Head of Department (Math)

Head of Department (Math)

Shawnigan Lake School is a premier independent co-educational boarding institution catering to students aged 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s picturesque west coast. Our exceptional facilities, set on a breathtaking 270-acre campus, include ten boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, observatory, 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 diverse, interdisciplinary, and innovative educational programs are designed to cultivate the next generation of global leaders.

For additional information, please visit our Shawnigan at a Glance.

Shawnigan Lake School is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of children and young individuals and expects all staff (and volunteers) to uphold this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo appropriate child protection screening for the position, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

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

We provide a competitive compensation package and a supportive, family-oriented work environment. This role entails a teaching load equivalent to a 1.0 FTE, with a salary range of $75,084 to $117,516 per year (based on current grids and subject to adjustments for 2026-2027). The final salary offered will reflect the candidate's placement on the teaching grid.

JOB DESCRIPTION

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

At Shawnigan, the Head of Department will be instrumental in incorporating Project Future 2.0: The Shawnigan Journey into the Department, ensuring that departmental programs and initiatives align with Shawnigan’s robust proficiencies in 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 demonstrate a strong track record of teaching excellence and a professional demeanor in the classroom.

Teaching

- Manage an assigned class load while adhering to Shawnigan’s preparation, planning, and reporting protocols.
- Collaborate with department members and across disciplines to create and deliver content that challenges students and prepares them for their future educational paths.
- Be available to assist students with their learning through tutorials or enrichment opportunities.
- Engage fully in the Shawnigan program and contribute to the delivery of “The Shawnigan Journey.”

Faculty and Department Development

- Set annual goals and develop a strategic plan for the department.
- Lead the formulation of assessment policies and establish best practices in teaching.
- Oversee recruitment and the onboarding/mentoring process for new staff.
- Utilize the PGP framework to steer goal-setting, professional development, and regular performance feedback.
- Support lesson planning, assessment design, and adjustments to curriculum changes.
- Encourage and model peer collaboration and classroom observations.

Curriculum Development

- Oversee the scope, sequence, and course outlines to ensure compliance with Ministry and AP requirements.
- Create 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 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 relay updates back to the team.
- Collaborate with other Department Heads on interdisciplinary projects and departmental evaluations.
- Coordinate learning opportunities that honor 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, kindly 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 creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for everyone. 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 role, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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