Pacific Collegiate School

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About PCS » Teaching at PCS

Teaching at PCS

Pacific Collegiate School (PCS) is a public charter school whose mission is to prepare students to enter and thrive in the world’s finest colleges and universities. No fees or other entrance exams are required to enroll; admission is by a random, public lottery. Due to our rigorous graduation requirements, we attract a highly motivated group of students who flourish in the school's academically challenging environment. All students have access to/are required to take Advanced Placement classes. PCS has consistently received national recognition for ensuring that all students are able to graduate having taken and passed at least one AP exam. All PCS graduates exceed A-G requirements necessary to apply to the University of California and California State University systems.

The success of our school is largely dependent on excellent teachers, who embrace the ethos of PCS. Students have a tremendous amount of respect for their teachers - a respect earned by demonstrating a genuine passion for their subject.   

We are Seeking Teachers Who Believe:

  • All students should have access to a high quality college preparatory education.
  • Given the appropriate levels of support, all students are able to learn.
  • Preparing students for college includes rigorous learning in all subjects including Visual and Performing Arts and World Languages.

 

We are Seeking Teachers Who Have Demonstrated:

  • Expertise and giddy excitement in their subject areas.
  • The ability to communicate their ideas to a diverse group of learners.
  • A commitment to collaborating with colleagues in curriculum design and student support.

We Are Seeking Teachers Who Are Willing to Learn or Lead On:

  • The best practices for genuine student learning and engagement.
  • The importance of cultural proficiency in reaching students of diverse backgrounds.
 
 

Why PCS?

PCS is a place where people value each other, aspire to learning, and feel respected for who they are and what they contribute to the community. We are driven by a common interest in fostering the intellectual development of ourselves as well as our students. If you are an experienced teacher, just entering the profession, or considering a change in career, we invite you to learn more about PCS to see if this is a school where you can grow and thrive. As a teacher in this community, you will share in the benefits of:

  • Curricular freedom - We hire great teachers and empower them to collaborate together to create the best learning environment for students.
  • Small class sizes - Our average class size is about 20 students, with most classes capped at 24.
  • Motivated students - PCS students are here to learn. Discipline issues are minimal; teachers get to focus on teaching.
  • Equitable access - All students are on the same advanced, college preparatory track.
  • Resources - As a public school, we are very careful with how we spend our money. Our priority is in directing as many resources as possible into teaching and learning, including professional development for our faculty.
  • Engaged community - Our board members, staff, parents and community volunteers are dedicated and committed to ensuring the school and teachers thrive.
  • Culture of learning - Beyond preparing students for college, we strongly believe that we are preparing the future leaders of our democratic society.  You will find yourself surrounded every day with inspiring students and colleagues.
  • Preferential enrollment for faculty children - We have far more applicants than there are spots available. As a member of the PCS staff, your children would have preferential enrollment for available seats in an amazing school.
  • Opportunity cost savings - Living and working in Santa Cruz saves time and money when compared to commuting.
  • Defined retirement benefit - We pay into the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS), a defined benefit system that leads to predictable income upon retirement.
 

Why Santa Cruz?

Our location on iconic Highway 1, just blocks from the ocean and adjacent to a protected riparian area belonging to the Santa Cruz Land Trust, highlights the natural resources of the area and promotes an inspiring, healthy learning environment. Our beautiful new campus, developed in 2015, meets cutting-edge standards for new buildings, new public schools, and technology infrastructure.

Santa Cruz is a wonderful place to live and work. Our faculty particularly love:

  • Taking advantage of the unparalleled natural environment via outdoor pursuits. We boast world-class surfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking and more.
  • The vibrant academic community: UCSC, CSUMB, and Cabrillo are neighbors and collaborators.
  • Our close proximity to Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Our strong relationships with local innovative businesses and many opportunities for cross-pollination.
  • The accepting and diverse community.
 

PCS At-a-Glance

Founded in 1999

525 students in grades 7-12

36 full and part-time faculty professionals, 67% with advanced degrees

Student/teacher ratio of 21/1

Pacific Collegiate School is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. Recruiting staff to create an inclusive and equitable organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other statuses protected by law. All candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications to perform the work required.