Durham Academy (DA) is accepting applications for an Upper School English teacher to begin August 2026. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in English; advanced degree and/or commensurate experience is preferred. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of teaching experience in the English classroom; be prepared to teach a range of grade levels (9-12), courses, and texts; possess a passion for literature, teaching, and working with young people; and demonstrate commitment to professional growth, collaboration, and collegiality. Long-term, the position includes the opportunity to design a senior seminar around a particular area of expertise and/or interest.
Your completed application should include a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 letters of recommendation.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
Teaching four sections of US English courses, including instructional design and curriculum development
Serving as an Upper School Advisor for 10-12 students for the duration of their time in the Upper School
Serving as a faculty advisor for at least one extracurricular or student club
Serving as a teacher, co-teacher, or chaperone for a week-long student Capstone course
Durham Academy Teachers
Are culturally competent and believe in the central importance of diversity and equity in the life of the school.
Model a student-centered approach to teaching in an active classroom.
Possess a command of pedagogical best practices, eagerly seek feedback on all aspects of their professional life, and are committed to lifelong professional growth.
Collaborate authentically and actively while building and maintaining collegial relationships with colleagues.
Are eager to build supportive relationships with students, successful partnerships with parents/caregivers and participate actively in the life of the school beyond the classroom.
Understand that student wellness is central to the student learning experience.
Use technology thoughtfully and creatively to enhance teaching and learning.
Innovate and experiment to discover the most compelling learning experiences for students.
Our School
Founded in 1933, Durham Academy is an all-gender, independent day school with 1,267 students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 on three campuses. The purpose of a Durham Academy education is to prepare each student to live a moral, happy and productive life. DA’s Strategic Vision commits to preparing students for life, meeting the needs of our learners and innovating more boldly, with a foundation broadening and deepening our work with diversity, equity and engagement. Durham Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
Diversity, Equity and Engagement Mission Statement
Diversity enlivens, improves and enriches the intellectual and social environment of an academic community and encompasses all aspects of humanity including racial identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, age and gender identity. We are committed to an ongoing process to increase the diversity of our community and to implement policies, programs and practices under which all members of our community feel welcomed, empowered, responsible and safe. Amidst our diversity we stand united in the pursuit of academic excellence and development of individual capabilities. Find out more about DA’s commitment to diversity, equity and engagement here.
(Adopted by the Durham Academy Board of Trustees in 2004 and updated in 2008)
Our Employment Policy
Durham Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.