Head of Department (Modern Languages) & French Teacher

Head of Department (Modern Languages) & French Teacher

Shawnigan Lake School is a prestigious independent co-educational boarding institution serving students aged 12-18 (grades 8-12) on the stunning west coast of Canada. Our exceptional facilities are spread across a breathtaking 270-acre campus and include ten boarding houses, a theatre, a film lab, an observatory, a 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 programming is designed to cultivate the next generation of global leaders.

To learn more about us, visit our Shawnigan at a Glance.

Shawnigan Lake School prioritizes the safety and well-being of children and young people, expecting all staff (and volunteers) to uphold this commitment. Candidates must complete child protection screening relevant to the position, including checks with former employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

The position is set to begin on August 31, 2026. Preference will be given to qualified candidates who: a) possess a multidisciplinary academic background, b) bring enthusiasm, experience, and expertise in co-curricular activities, c) are dedicated to contributing to our boarding community, and d) have prior experience in a boarding school setting.

We provide a competitive compensation package along with a supportive, family-oriented work environment. The teaching load for this role 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 increase for 2026-2027). The actual salary offered will align with placement on the teaching grid.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Head of Department is a pivotal leadership position, serving as a mentor, role model, and leader for department members. This individual not only addresses the department's needs but also represents the department at the Academic Council.

The Head of Department at Shawnigan will be instrumental in implementing Project Future 2.0: The Shawnigan Journey within the Department, ensuring that the department's programs and initiatives align with Shawnigan’s well-established proficiencies in 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 proven track record of teaching excellence and maintain a professional demeanor in the classroom.

Teaching

• Deliver assigned classes while complying with all of Shawnigan’s preparation, planning, and reporting protocols;

• Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across disciplines to design and deliver content that challenges students and prepares them for their post-secondary pathways;

• 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

• Set annual goals and develop a strategic plan for the department;

• Lead the formulation of assessment policies and adopt "best practices" in teaching;

• Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and mentoring of new staff;

• Utilize the PGP framework to guide goal-setting, professional development, and regular performance feedback;

• Support lesson planning, assessment design, and adjustments to curriculum changes;

• Encourage peer collaboration and classroom observations.

Curriculum Development

• Coordinate scope, sequence, and course outlines to comply with Ministry and AP requirements;

• Create experiential curricula that incorporate technology and Indigenous perspectives/histories;

• Supervise course delivery and ensure assessment consistency throughout the department;

• Implement interventions to support student progress and manage academic integrity concerns.

Department Management

• Chair regular meetings and ensure staff adhere to reporting deadlines and school commitments;

• Manage 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 Academic Council (AC) meetings and relay updates to the team;

• Collaborate with other Department Heads on interdisciplinary projects and departmental evaluations;

• Coordinate learning opportunities that reflect the First Peoples Principles of Learning.

REQUIREMENTS

• Legally authorized to work in Canada or possess the necessary visa and permissions to work in Canada;

• Hold a post-secondary degree in French, Education, or a related discipline that aligns with the Shawnigan academic program;

• Be eligible for or possess a British Columbia Teaching Certificate (Independent or Certificate of Qualification) before April 2026;

• A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience;

• Experience teaching French and French Immersion at grades 8-12;

• A solid understanding of current trends in pedagogy;

• A comprehensive understanding of the BC curriculum as it relates to the department;

• A demonstrated history of initiative, professionalism, leadership abilities, and effective collaboration;

• Proficient in working with adolescents, ideally within a boarding environment;

• Strong communication skills;

• A record of professionalism, punctuality, adaptability, dependability, and reliability.

NEXT STEPS

To submit your application, please visit our Careers Page.

We request that references be provided at the shortlist stage of the recruitment process.

Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified candidates 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 basis.

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

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