Description:

Shady Side Academy’s Senior School Health Department is seeking a full-time Wellness Instructor for the 2023-24 academic year.

Responsibilities:

We seek a highly qualified and experienced Wellness Instructor to join the faculty at Shady Side Academy's Senior School. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching a full course load (4 courses) of health & wellness classes to Form III (9th grade) and Form IV (10th grade) students. This individual must be able to design curriculum as needs arise and must be able to stay current on best practices on student-centered teaching and learning. The Health Department is made up of two instructors and is currently overseen by the Dean of Student Life. Candidates must be willing and able to work collaboratively with the Health team, Dean of Student Life office and the Academy Counseling staff.

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of secondary school experience as a teacher, counselor or experiential education educator with a demonstrated interest in and excitement for adolescent health & wellness. The Wellness Instructor will provide a pro-active vision for and collaborative leadership of a health and wellness curriculum that addresses the immediate needs of Form III and Form IV students while simultaneously bolstering the health and wellness of all Senior School students.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, the Wellness Teacher may also be expected to take on additional duties as a department chair, faculty advisor, assist with co-curricular programming, and potentially coach in the athletic realm. There may also be the possibility of residing in dormitory or non-dormitory housing on campus and serving as a member of our residential life faculty.

Classification and Compensation:

This is a ten month (August 15-June 15), exempt, full-time position. Salary is competitive with area independent schools and commensurate with experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits are part of the employment package. Lunch is included when school is in session. Funding exists to support continued advanced degree work, as well as participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel.

Qualifications:

• At least three years of secondary school experience as a teacher, counselor, experiential education educator, or public health professional
• Bachelor's degree in a related field; master's degree preferred
• Demonstrated expertise addressing the holistic health and wellness needs of adolescents
• Specific expertise in counseling, mental health, alcohol and drug education, and assessment of health and wellness
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to promoting the well-being of all students
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and student leaders
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment

Personal Statement/Cover Letter

Shady Side Academy’s mission is “to challenge students to think expansively, act ethically, and lead responsibly.” Inspired by this mission, Shady Side’s driving purpose remains the development of responsible, transformative leaders for the City of Pittsburgh and beyond. This reason for existing was embedded at our inception, as the pioneers of the American steel industry founded a preparatory school designed to ensure next generation leadership for what they envisioned would become the great, enduring industrial city of the 20th century. As we envision the Academy’s next chapter and consider a changing world, we have the opportunity to reimagine how we deliver on this mission. Using the Mission in Action link on our Employment Page as a resource, please respond to the following prompt: Providing past and current examples, how do you practice Relational Teaching, create opportunities for Civil Discourse, and offer Real Word Learning Opportunities within your teaching practices.

Application Information

Shady Side Academy, as an educational institution and as an employer, does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status or gender identity and expression in its programs and activities. Our campuses are tobacco-free. In accordance with Pennsylvania law, all Academy employees must submit thorough background clearances prior to beginning work on any campus. Please submit all applications through the employment page on the SSA website.

About Shady Side Academy

Shady Side Academy is a nationally respected private school in Pittsburgh for boys and girls in grades pre-kindergarten through 12, with an optional boarding experience in high school. Four schools with extraordinary resources, teachers who actively mentor, a forward-thinking curriculum, a diverse and inclusive community, and a legacy of alumni accomplishments all inspire Shady Side students to high achievement in academics, the arts and athletics, and to meaningful ambitions in life. Visit the school’s website at www.shadysideacademy.org.