Head of Department (Math)

Head of Department (Math)

Shawnigan Lake School is a distinguished independent co-educational boarding institution serving students aged 12-18 (grades 8-12) on the scenic west coast of Canada. Our remarkable facilities, located on a stunning 270-acre campus, include ten boarding houses, a theater, film lab, observatory, salmon hatchery, a rowing crew house by the lake, a dance studio, a state-of-the-art learning commons and library, a recording studio, and a robotics lab. Our diverse, interdisciplinary, and innovative educational programs aim to develop the next generation of global leaders.

For more details, please visit our Shawnigan at a Glance.

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of children and youth, and we expect all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will need to undergo appropriate child protection screening for the role, which includes checks with past employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

Starting on August 31, 2026, preference will be given to qualified candidates who demonstrate a) interdisciplinary academic expertise, b) enthusiasm and experience in co-curricular activities, c) dedication to enhancing our boarding campus and community, and d) prior experience in a boarding school environment.

We offer a competitive compensation package along with a supportive, family-oriented work atmosphere. This position involves a teaching load equivalent to a 1.0 FTE, with an annual salary range of $75,084 to $117,516 (based on current grids and subject to adjustments for 2026-2027). The final salary offered will be determined by the candidate's placement on the teaching grid.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Head of Department plays a crucial leadership role, acting as a mentor, role model, and leader among departmental staff. This individual addresses the needs of the department while also serving as its representative on the Academic Council.

In this position at Shawnigan, the Head of Department will be key in integrating Project Future 2.0: The Shawnigan Journey into the Department, ensuring that departmental initiatives and programs align with Shawnigan’s strong focus on fostering creative, critical, and reflective thinking, effective communication and collaboration, as well as personal, social responsibility, and cultural identity.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Head of Academics and Leadership Development, the Department Head must exhibit a solid history of teaching excellence and maintain a professional demeanor in the classroom.

Teaching

- Manage an assigned class load while adhering to Shawnigan’s protocols for preparation, planning, and reporting.
- Collaborate with department members and across disciplines to create and deliver engaging content that challenges students and prepares them for their future educational endeavors.
- Make yourself available to assist students with their learning through tutorials or enrichment opportunities.
- Fully engage in the Shawnigan program and contribute to the delivery of “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 establish best practices in teaching.
- Oversee the recruitment and onboarding/mentoring processes for new staff.
- Utilize the PGP framework to guide goal-setting, professional development, and regular performance feedback.
- Support lesson planning, design of assessments, and adjustments to curriculum changes.
- Encourage and model peer collaboration and classroom observations.

Curriculum Development

- Oversee the scope, sequence, and course outlines to ensure adherence to Ministry and AP requirements.
- Develop experiential curricula that incorporate technology and Indigenous perspectives/histories.
- Monitor course implementation and standardize assessments for consistency across the department.
- Manage interventions for student progress and address issues of academic integrity.

Department Management

- Chair regular meetings, ensuring staff meet reporting deadlines and fulfill school obligations.
- Supervise course selections, student placements, and teacher-course assignments (including summer scheduling).
- Organize summative exams, competitions, and student showcases/performances.

Academic Department Initiatives

- Represent the department at the Academic Council (AC) and communicate updates back to the team.
- Collaborate with fellow Department Heads on interdisciplinary projects and evaluations of departments.
- Coordinate learning opportunities that respect the First Peoples Principles of Learning.

REQUIREMENTS

- Legally authorized to work in Canada or possess all necessary visas and permissions to work legally in Canada.
- Hold a post-secondary degree in Math, Education, or a related field that aligns with the Shawnigan academic program.
- Be in possession of or eligible to apply for a British Columbia Teaching Certificate (Independent or Certificate of Qualification) before April 2026.
- A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience.
- Preferred experience teaching Math for grades 8-12.
- Ability to teach Statistics or Calculus is advantageous.
- Skills in teaching AP Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, or AP Calculus are beneficial.
- Capability to teach Computer Science is an asset.
- A thorough understanding of contemporary teaching and learning trends.
- Strong comprehension of the BC curriculum as it relates to the department.
- A demonstrated record of initiative, professionalism, leadership, and effective teamwork.
- Proficient in working with adolescents, preferably in a boarding school context.
- Excellent communication abilities.
- Proven reliability, professionalism, punctuality, and flexibility.

NEXT STEPS

To apply, please visit our Careers Page.

We request that you provide references at the shortlist phase of the recruitment process.

Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants in this position, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The application deadline is 5 pm (PST), April 6, 2026.