with on-campus or School-owned housing as a condition of employment to better accommodate student access to faculty and administrators outside of the normal School day. Relocation / Moving Expense PolicySt. Christopher's School will provide reimbursement to new full-time employees who are relocating to the Richmond area as a result of their new position with the School. Consistent with IRS guidelines, the School's reimbursement support applies only to required moves for new employees whose primary residence is located in excess of 50 miles from the St. Christopher's School campus. The maximum gross amount paid to an employee or on behalf of the employee to a moving company shall not exceed $7,500.00. Our City-Richmond, VA:Recently featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, Southern Living Magazine, CNN Travel and USA Today's 10 Best Travel Awards, Richmond is known for its vibrant lifestyle and historic charm, mixed with diverse food, music, arts and cultural scenes and leading it to become one of the top mid-sized, affordable cities in the country.Richmond's residents enjoy big-city amenities combined with family-friendly quality of life. History buffs can enjoy a visit to St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" speech. Museums include the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Institute for Contemporary Art, The American Civil War Museum, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, the Children's Museum of Richmond, the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Music and dance enthusiasts can enjoy the classics at the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Ballet and Virginia Opera, or more contemporary shows at The National, Altria Theater and outdoor music concerts and festivals on Brown's Island. Outdoor adventurers can explore over 600 acres of parks, over 40 miles of trails and Class IV rapids in the heart of an urban center through the James River Park System.Richmond's array of colleges and universities, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University and the University of Richmond, are cultural hubs and host theater events, music performances and impressive sports teams. The city is also home to the Richmond Flying Squirrels Minor League Baseball team and the Richmond Kickers soccer club. Not only does Richmond's appealing climate and location make it an enjoyable and exciting city in which to work and live, but it is ideally situated for a short road trip to the mountains of Charlottesville, to beaches in the Hampton Roads area, or to our nation's capital, Washington, DC.