Head of Department (Modern Languages) & French Teacher

Head of Department (Modern Languages) & French Teacher

Shawnigan Lake School, an esteemed independent co-educational boarding school for students aged 12-18 (grades 8-12), is situated on the picturesque west coast of Canada. Our remarkable 270-acre campus features outstanding facilities, including ten boarding houses, a theatre, a film lab, an observatory, a salmon hatchery, a rowing crew house by the lake, a dance studio, a cutting-edge learning commons and library, a recording studio, and a robotics lab. Our innovative, interdisciplinary programming is designed to nurture the next generation of global leaders.

For additional information, please explore Shawnigan at a Glance.

At Shawnigan Lake School, the safety and well-being of our children and young people are paramount. We expect all staff (and volunteers) to uphold this commitment, and candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening relevant to the role, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

The role will commence on August 31, 2026. Preference will be given to candidates who:

• have a multidisciplinary academic background,
• exhibit enthusiasm, experience, and expertise in co-curricular activities,
• are committed to contributing to our boarding community, and
• possess prior experience in a boarding school environment.

We offer a competitive compensation package within a supportive, family-oriented work atmosphere. The expected teaching load for this position is equivalent to a 1.0 FTE, with a salary range of $75,084 to $117,516 per year (based on the current year grids and subject to adjustment for 2026-2027). The actual salary offered will correspond to the placement on the teaching grid.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Head of Department is a crucial leadership role, serving as a mentor, role model, and leader for department staff. This individual not only addresses departmental needs but also represents the department at the Academic Council.

In this capacity at Shawnigan, the Head of Department will play a key role in the implementation of Project Future 2.0: The Shawnigan Journey within the department, ensuring that departmental programs and initiatives align with Shawnigan’s strong commitment to fostering creative, critical, and reflective thinking, effective communication and collaboration, as well as personal and social responsibility and cultural identity.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Head of Academics and Leadership Development, the Department Head should have a demonstrated history of teaching excellence and maintain a professional demeanor in the classroom.

Teaching

• Deliver assigned classes while adhering to all of Shawnigan’s preparation, planning, and reporting protocols;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues within the department and across other disciplines to design and deliver content that challenges students and readies them for their post-secondary paths;
• Be available to support student learning through tutorials or enrichment opportunities;
• Participate in the comprehensive Shawnigan program and contribute to “The Shawnigan Journey.”

Faculty and Department Development

• Establish annual goals and create a strategic plan for the department;
• Lead the development of assessment policies and adopt best practices in teaching;
• Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and mentorship of new staff;
• Utilize the PGP framework to guide goal-setting, professional development, and regular performance feedback;
• Assist with lesson planning, assessment design, and adjustments to curriculum changes;
• Promote peer collaboration and classroom observations.

Curriculum Development

• Coordinate scope, sequence, and course outlines to comply with Ministry and AP requirements;
• Develop experiential curricula that integrate technology and Indigenous perspectives/histories;
• Supervise course delivery and ensure consistent assessment practices throughout the department.

Apply via the WhatSchool platform.