At Pacifica Christian High School,  we teach our students to think and live well.

We do this by providing a college-preparatory, liberal arts education for students from all backgrounds and neighborhoods.

Engaging students’ minds to think well and shaping their hearts prepares them to enjoy an abundant life. Thinking and living well is about making connections—both intellectual and relational. It provides students with a fuller understanding of what it means to be human and provides them the freedom to find their place in God’s created world.

Our students are free to live out their stories, fully becoming who God desires them to be. We provide students with opportunities that will change them for the better–by challenging and maturing them. We desire our students to be more purposeful and courageous, more joyful and committed—prepared for all that God offers in their lives.

Learning to think and live well is a life-long process. But both the process—or even adventure—and the outcome produce joy. As such, we view a good education as an end unto itself. At the same time, a Pacifica education provides tangible benefits, like preparation for college, career, family, and service to the church and community. By approaching education as a joy-instilling, freedom-producing journey, we provide our graduates with a foundation for success in college, life, work, and faith.

Core Beliefs

Pacifica's Core Beliefs and Approach to Teaching and Learning serve to provide clarity who we are including our mission, purpose, and approach to student formation. Please read this document and use it to respond to questions in the application.

Personal Characteristics
A faculty member is a person of deep and mature Christian faith who values and understands the liberal arts within a high school context and can effectively communicate the mission of the school to their students and within their discipline. The faculty member will exhibit integrity and honor, spiritual depth, exhibit enthusiasm and support for the advancement of the school, understand the various constituencies of Pacifica, communicate with warmth and understanding, work/lead within the various departments and programs, and work collaboratively with the faculty and staff  to advance the school’s efforts in achieving its mission. 

About the role

Faculty teach students to think and live well in the ethos of Pacifica’s Core Beliefs and Approach to Teaching and Learning. This position teaches either English, history, or both. Experience in discussion-based learning or teaching preferred.

Pacifica faculty are committed to the attributes outlined in the Pacifica Teacher, which include Habits of Mind such as a commitment to intellectual virtues, the craft of teaching, the liberal arts, as well as  habits of heart which include a steady obedience to Christ and pursuing relationships with grace and truth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Curriculum & Pedagogy 

At Pacifica, education is for the purpose of formation. Pacifica offers a liberal-arts curriculum for the Christian life, which serves not only to prepare students to thrive in college, but also to free students to think and live well. 

The Great Books, Western Tradition, and discussion-based learning ground the humanities, while math and science cultivate precise thinking and reveal truth and beauty in God’s created world. Students learn to read deeply, write clearly, discuss thoughtfully, and to form convictions around what is true, good, and beautiful. 

Classroom Management

Teachers are to maintain a disciplined and focused learning environment within the classroom, which is built on respect, grace, and passion for the subject.  

Course Management

• Maintains and publishes Daily Lesson Plans for at least one unit in advance to students and parents.
• Regularly communicates to parents when a student is struggling; particularly when they fall below a C- in their class or earn below a C- on a major assessment. 
• Facilitates a challenging academic environment
• Maintains an organization plan for each assigned course (course guide, subject matter outline, daily lesson plans, etc.)
• As a minimum, remains faithful to the course outline as indicated in the course guide and enriches the curriculum in collaboration with Department Chair and/or Director of Academics. 
• Commits to expertise and growth in discipline content and pedagogical methods
• Uses technology to enhance student learning and achievement when appropriate.
• Completing grading within cycle of assignment, updating homework and test results online in a timely manner
• Independently pursues professional growth 

Courses Taught

Course selection is discussed during the hiring process and then annually in conjunction with the  department head, Director of Academic Affairs, and Principal. 

Professional Responsibilities

• Executes all duties in a timely manner (starts class on time, meets deadlines, attends meetings, turns in paperwork on time, etc.)
• Seeks opportunities to promote a collegial, educational environment throughout the campus
• Maintains communication with parents and responds within 24 hours
• Sustains cordial, professional relationships with all students, staff, parents, and community members
• Attends meetings and sits on committees as directed by administration
• Is eagerly involved in the Pacifica community outside of school hours
• Is a team player and willingly collaborates in the ongoing advancement of the school
• Attends, Athletic Activities, Performing Arts Events, Academic Events, and Open Houses
• Attends weekly Chapels, Meetings, and Assemblies
• Participates in All-School Retreat, a 4-day 3-night event overnight trip 
• Faithfully completes reasonable extra duty assignments (Dances, Events, Supervision, Mentoring, Office Hours)
• Abides by the spirit and policies in the Pacifica Faculty Handbook
• Holds self directly accountable to the chair of his/her department, Director of Academic Affairs Principal, and ultimately the Head of School

Mentor Groups

The culture at Pacifica is dedicated to ministering to the whole person.  Mentor  Groups are an intentional way to have at least one adult assigned to the well being of each student.  All Pacifica teachers will serve as a mentor  to one group each academic year.  Each mentor  is expected to:

• Meet weekly with their students during the designated time and follow provided mentor curriculum.
• Earn the trust of their students
• Pray for and with their students
• Communicate with parents as needed

Other Duties & Shared Responsibilities

• Embodies and promotes Pacifica’s Core Beliefs and Approach to Teaching & Learning.
• Wholeheartedly enjoys working with teenagers, championing their education, and encouraging their faith and Christian commitments.  
• Cultivates a vibrant culture of learning in and out of the classroom and contributes to a healthy professional working community 

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred
• 2-10+ years prior experience teaching in independent/private schools or at the college level
• Capable of teaching all/most levels of the subject, demonstrating a mastery of current pedagogy
• A sincere enjoyment of working with teenagers
• Exceptionally capable in both written and oral communication
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills
• Technologically savvy
• Proven success at working collaboratively with colleagues
• Passionate about the chosen field of study and the mission of Pacifica

OVERSIGHT & RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to the essential duties and shared responsibilities outlined above, this role is responsible for serving as event owner or event support for the following events as well as leading or participating in the following teams and/or committees:

Event Owner:

• N/A

Event Support: 

• Back to School Night
• Open House, on Saturdays twice annually
• All-School Retreat, a four-day / three-night trip to Arizona

Teams/Committees Participant:

• Department Meetings
• Faculty Meetings