Teaching Intern - Ongoing Recruitment

Teaching Intern

Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include ten boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art learning commons and library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to the development of new teachers and is looking for dynamic Teaching Interns to begin work at the start of the 2026/2027 school year.

The Shawnigan Teaching Internship Program is an exciting opportunity for graduates considering a career in education. Teaching Internships are offered annually on a one-school-year basis to recent university graduates and has been designed to provide aspiring teachers with the support and training they need to become exceptional practitioners both in and outside of the classroom. 

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to teach, co-teach, learn from experienced colleagues, develop curriculum, cover during absences, and engage in our vibrant cocurricular programs. They will also enjoy the many exciting opportunities that a boarding school provides while residing on campus and engaging fully in the program and community. The experience and learning that will be gained from Shawnigan’s unique community and immersive boarding environment will prepare any new teacher for their career ahead.

Teaching Interns receive a salary for the school-year contract ($29,524 for Sept 2025-June 2026 school year rate), single occupancy room and board, as well as health and dental benefits.

While Teaching Internships are one school year in length, there is an option to extend for a second year at the invitation of the Head of School and Head of Academics and Leadership Development. The second year takes the form of a Founder’s Fellowship with the trainee teacher invited to take on study for teacher training or a BC Independent School Certification. The aim is to offer our second year trainee teachers the further opportunity to develop their teaching craft and reflect on their professional experiences through a structured program of training, and to support them in becoming excellent practitioners.

Many of our Teaching Interns go on to complete their formal training qualifications.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Teaching Intern you will: 

• Co-teach your specialized subject on a reduced timetable;
• Bring your up-to-date, scholarly and expert knowledge to our student body;
• Observe a range of lessons;
• Offer individual support to the students who require it;
• Be a full member of your Department;
• Regularly meet with your subject mentor who will provide feedback and help develop your knowledge of teaching;
• Enjoy a program of professional development;
• Have responsibility in one of our boarding houses;
• Participate fully in our co-curricular program.

Shawnigan will offer:

• The opportunity to learn in one of Canada’s leading independent schools as well as its largest boarding school;
• The opportunity to work with motivated and enthusiastic students;
• The opportunity to develop key skills and subject knowledge;
• An Intern salary;
• Health and dental benefits;
• Single-occupancy accommodation and all meals on campus;
• Full access to our sports facilities and gym.

REQUIREMENTS

• Legally entitled to work in Canada or if not, receive all appropriate visas and permissions to legally work in Canada;

• A degree in their chosen field (we have no preference for a particular subject);
• Strong communication skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• The ability to use their own initiative and act as a good role model;
• Experience coaching a sport and / or leading in co-curricular areas;
• A willingness to contribute to the wider life of a boarding school;
• A cheerful and willing approach with a flexible and positive attitude;
• Professional in appearance and demeanour;
• CRRP Criminal Record Check clearance for working with children (administered by the School)

TESTIMONIAL
Ellen Orchard, with degrees from Trinity College Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast and previously a member of our Teaching Intern team and English Department, writes of her experience:

‘I came to Shawnigan knowing that I was interested in teaching but was unsure if I wanted to pursue teacher training. I’m so grateful to have been given classroom experience this year because it has solidified what I only previously suspected: that I love teaching. As a Teaching Intern, you will substitute teach in multiple departments, but will have one department that you are more closely affiliated with. I’ve been lucky enough to be a co-teacher in the English department, helping design units, give lessons and mark assessments for our AP Literature classes. As this role also involves acting as a Residential Assistant in a boarding house, you will get to know a lot of your students very well outside of the classroom, which makes the teaching all the more enjoyable.’

Positions usually start at the start of the academic year but we welcome applications throughout the year.

We express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.