Westtown School is seeking a full-time Upper School Physics Teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Responsibilities will consist of teaching four classes, advising a small group of students, serving on two school committees, participating in the co-curricular program by coaching interscholastic sports, facilitating lifelong fitness programs such as yoga, or collaborative activities such as robotics or service network. Faculty contribute to our residential program as either Dorm Parents or Dorm Affiliates. Both roles require a combination of weekly weeknight evening duties and regular weekend duties throughout the year. Housing may be available for faculty participating in the Upper School residential program but is not guaranteed.
As Westtown strives to fulfill our commitment to becoming an anti-bias, anti-racist (ABAR) school, we are seeking culturally competent educators with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion who are eager to engage in ongoing professional development in these areas. This will be evidenced in their approach to curriculum and pedagogy, their ability to foster and develop inclusive communities, and through their personal and professional interactions with diverse groups of students, families, faculty, and staff.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Teaches four courses each semester including:
Upper-level Physics with Calculus courses (Electricity and Magnetism Adv; Modern Physics Adv)
Core Physics classes (Physics 1 & Physics 2)
Electives in physics-related topics such as Engineering, Astronomy, or Robotics
Develops culturally competent and responsive lessons and learning activities that promote problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills while encouraging risk-taking in learning;
Participates in the robotics co-curricular program, experience with the FIRST Robotics Competition is a plus;
Actively involves students in the classroom through group work, project-based learning, exploration, questioning, discussion, and other cooperative teaching techniques;
Helps students hone the essential skills of critical thinking, communication, and empathy, and empowers them to draw out those skills in other people;
Supports students’ social-emotional and identity development;
Contributes to building and sustaining an inclusive school community and a program that embodies diverse cultures and perspectives;
Communicates effectively with all constituents – students, colleagues, administrators, and parents;
Contributes to students’ development of Quaker values;
Engages in decision-making aligned with Quaker process in service to the school community;
Integrates technology seamlessly into teaching strategies and practices, including the use of a learning management system;
Contributes to students’ development outside the classroom through co-curricular activities, student life, and residential life;
Enthusiastically seeks out and participates in school-sponsored and self-selected professional development opportunities to grow as an instructional leader and community member.
Qualifications
3-5 years of relevant classroom teaching experience at the high school level, including an understanding of their unique developmental, social, and academic needs;
Experience with computer science and innovative approaches to integrating math and science is a plus;
Familiarity with Google products and the integration of a learning management system, preferably Canvas, into best teaching practices;
Enthusiasm for full participation in the curricular, co-curricular, and residential duties required of a full-time Upper School faculty member;
Strong speaking, writing, and listening skills;
A demonstrated commitment to inclusive Quaker pedagogy based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
A strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an appreciation for Quaker values and how these inform community processes and interactions.
Westtown School is an independent, Quaker co-educational, pre-K to 12, college preparatory day and boarding school located in suburban West Chester, PA, approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia. Situated on a beautiful 600-acre campus, Westtown offers a program where our committed faculty and staff inspire and prepare our students to be stewards and leaders of a better world.
We strive towards every student, faculty, and staff member feeling a sense of belonging at Westtown and strongly encourage applications from educators of color, LGBTQ+ educators, and educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools.
Interested, qualified candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and educational philosophy, including an outline of your professional development in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to http://tiny.cc/westtown_careercenter and select “Show All Job Openings”.
