Physics Instructor - Full-Time

Position Summary  

The Science Department department seeks a passionate and energetic teacher to fill a full-time, regular teaching position beginning the 2026-2027 academic year. Candidates should be interested in being part of a collaborative group of teachers and working with highly motivated high school students in a diverse, mostly residential community. Successful applications will demonstrate candidates’ ability and willingness to be active participants in the Academy's academic, extracurricular, and residential programs. 

Academic Position Requirements

Candidates should be prepared to teach physics as well as a candidate interested in helping to shape courses in robotics, electronics, modern physics, or thermodynamics. We especially encourage applicants with demonstrable a broad background in physics and the ability to teach at both introductory and advanced levels, as well as electives. 

• An advanced degree in physics, or a related field is preferred.  
• Experience teaching in a classroom setting for a minimum of 2 years, preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• The ability to teach chemistry is not a requirement but an additional need at times. If able to and/or interested in, with supporting credentials, please include this in your cover letter.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to serving the needs of a diverse community.

Classes offered: We encourage all interested applicants to review the Science Department course catalogue, which can be found on pages 64 - 71 of the Courses of Instruction available here: https://exeter.edu/academics/.

Institutional Extracurricular Needs

Phillips Exeter Academy offers students numerous opportunities to explore their interests and identities through various student-led clubs and athletic programs. We seek well-rounded faculty who have a demonstrated commitment to engaging with students beyond the classroom and contributing to a vibrant campus life through participation in extracurricular activities.

At the time of posting, the following areas of specific need for the 2026-2027 school year have been identified:

• Student-led Club & Activities Advisers: Hindu Society; Robotics team; La Alianza Latina affinity group, The Exonian (newspaper)
• Interscholastic Athletics: Crew/rowing; Water Polo; Squash; Track; Field Hockey

As a residential school that offers a wide range of extracurricular experiences to our students, the general areas below need ongoing adult support. Please click the links to learn more about available programs and opportunities.

• Clubs & Activities
• Interscholastic Athletics
  

In your cover letter, please describe any experience you have supporting extracurricular programs, particularly those that align with our current needs or general offerings. If you have not had experience in any of these areas, please identify related education or experience, or other aspects of independent school life to which you are well-suited to support.

Accountabilities

While individual responsibilities will vary from one faculty position to another, the major job duties of all faculty members include the following. Click here to learn more about living and working at Phillips Exeter.

• Cultural Competency: Faculty demonstrate respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of Academy life.
• Teaching: Faculty teach four classes per trimester. All classes are student-centered discussions around a Harkness table. To meet the intellectual needs of the school’s talented and highly motivated students, Exeter teachers are dedicated to daily preparation for the best possible classes.
• Extracurricular Activities: Faculty actively participate in the school’s broad offering of activities (e.g. coaching, advising student clubs, and/or committee work). 
• Residential Life: Faculty typically reside in campus housing and play a critical role in cultivating Exeter’s community-centered student dormitory life. Each faculty member is generally responsible for one weekend per month and one to two nights per week of dormitory duty, depending on the dormitory size.
• Advising: Faculty serve as mentors to student advisees throughout students’ time at Exeter. The adviser is the main liaison between an advisee’s family/guardian and the Academy.
• Faculty are willing to enforce all school policies and rules governing student behavior.

Benefits

Exeter employees enjoy generous benefits, competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth. Benefits may include a 9% – 12% retirement contribution; comprehensive health, vision and dental plans; wellness programming and free fitness classes; liberal vacation and holiday leave plus flexible summer work hours; an on-site childcare center, and advancement opportunities and robust skills development. Click here to learn more about teaching compensation and benefits.

Required Application Documents

To be considered, applications must include the following (please upload as two distinct documents):

• CV or resume.
• Cover letter addressing your experience in teaching and the above-referenced areas of institutional need, as well as indicating how our Harkness teaching style, mission and values resonate with you.

Reference checks and transcripts: Contact information for three professional references, including one current direct supervisor, and transcripts for higher education will be required at the screening, campus visit, or finalist stage, depending on the department.

Additional Requirements

• Successfully complete a criminal background check (upon hire and reviewed every 5 years).
• Clean Driving record (upon hire and reviewed annually).

Compensation for this position is determined using a structured 25 step system that accounts for relevant years of professional teaching experience and highest degree earned.   The salary range is $55,566 (step 1) to $123,480 (step 25). 

The hiring committee will begin the applicant review process on January 3, 2026.