Employment Opportunities

The Opportunity

The Academy at Penguin Hall, an innovative college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12, seeks a part-time Learning Specialist. The Learning Specialist provides academic support for students with mild to moderate learning and executive functioning challenges by reinforcing foundational skills, identifying effective strategies, and helping students apply them to their academic work. The Learning Specialist also provides individual, small and large group instruction (including student workshops in executive functioning, writing skills, etc.), oversees the management of academic testing, learning profiles and support plans, and serves as a resource for faculty. This position is a key member of the Student Support team (Dean of Students, School Counselor, Learning Specialist, School Nurse) and works closely with students, teachers, parents and outside professionals. The Academy at Penguin Hall seeks and supports diversity in its faculty and staff, and seeks candidates who will contribute to anti-racism and anti-bias principles and practices across campus. Salary is dependent on experience.

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of learning disabilities and the academic, social, emotional and cognitive development of high school students. They will be highly skilled in using a range of strategies and assistive technologies and interventions to support student growth. They will be a flexible team player and model a growth mindset, and will demonstrate a level of cultural competency necessary to work effectively with a diverse population. Most of all, they will have an understanding of and love for working with high school girls.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with faculty, parents, students and Student Support Team to identify student needs and develop support plans to address these needs; meet with students and parents to discuss accommodations and work with faculty to implement them

• Interpret neuropsychological reports and create learning profiles and support plans to implement recommendations within individual, small group, and classroom settings; ensure they are regularly updated and successfully implemented

• Provide direct individual and small group instruction for students; develop small and large group programming to enhance executive functioning and study skills

• Coordinate referrals for testing, evaluations, and therapies by collaborating with the student, family and the Head of School/Dean of Academics

• Communicate about student progress regularly with parents, teachers and advisors; write formal student progress reports and attend parent conferences

• Collaborate with teachers in best addressing students’ varying learning needs within the classroom

• Serve on the Student Support team and attend weekly student support and full-school meetings; serve as the SSD coordinator to College Board and ACT

• Bring a compassionate and holistic approach to collaborating with students, families, providers and colleagues to best support of all types of learners

• Interact with colleagues, parents, students and the community with professionalism, timeliness and understanding

• Support the School and its mission, always maintaining a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality; engage in the life of the school community

• Participate in the professional life of the school by attending meetings, serving on committees and carrying out other duties as directed

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in special education, language and literacy or the equivalent

• Proven experience working successfully with high school students with mild to moderate learning and executive functioning needs

• Deep knowledge of learning differences and intervention strategies; current with evidence- and brain-based pedagogical practices

• Demonstrated ability to interpret diagnostic test results and translate into school and home support

• Ability to develop and maintaining trusting relationships with students, families and colleagues

• Outstanding interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituent groups

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work independently without day-to-day supervision

• Excellent attention to detail, confidentiality and use of discretion, professional judgment, integrity and work ethic

• A shared understanding of the mission of the School and a demonstrated commitment to the core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Hourly Rate commensurate with Experience.

About The Academy at Penguin Hall

The Academy at Penguin Hall is a dynamic independent school for girls in grades 9-12 situated on a 50-acre campus on the North Shore of Boston in Wenham, MA. With a mission of educating, enlightening and empowering young women to live and to lead exemplary lives, our college preparatory program fosters adventurous thinkers and compassionate leaders who embrace a culture of kindness and academic accomplishment. Our program is based on current research about how girls learn best; upon graduation, students have a clear understanding of who they are as learners and individuals. In addition to competitive salary and benefits, faculty enjoy working in a collegial, growth-oriented, and joyful community. We seek faculty who will actively contribute to an equitable and inclusive learning environment where all can thrive.

To apply, interested candidates should email a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to employment@penguinhall.org. 

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ educators, or educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. We are committed to an inclusive school experience for all those who come to work at The Academy at Penguin Hall.

The Academy at Penguin Hall is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, veteran or active military status, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by state, federal or local law.

The Academy at Penguin Hall, an innovative college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12, seeks a Music educator immediately. The ideal candidate should possess not only a passion for music and the performing arts, but be experienced in attracting students to music education.

Successful candidates will have a related degree and secondary school teaching experience. Main responsibilities include teaching three electives (e.g,, music theory, songwriting, chorus), developing a curriculum, and working as part of a collaborative department. In addition, the position will participate in our after-school, co-curricular program and serve as the Musical Director for APH’s fall musical theater production, Spring Festival, and for our performance ensembles (e.g., Chorus, Rock Band). Other responsibilities include serving as an advisor, sponsoring a club and/or activity, and participating broadly in the life of the school.

Candidates must be able to teach in person, and teacher certification is not required. The Academy at Penguin Hall seeks and supports diversity in its faculty and staff, and seeks candidates who will contribute to anti-racism and anti-bias principles and practices in and out of the classroom.

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a flexible, innovative educator with deep content knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for teaching music and the performing arts. They will have a command of pedagogical best practices and a commitment to developing students’ skills in all areas of music and performing. This position will provide our students with a robust program that meets both their academic needs and the opportunity to explore additional areas of interest. The ideal candidate will model a growth mindset, actively pursue professional development, and be an effective collaborator with a high-performing, fun-loving faculty. Most importantly, they will have both an understanding of and love for working with girls in grades 9-12.

Responsibilities

• Teach three music electives to multiple grade levels

• Develop an inclusive classroom and performance culture that supports the social and emotional well-being of all students

• Has experience teaching contemporary a cappella, choral ensembles and instrumental music

• Demonstrate a passion for music education and its role in the education of the whole student

• Create engaging, student-centered lessons, materials and assessments

• Serve as Musical Director of the Fall musical and Co-Director of Spring Festival

• Collaborate with Performing Arts faculty and Head of School to select repertoire that serves educational goals and support the mission of the school

• Collaborate with the theater department on productions

• Participate in curriculum development and review, including proposing and teaching new electives as appropriate

• Experience with music technology, equipment, and sound systems is preferred

• Serve as advisor to a small group of students

• Communicate with students and parents in a timely, constructive manner

• Collaborate and communicate regularly with other faculty, administration and parents about the academic, social, and emotional health of students

• Participate in the professional life of the school by attending meetings, serving on committees and carrying out other duties as directed

• Engage in the life of the school community outside of the classroom

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required; advanced degree preferred

• At least 3 years experience teaching and directing productions at the secondary level

• Effectively differentiates instruction and can successfully use a variety of teaching strategies to meet students’ needs

• Routinely reflects on their lessons and approaches, seeks feedback and has desire to continually grow their teaching practices

• Has proven track record of creating equitable and inclusive curriculum and learning environments

• Uses technology thoughtfully and creatively to enhance teaching and learning

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

To apply, interested candidates should email a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to employment@penguinhall.org. 

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ educators, or educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. We are committed to an inclusive school experience for all those who come to work at The Academy at Penguin Hall.

The Academy at Penguin Hall is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, veteran or active military status, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by state, federal or local law.

The Opportunity

The Academy at Penguin Hall seeks outstanding substitute teachers who will manage and provide coverage for faculty absences. This position requires flexibility, problem solving skills, and the ability to adapt to changing schedules. The substitute teacher will maintain the academic focus of the classroom, provide support and assistance for students, and a safe and respectful classroom environment.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing a nurturing, creative, and inclusive environment for students and to create a strong classroom community.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Implement lesson plans (when available) and ensure the integrity of academic time in a manner that motivates students to learn and participate.
• Create lessons on occasion for students when lesson plans are not available.
• Communicate and document a summary of the class for the absent classroom teacher.
• Communicate with the classroom teacher and/or division head all student issues (social, academic, healthy) as soon as is reasonably possible.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• One year of experience working with high school age students
• Commitment to culturally competent teaching practices and social/emotional learning

To apply, interested candidates should email a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to employment@penguinhall.org. 

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ educators, or educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. We are committed to an inclusive school experience for all those who come to work at The Academy at Penguin Hall.

The Academy at Penguin Hall is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, veteran or active military status, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by state, federal or local law.

The Opportunity