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The Upper School History Teacher is responsible for delivering engaging, rigorous, and student-centered instruction in history courses, while supporting the academic and social-emotional development of students in alignment with the mission and core values of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. Supports the development of students’ critical thinking, analytical writing, and engagement with diverse historical perspectives across Upper School grade levels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Teaching and Instruction

• Deliver high-quality instruction in Upper School history courses, which may include World History and Geography, AP Psychology, AP European History, or other semester electives depending on candidate’s area of expertise and staffing needs.
• Design and implement engaging, challenging, and culturally responsive lessons and assessments that promote critical thinking, analysis, and creativity.
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to support inquiry-based learning, historical thinking skills, and student engagement.
• Integrate primary and secondary sources, research-based learning, and interdisciplinary connections into instruction.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Maintain a structured, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that encourages student voice and academic risk-taking.
• Collaborate with grade-level and departmental colleagues to ensure curricular alignment and progression.

Student Support and Engagement

• Foster a supportive classroom climate that promotes student voice, respect, and academic growth.
• Serve as a grade-level advisor or SEA Term (St. Margaret’s Exploration Academy – experiential education) instructor, supporting the academic and social-emotional needs of students.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback to students and maintain open communication with families.
• Support students in developing strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Encourage a lifelong love of learning and intellectual curiosity beyond the classroom.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate actively in division meetings, professional development, and school-wide initiatives.
• Stay current on best practices in history education, pedagogy, and curriculum development.
• Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum, assessments, and instructional practices.
• Contribute to the broader life of the school, which may include supporting student clubs, enrichment opportunities, or summer programming.
• Uphold the mission and core values of the school in all professional interactions.
• Perform other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT:

The Upper School History Teacher must be able to work in a dynamic classroom environment and maintain an active presence throughout the school day. This role requires mobility to move between classrooms and across campus, including navigating stairs and outdoor pathways. The teacher must possess sufficient visual and auditory acuity to engage effectively with students in both small and large group settings, as well as the ability to operate standard classroom and office equipment. The position requires occasional lifting of instructional materials or equipment up to 25 pounds. Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and computer use are expected. While the work is primarily conducted indoors, the teacher should be prepared to support student learning in outdoor environments as needed. The role may occasionally require evening or weekend hours for school-related events, meetings, or professional development activities.

St. Margaret's Episcopal School is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in History or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of full-time classroom teaching experience.
• Strong instructional skills with proven classroom management and communication abilities.
• Comfort with educational technology and innovative teaching practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team-based environment.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in History or a closely related field.
• Clear California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science.
• Experience teaching grades 9–12.
• Experience teaching Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
• Experience in independent schools.

About St. Margaret's Episcopal School

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is an independent, college-preparatory day school in Orange County, serving 1,234 students in Preschool through Grade 12. St. Margaret’s is situated on a picturesque 22-acre campus in San Juan Capistrano, California, with dedicated campuses for each school division, modern classrooms and facilities, including a performing arts center, science and technology labs, library, athletics fields and gymnasiums. Head of School Dr. Jeneen Graham leads a team of experienced and passionate administrators and educators, including principals in each school division. A 21st-century, rigorous and balanced curriculum prepares every student for future success and healthy, productive lives.

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