Upper School Religious Studies Teacher

Westtown School•West Chester, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Westtown School seeks an experienced part-time teacher to teach three sections of World Religions 1 or World Religions 2 each semester. The successful candidate will join a team of experienced religion educators and professionals in a department that values collaboration. The department passionately promotes religious literacy through a nondevotional and academic approach to religious studies, rooted in Quaker traditions and guided by the school's mission to cultivate each student’s voice. The school seeks an educator who will encourage students to ask essential questions, find value in the study of religion for creating social change, and promote understanding in a religiously diverse world. Westtown School is an independent, 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 state-of-the-art facilities where committed faculty and staff inspire and prepare students to be stewards and leaders of a better world.

Requirements

A BA or BS degree is required.
A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant classroom teaching experience, preferably in an independent school.
A strong character with a team-oriented spirit, and the ability to connect meaningfully with students throughout our diverse community.
A deep commitment to enhancing an inclusive school community based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices.
Strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an educational philosophy consistent with the school’s Quaker values.

Nice To Haves

An advanced seminary or religious studies degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops lessons and hands-on learning activities that promote problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills while encouraging risk-taking in learning.
Actively involves students in the classroom through group work, project-based learning, exploration, questioning, discussion, and other cooperative teaching techniques.
Communicates effectively with all constituents – colleagues, administrators, parents, and students.
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.
Integrates technology seamlessly into teaching strategies and practices, including the use of a learning management system.
Contributes to students’ development of Quaker values.
Engages in decision-making aligned with Quaker process in service to the school community.
Enthusiastically seeks out and participates in both school-sponsored and self-selected professional development opportunities to grow as an instructional leader and community member.