Computer Science & Computational Thinking Department Chair and Upper School CSCT Teacher

Computer Science & Computational Thinking Department Chair and Upper School CSCT Teacher

Porter-Gaud School, an Episcopal, independent, coeducational day school of 1,650 students, is seeking a full-time Upper School Computer Science & Computational Thinking Department Chair and teacher beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

The successful candidate will lead and teach within a signature program designed to spark interest, build confidence, and give students meaningful experiences in the field of computer science. Rather than front-loading abstract concepts, the Department Chair will provide instructional leadership that models a student-centered, project-based, and discovery-driven approach. Under the Chair's guidance, students will learn by creating apps, games, physical computing projects, and digital models, with meaningful choice built into their work to maximize engagement and ownership.

The Department Chair will balance a compelling vision for the program with thoughtful implementation, helping students build a strong foundation in computational thinking before expanding their ability to design and refine increasingly complex projects. As students progress from the required foundational course to the selective honors sequence in grades 10-12, the Chair will help them transition from understanding how systems work to applying knowledge creatively and exploring how emerging technologies shape industries and entrepreneurship. Across the entire curriculum, the Chair will ensure the emphasis remains on critical thinking, thoughtful design, and applying technology in real-world contexts, including ethical considerations and career pathways.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, the Chair will oversee curriculum coherence, support pedagogical innovation, and ensure the program continues to evolve in response to best practices. Ultimately, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of adolescent development and share our program's core goal: to graduate students who are curious, capable, and confident in their ability to use technology thoughtfully and creatively.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Possess the ability to instruct Upper School students in Computer Science & Computational Thinking from introductory level (Computer Science I: Computer Science Principles) to Honors courses in accordance with the department's project-based curriculum requirements.
• Employ a project-based learning approach that empowers students to learn through the creation of their own projects, such as apps, games, and robots.
• Establish and actively maintain a class environment where deep dives into complex projects are encouraged and where respectful collaboration and teamwork are valued.
• Work with students to develop a computer science and computational thinking toolkit and mindset that allows them to address and solve problems alongside a sense of academic integrity and a thoughtful work ethic.
• Inspire a passion for the subject area by allowing student choice in projects and exposing them to cutting-edge technology and physical computing.
• Serve as advisor to a small group of students and participate in various Upper School activities such as committees, division-level meetings, clubs, and organizations.
• Supervise students in numerous activities, functions, and circumstances at the School.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of all Porter-Gaud students and to the best interests of the School as a whole.
• Implement classroom management techniques that foster academic achievement, personal responsibility, and independent problem-solving skills within students.

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a degree or certification in the field (Computer Science, Computer Science Education, Instructional Technology). The School highly values advanced degrees, such as Masters and Doctorates, and considers them not only in determining compensation but also when selecting and prioritizing candidates.
• At least five years of experience teaching Computer Science or related field in a secondary or postsecondary setting. Experience teaching in a high school setting is preferred, with independent school experience as a plus.
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills as well as professionalism and the ability to be self-motivated and punctual.

The Successful candidate will:

• Appreciate and enjoy interacting with energetic Upper School age students and partnering with their families in their student's academic development.
• Have a strong desire to work in a professional academic environment that strives to develop and deliver a strong mathematics curriculum and instruction to meet the needs of our ever-changing student body.
• Show evidence of organization, self-motivation, and punctuality.
• Show evidence of a desire and willingness to contribute to the life of an independent school.

Reporting: The Computer Science & Computational Thinking Department Chair teacher will report directly to the Head of the Upper School and will also take direction from the Assistant Head of School for Academics.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Porter-Gaud is a Christian community that seeks to love and serve faculty, staff, students, and families of all faith backgrounds. Therefore, all Porter-Gaud employees will honor the God-given dignity of each member of our community. They will display a continuous commitment to developing the attitudes, knowledge, and skills to engage in appropriate and effective communication with students, colleagues, and families from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We desire candidates who will contribute to the school's efforts to continue creating a more inclusive and equitable community where all individuals can develop a sense of belonging.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to welcoming and supporting a diverse faculty and staff. The School welcomes applicants from all backgrounds as the School believes that best serves our students. In accordance with law, Porter-Gaud School is an equal opportunity employer and hires without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We hold our employees to the highest possible standards. All employees are subject to extensive background check screenings and must sign our code of conduct. We strive to monitor employees while interacting with students. We take any inappropriate interactions between students and employees seriously and are committed to mandatory reporting standards as required by law. We will fully cooperate with authorities in any allegation or case of abuse.