Upper School English Teacher

Reports To: Upper School Director

Position Type: Full-Time, Faculty, Exempt

Bentley School is a K-12 co-educational, independent day school located on two campuses in Oakland (K-8) and Lafayette (9-12), California. Founded in 1920, Bentley School's legacy of excellence in teaching and learning maximizes student success in college and throughout their lives. Bentley is an inclusive community that shares a vision of academic achievement, balance, and the cultivation of character.

Engaging in continual reflection, re-assessment, and pursuit of mission-driven pedagogical practices, Bentley faculty members maintain a growth mindset by observing and learning from each other and participating in robust professional development. Teachers are expected to align unequivocally with student growth and success, establishing pedagogical objectives that are consistent with students’ development, reflecting high expectations along with demonstrated flexibility based on student achievement. Beyond the classroom, Bentley faculty members participate meaningfully in aspects of student and campus life serving as role models of compassion, respect, justice, and inclusivity as citizens of the world.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Teaching Upper School English, both introductory, team-taught survey and seminar-style upper level courses


• Developing daily lesson plans and assessments of student performance


• Participating in various aspects of student life at Bentley such as advising students, clubs, coaching, or working with student organizations


• Working collaboratively with administration, grade level teachers, specialists, and advisors


• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, students, and families


• Communicating effectively with parents in formal and informal conferences, written reports, newsletters, and other school-approved channels


• Supporting and following school policies and procedures


• Being a positive and contributing member of the Bentley community


• Creating a positive learning environment both remotely and on campus where students thrive academically


• Designing innovative curricula in which both academic and social-emotional growth are considered


• Attending regular faculty and grade-level meetings


• Attending evening and weekend special events

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in English and/or a related field that requires significant coursework in English literature.


• Experience teaching English at a 9-12th grade level


• Experience in an interdisciplinary environment with an emphasis on group collaboration


• Experience in teaching problem-solving skills in addition to content


• Ability and willingness to work with students in large and small group settings using multiple teaching methods to reach a broad range of students


• Desire to continually examine one’s practice with the goal to improve student learning


• Commitment to issues of diversity, leadership, inclusion, and equity; Candidates who reflect the broad range of diversity of the Bay Area are encouraged to apply


• A passion for working with young people


• A desire to collaborate in a dynamic community of teachers and administrators


• Excellent interpersonal, writing, and communication skills

Pay Range:

Bentley uses a competitive salary scale, which takes into account experience, education, and skill level. The salary scale for this position ranges from $70,000 for teachers with no prior teaching experience to $140,000 for teachers with over 40 years of prior experience.

How to Apply:

Please submit a letter of interest, a CV/resume, and a statement of teaching philosophy that addresses both your approach to working with students and how you approach your classroom practice.  A list with the names and contact information of three (3) references should also be included. No phone calls, please.

Bentley is unable to provide immigration sponsorships such as H1B Visas. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and be willing to undergo both Livescan background check and TB screening as part of the hiring process.

Bentley School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks rich diversity among faculty and administration. Bentley School offers equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, race, color, caste, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, citizenship, medical leave or other types of protected leave, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  An applicant who does not meet the minimum qualifications of the position(s) for which the applicant applies will not be considered for employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview for the position, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.