Middle School History Teacher Temporary appointment: Feb 23 - May 22, 2026

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’s middle school, which serves 6th through 8th grade students, is in high demand and the school has recently expanded its middle school enrollment to afford more students the opportunity to learn, grow, and benefit from being part of the Oakwood community that focuses on providing each student an exceptional and well-rounded education. Oakwood believes that students learn best in an atmosphere where peer relationships and teacher interactions are meaningful and supportive. As these relationships develop, students feel safe taking risks in an environment that values and carefully considers growth mindset as a defining pillar. Oakwood School believes that there is great power and special potential specifically in the middle school years and seeks educators who share this vision.

SUMMARY

Oakwood School seeks a qualified and passionate expert to join the History/Social Studies Department at the middle school level. This includes teaching five or six out of eight periods (core and elective), as well as serving as a middle school advisor. Please note: this position is temporary, covering the period Feb 23-May 22, 2026 (approximately) when the incumbent teacher will be on leave. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)

• Teach five sections of middle school core history classes (Ancient History, U.S. History I, or U.S. History II) with the option to add one elective course. 
• Lesson planning and grading for courses above
• Serve as a Middle School Advisor as the first line of communication and support for a small cohort of students and families 
• Contribute to the mission of the school and the History/Social Science Department
• Promote a learner-centered approach to instruction focused on student engagement
• Understand and connect exceptionally well with middle school-aged students
• Collaborate enthusiastically with colleagues
• Communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in a timely and professional manner
• Contribute talents and skills to the school community in additional capacities, including coaching and advising
• 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, as applicable during this term
• Attend various staff meetings, Back-to-School Nights, promotion ceremony, and other events as directed

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to)

• Embody Oakwood School’s mission and values
• Support and follow school policies and procedures

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School

SKILLS

Required

• 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 and inclusive school community in a culture of dignity that respects and authentically celebrates different backgrounds and viewpoints
• Demonstrated confidence and aptitude with the use of instructional technology

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in history, economics, geography, anthropology, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• Content and pedagogical expertise

Useful/Preferred

• Previous teaching experience at the secondary level or equivalent professional experience relevant to working with middle school students

• Experience advising middle 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 & BENEFITS

Salary will be based on a flat rate of $18,000 for the full expected tenure of 55 days, for all core classes plus elective. May be pro-rated as necessary for exceptions. No benefits included. 

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