Job Description

Mission Statement

Annie Wright’s strong community cultivates individual learners to become well-educated, creative, and responsible citizens for a global society.

Position Description

The Upper Schools Social Studies Teacher encourages students to explore, analyze, examine, question, and, ultimately, inspires students to understand the world and their place in it through a more critical and well-informed lens. In both academic and co-curricular spaces, the Upper Schools Social Studies Teacher mentors, guides, and advocates for student voice and exploration.

As a core member of the Upper Schools faculty, the Social Studies Teacher works with the Upper Schools’ Division Director and other faculty to continuously assess the curriculum and review best practices, helps build a culture of inquiry anchored in playfulness and balance, and is integral in supporting and developing students that embody the school’s mission and vision. 

As a member of the school’s social studies department, the Social Studies Teacher collaborates with their departmental team with guidance from our Assistant Director of Academic Affairs and Upper Schools’ Division Director. The Social Studies Teacher contributes to the development of students as creative thinkers and problem solvers, enabling them to become life-long learners who are curious about understanding and improving the world through the study of individuals and societies. The Annie Wright Schools social studies faculty aspires to develop critical thinking, analytical writing, and a multiplicity of perspectives in our students. Our faculty strives to collaborate effectively to provide equitable, high-quality experiences that are rigorous, creative, and relevant to all our students.

Position Overview: Duties and Responsibilities

The Upper Schools Social Studies Teacher:

• Teaches four or five Social Studies courses in alignment with the mission and philosophy of Annie Wright Schools and with the International Baccalaureate framework; 
• If teaching four sections, runs an after-school (s)Elective in an area of passion and/or expertise;
• Implements curriculum based on best practices in teaching, student-centered instruction, and relevant educational technologies; 
• Reports to the Upper Schools Division Director
• Participates actively in after-school and extra-curricular programming along with other members of the faculty to understand students outside as well as inside the classroom;
• Fulfills all faculty duties, which can include serving as an advisor, and maintains good communication with families about student progress. 

Salary & benefits

This position offers a salary range between $62,000 and $90,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits available to the hired candidate include the following, subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plan:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life insurance
• Accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid sick leave (known as Wellness Days): Each regular full-time employee earns 80 hours of Wellness leave per accrual year
• Eighteen (18) paid Holidays in 2025
• Fifty percent (50%) Tuition remission in accordance with school policy. All fees and incidental expenses are the sole responsibility of the employee-parent
• All children of benefited employees of AWS, who are currently enrolled at AWS, are eligible for extended day services at no charge when school is in session. Charges apply for faculty in-service days or similar days  
• A 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% company match with a 3% employee contribution. 

Application Process

Annie Wright Schools remain firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. Annie Wright shall hire, promote, transfer, terminate, and make all other employment-related decisions without regard to an employee’s race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, political ideology, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Annie Wright Schools are actively seeking to create a more culturally diverse school community and accordingly, applicants of color and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

To apply, email a cover letter, resume, email, and telephone contact information for 3-5 professional references, and this completed and signed application , all in PDF format, to Mrs. Erin Gann, Executive Assistant to the Head of Schools, at erin_gann@aw.org . In accordance with Annie Wright Schools’ strategic focus on issues related to social justice, candidates should anticipate being asked to address how their past work, as well as future contributions, might serve to advance Annie Wright’s commitment to a more diverse and inclusive community. Applications for this position will be accepted until filled.

Qualifications

The Upper Schools Social Studies Teacher will demonstrate key elements of the listed expertise and experiences. This is an aspirational list and Annie Wright Schools encourages candidates to apply who may not currently possess, but are working on building, all of these qualities. The Upper Schools Social Studies Teacher:

• Holds a BA in history, political science, or a related field; 
• Has experience as a teacher of social studies at the high school level and/or middle school;
• Is familiar with independent schools and/or the International Baccalaureate framework; 
• Is a strong communicator and empathetic listener;
• Practices cultural humility in personal interactions;
• Is innovative and playful;
• Is a mentor, a guide, and a team builder; 
• Demonstrates an ability to form authentic relationships with high school students;
• Demonstrates proficiency in educational technologies;
• Is eligible to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods;
• Must be able to move comfortably around a classroom, accessing materials and assisting students as needed;
• Must be able to communicate and exchange information with students, other teachers, and families. 
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

About Annie Wright Schools

Tradition meets innovation at Annie Wright Schools, where we honor our rich history and traditions, embrace the present, and continue always to move forward. Founded in 1884, Annie Wright Schools serve students from age three through high school. The Lower and Middle Schools offer co-ed programs in Preschool through Grade 8, while separate Upper Schools for boys and girls offer day and boarding options in Grades 9 through 12, welcoming students from Tacoma and around the world. We are proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School, delivering IB programs in every division.

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