Hawken School is committed to doing school differently and better. We seek to create an inclusive and accepting community where adults are empowered to design educational experiences for students that are deep and learner-centered. Hawken School seeks culturally competent teachers, administrators, and staff members who are committed to equity and social justice, who are comfortable taking risks, and who embrace a growth mindset. We are constantly looking for new ways to inspire student curiosity and agency while remaining dedicated to nurturing compassion and kindness in our students.

THE POSITION:  

Hawken School is seeking a full-time Upper School French teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. The ideal candidate has experience with a language-acquisition, proficiency-based approach to second language instruction. 

The Upper School French program currently offers eight courses of French, including AP French Language and Culture. The program also partners with a school in France and participates in a student exchange every other year. This exchange requires two weeks of travel to France in December 2026 and every other year thereafter.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable teaching all levels of French, able to travel internationally, and enthusiastic about collaborating with departmental colleagues within a language-acquisition framework.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Responsibilities are likely to include, but are not limited to:

• Teaching four sections of French
• Teaching one Intensive – one class that meets for three weeks all day, every day
• Actively collaborating with other members of the Modern and Classical Languages Department
• Planning, organizing, and leading student educational travel every two years
• Assisting with planning and hosting exchange groups from France
• Engaging meaningfully in extracurricular activities within and beyond the department
• Advising a group of 8-10 students, supporting their academic and social growth
• Performing other non-teaching duties as assigned by the Upper School Director and Head of School

Because Hawken believes in supporting teachers’ passions, in deepening their expertise, and in fueling their spirit of innovation, we provide substantive professional development opportunities that lead to the kinds of excellence that are a hallmark of our community.

THE SCHOOL:

Founded on the ideal that “the better self shall prevail and each generation introduce its successor to a higher plane of life,” Hawken School is a coeducational independent day school with 1,600 students in toddler through grade 12. Our four campuses are located within 25 minutes of downtown Cleveland, and an urban extension center in the city’s museum district provides a demanding and integrated course of study in a diverse and dynamic environment.

To learn more about us, visit www.hawken.edu.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit an employment application through this link. Address your cover letter to Matt Simon, Director of the Upper School.

Hawken School is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to promoting all forms of diversity in the workplace and in our student body. We strongly urge all qualified individuals to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in French or related field required; an advanced degree with at least three years of experience is preferred
• Native or near-native fluency in French 
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit
• A deep understanding of adolescent development and a passion for working with teenagers as they engage with complex, real-world issues
• A commitment to designing creative, innovative programming within the department and across disciplines
• Experience developing curriculum that reflects interdisciplinary approaches, diverse and inclusive perspectives, and experiential learning
• A commitment to continuous professional growth and alignment with best practices in second language acquisition, personalized learning, technology, and beyond

HAWKEN CANDIDATE COMPETENCIES: 

Mission, Culture, and Philosophy Alignment: Successful candidates show they can thrive at Hawken and are highly motivated by the school’s mission.

Fair Play: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice: Successful candidates indicate a commitment to and have experience with serving students and communities equitably.

Relationship Building and Cultivation: Successful candidates show they can build relationships throughout the Hawken community.

Content Knowledge: Successful candidates demonstrate depth in content area knowledge as well as an ability to inspire students to a high level of excellence and challenge and take a student-centered approach to all aspects of their work.

Humility and Growth Mindset: Successful candidates are eager to learn new approaches and methods and be able to team effectively with others.

Approach to Work: Successful candidates show initiative and agency with a commitment toward feedback and flexible problem-solving.

About Hawken School

Hawken School is committed to doing school differently and better. This means developing an inclusive and accepting community where adults feel empowered to design educational experiences for students that deepen their learning, engaging their emotions as well as their intellects. Hawken School seeks culturally competent teachers who are committed to equity and social justice, comfortable taking risks, and who embrace a growth mindset. Our faculty members are constantly looking for new ways to inspire student curiosity while remaining dedicated to nurturing compassion and kindness in our students. Successful candidates for any role at Hawken School must demonstrate skill and commitment in all the following key areas: Mission, Culture, and Philosophy Alignment: Candidates must show they can thrive at Hawken and are highly motivated by the school’s mission. Fair Play /Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice: Candidates must indicate a commitment to and have experience with serving students and communities equitably. Relationship Building and Cultivation: Candidates must show they can build relationships throughout the Hawken community. Content Knowledge: Candidates must demonstrate th...at they can lead and guide colleagues and/students to depth in their work. Humility and Growth Mindset: Candidates must be eager to learn new approaches and methods and be able to team effectively with others. Approach to Work: Candidates must show initiative and agency with a commitment toward feedback and flexible problem solving.

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