Upper School Digital Photography and Yearbook Teacher (Immediate, FT or PT)

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.

Oakwood School fosters a learning environment where meaningful peer relationships and strong teacher interactions create a foundation for student growth. We believe that students thrive when they feel supported and encouraged to take risks, embracing a growth mindset as a key pillar of learning. Our educators cultivate a safe and engaging classroom atmosphere that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

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.

SUMMARY

Oakwood School has an immediate opening for an Upper School Digital Photography and Yearbook Teacher to join our team of passionate experts. This is an exceptional opportunity that boasts a customizable structure based on the ideal candidate’s interest and availability. The position can range from part-time to full-time (teaching up to 5 out of 8 periods), with an optional opportunity to serve as a High School Advisor. In addition, this opening can flex from a temporary assignment or extend through the remainder of the 2026-27 school year and beyond.

If you are a passionate educator or experienced photographer looking for a supportive environment with maximum flexibility, we would love to build the ideal role together.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach up to five total sections of high school courses, (Digital Photography I, Digital Photography II, Digital Photography III, and Yearbook for full-time or Digital Photography I and Digital Photography II for part-time).
• If applicable, serve as a High 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 Visual Arts Department.
• Promote a learner-centered approach to instruction while encouraging technical understanding and improvement, while also promoting the development of aesthetic sensibilities.
• Create engaging lesson plans and projects and provide timely feedback on student work. If applicable, write comments for each student at the end of each grading period (at most twice per year).
• Collaborate enthusiastically with colleagues.
• Communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in a timely and professional manner.
• If applicable, chaperone three social events each year.
• Fulfill campus responsibilities including lunch duty, 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.
• Embody Oakwood School’s mission and values.
• Support and follow school policies and procedures.

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, 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 or proven experience in a related field of work
• Content and pedagogical expertise

Useful/Preferred

• Teaching experience at the secondary level or equivalent professional experience relevant to working with high school students
• Advanced degree and/or 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 movements 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 $50,000-$86,000 (full-time) for the remainder of the 2026-27 school year or $22,000-$40,000 (part-time) for the remainder of the 2026-27 school year, depending on the education level and teaching experience of the candidate.

BENEFITS

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement plan with a generous 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 or prorated for 50% or more of full-time position), financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and on-site before and after school care. Please visit Oakwood’s Employment webpage to 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.