High School Physics Teacher

Oakwood School is an independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade. Students come to Oakwood for an outstanding, balanced academic program led by expert, passionate teachers who foster confident self-expression and self-discovery. Our diverse community, thriving on an expansive campus, provides a home for an extended family of learners. Here, we share our unwavering commitment to a more intentional education.

Located in beautiful suburban Morgan Hill, CA, Oakwood offers its faculty convenient access to many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The world-class resources of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, the University of California-Berkeley, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area are only a short drive away.

Oakwood is seeking a full-time high school physics teacher. This position starts in the 2025-26 school year, beginning in August 2025.

SUMMARY

Oakwood School seeks a qualified and passionate expert to join the Science Department at the high school level. This full-time position includes teaching six out of eight periods (core and elective), as well as serving as a high school advisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach six total sections, in some combination of 9th Conceptual Physics, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, and science electives (selected based on both teacher and student interest).
• Contribute to the missions of the school and the Science Department.

• Promote a learner-centered approach to instruction.

• Create engaging lesson plans and activities, provide timely feedback on homework and exams, and write comments for each student at the end of each grading period.
• Conduct regular hands-on lab activities to drive student engagement and engender acquisition of content.
• Serve as a High School Advisor as the first line of communication and support for a small cohort of students and families (grade to be determined after hiring).
• Collaborate enthusiastically with colleagues.
• Communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in a timely and professional manner.
• Chaperone three social events each year.
• Fulfill campus responsibilities including break supervision, crosswalk duty, or other duties as assigned.
• Participate in Admission events, including Open House, New Student Orientation, and applicant interviews.
• Attend various staff meetings, Back-to-School Nights, commencement ceremony, and other events as directed.
• Write college recommendation letters as required.

SKILLS

Required

• Experience running a safe and engaging high school physics lab, including the inventory, setup, and operation of all apparati
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent classroom management skills
• Demonstrated interest in being part of a collaborative team
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy in all aspects of work
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and the integrity of all aspects of information disseminated within or external to the school community
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to being part of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community

Useful/Preferred

• Demonstrated confidence and aptitude with the use of instructional technology

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• A bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• A minimum of 5-years of previous teaching experience at the secondary level or equivalent professional experience relevant to working with high school students
• Content and pedagogical expertise

Useful/Preferred

• Valid teaching credential
• Experience advising high school students' academic and social/emotional development
• Experience contributing to co-curricular activities like club advising or athletics coaching

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to stand for long periods of time, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach with arms and hands, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-30 pounds
• Ability to speak, hear, and see near and far
• Ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to escort students to different classes, to recess and to field trips, etc
• Ability to perform repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement to work on computer and/or related office equipment
• Ability to work at a desk/computer for extended periods of time
• Occasional to frequent interruptions
• Ability to adapt to a variety of different environments with varying levels of noise, temperature, physical space, etc.

COMPENSATION

This position has an expected salary range of $52,000 to $96,000.

BENEFITS

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement plan with employer match, paid sick leave, professional development opportunities, and on-site cardio and weight room.

Dependent children of employees receive tuition remission (one child no-cost tuition/full-time employee), financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and on-site before and after school care. Please visit Oakwood's Employment webpageto learn more and access a full listing of benefits.

Oakwood School is dedicated to a culture of dignity and inclusion for all and is honored to be an equal opportunity employer.

Qualification

Bachelor's Degree