History/Social Studies Teacher (Temporary, Full-Time)

Harvard-Westlake Middle School seeks a highly qualified temporary history/social studies teacher for our 7th grade (American History & Government) and 9th grade (The Mediterranean and Europe) courses. This is a full-time, one-semester position beginning in late August 2026 and concluding on January 31, 2027.

Our history program is grounded in a commitment to caring for students as individual learners and in a collaborative approach to curriculum development. We seek an educator who brings intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm for teaching history, and a genuine interest in working with middle school students.

The successful candidate will teach four sections of history/social studies, serve as an advisor to a small group of 8th-grade students (meeting for 30 minutes once every four days), and chaperone students on a four-day, overnight outdoor education retreat. Faculty are also expected to participate actively in the life of the school, including collaborating with colleagues, communicating effectively with families, and contributing to a positive and supportive community.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong content knowledge, a commitment to high standards, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to engage students through thoughtful, student-centered instruction. We seek educators who are collegial, reflective, and eager to contribute to a dynamic academic environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in history or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
• Ability to teach American History & Government and The Mediterranean and Europe
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Enthusiasm for working with middle school students
• Commitment to engaging fully in school life and supporting students both inside and outside the classroom

About Harvard-Westlake School

Harvard-Westlake is an independent school with two campuses in Los Angeles, California, serving approximately 1,600 students in grades 7–12. Our mission is to provide an educational experience grounded in academic excellence, integrity, and a commitment to the development of the whole child.

We are committed to fostering a community of belonging and to building a diverse and inclusive environment. We seek candidates who demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members; have the ability to work flexibly, independently, and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds; and have the capacity to serve as a model of openness, generosity, and acceptance.

Compensation and Benefits

The annualized salary range for this position is $85,000–$115,000, which equates to approximately $42,500–$57,500 for the duration of the assignment (late August 2026 through January 31, 2027). Compensation is paid on a semi-monthly basis.

This is a temporary, full-time position and is eligible for benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Participation in the school’s 403(b) retirement plan, in accordance with plan eligibility requirements
• Cafeteria allowance – lunch is on us!

While the position is temporary in duration, employees in this role are valued members of the Harvard-Westlake community and are encouraged to participate fully in school life.