Job Title: English Teacher - Upper School (Leave Replacement)
Position Type: Faculty, Exempt, Full-time
Reports to: Division Head - Upper School
Salary Range: $64,000 to $92,600 Annually
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Employee Assistance Program, Discounted School Lunches, Costco Membership Reimbursement, Passport Discount Program, Professional Development, Needs Based Tuition Assistance
Start Date: January 4, 2027
Location: Redmond, WA
The Role
Small classes, real relationships, and a school that invests in you.
The Bear Creek School is seeking a gifted, mission-minded Upper School English Teacher to teach literature and composition within our classical liberal arts and Great Books curriculum. Using a classical Christian education model, you will teach students, develop virtue, and help each student grow into the individual God intends. You'll plan alongside colleagues in grade-level and department teams, with mentoring and support from day one.
Why Bear Creek
The Bear Creek School is a classical Christian school serving students from preschool through grade 12 in Redmond, Washington. Our mission is to provide a high-quality, Christian liberal arts education in a nurturing environment that will enable each student to become the individual God intends.
- Small classes: Around 18 students, so every student is known and valued
- Real collaboration: Faculty work closely together in grade-level and department teams
- A rich curriculum: Students engage with the great minds, works, events, discoveries, and art of the centuries
All employees support the school's Mission Statement and Statement of Faith.
What You'll Do
- Teach expository writing from literature
- Teach literature from a classical and Christian perspective, emphasizing the Great Books of civilization
- Teach grammar and vocabulary, focusing on classical roots and fundamental language structure
- Teach thinking and speaking with a concentration on rhetorical skills
- Inspire students to see truth, beauty, and goodness in the texts and to enjoy God through them
- Inspire students to love literature and desire beauty through literature
- Approach classroom instruction and student interactions from a Christian worldview
- Collaborate with grade-level teams and department members to plan and implement the school's liberal arts curriculum
- Actively ensure academic growth in every student by utilizing a variety of instructional techniques
- Build positive partnership with parents through proactive communication
- Create a predictable and supportive classroom environment
- Increase professional knowledge by participating in professional development opportunities
- Plan and develop engaging, age-appropriate course of study in the classroom, adhering to educational best practices, and prepare daily and weekly lesson plans to help students meet the learning goals
- Follow through on routine job responsibilities including grading, record keeping, attendance, and lesson planning
- Participate in collaborative evaluation processes with Division Head and Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Attend weekly faculty meeting
- Be involved in at least one co- or extra-curricular responsibility
- Attend school events outside regular school hours including, but not limited to Parent/Teacher Conferences, Curriculum Night, arts performances, student socials, open houses, and professional development sessions
- Maintain a learning environment that is organized and pleasant in appearance
- Monitor halls, study periods, and lunchrooms with other faculty and staff
- Enforce safety and security standards for students, staff, and visitors
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
What We Offer
At Bear Creek, we invest in the people who invest in our students.
- Time to recharge: Two weeks off at Christmas, plus winter and spring breaks, when faculty are not expected on campus; 11 holidays; paid personal time
- Family support: Paid parental leave alongside Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave; tuition discount for children attending Bear Creek
- Health and wellness: Employer-subsidized medical insurance (choice of high or low-deductible plan), employer-funded Health Savings Account, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program
- Financial security: 403(b) retirement plan with a school contribution of 3% of salary, plus employer-paid AD&D and long-term disability insurance
- Everyday extras: Discounted school lunches, Costco membership reimbursement, Passport discount program, a registered nurse on campus during the school day, and a secure, closed campus with check-in for all visitors
Growth and Mentorship
We believe teachers who keep learning inspire students to do the same.
- Graduate Degree Grant Program: The school covers an average of 60% of graduate degree coursework costs
- A strong start: A new teacher orientation week and a mentor program to support you in your first year
- Time to grow: A weekly Wednesday late start dedicated to growth and renewal, plus an annual professional development day each October
- Funded professional development: Conferences, workshops, Advanced Placement training, certification and university coursework, and our on-campus Summer Institute
- Bachelor's degree required, with a degree in English or a closely related field preferred
- Teaching experience preferred
- CPR/AED/First Aid certification (with epinephrine autoinjector supplement), or obtain certification within 90 days of start date required
- Currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer (sponsorship is not available for this position) required
- Familiarity or experience with the classical Christian education model preferred
New to classical Christian education? We provide training through our Summer Institute and mentor program, and we encourage you to apply.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods standing to teach or sitting at a desk working on a computer
- Able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
- Able to move around the classroom and bend or lean to work with students at their level
Our Hiring Process
Every application is personally reviewed by a member of our hiring team, and we will keep you informed at each step.
- Application review: We contact candidates selected to move forward.
- Preliminary interview: An initial phone conversation.
- Campus interview: Meet the team and see our campus.
- Teaching interview: Finalists teach a sample lesson.
- Offer: Contingent on background check, references, education verification, and U.S. work authorization.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact Human Resources at employment@tbcs.org.
Hear from our teachers about life at Bear Creek at tbcs.org/employment!
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