UNIVERSITY LIGGETT SCHOOL \ OUR SCHOOL
\ OUR SCHOOL
Join our Team!
University Liggett School’s faculty and staff of 126 includes master teachers, alumni, recent college graduates, and business, communications, and education professionals with decades of successful experience in independent schools. More than 50 of our full-time faculty hold advanced degrees in their fields. Many are also active as successful writers, artists, scientists, and lecturers in their own fields, as well as being committed to the community and social service in the Detroit area.
Our faculty enjoy the flexibility of small class sizes (with an 8:1 student/teacher ratio, the average class size is 14).
All teaching employees are supported by the Heads of each division, their peers, and the Head of School. Ample professional development opportunities are provided by school administration and faculty are encouraged to pursue additional opportunities at any point in their careers at University Liggett School. Successful teaching applicants are able to support the students through their involvement in the arts, athletics and after school programs.
University Liggett School is seeking teachers with a minimum of three years of teaching experience in their field. A degree in the teaching subject area is mandatory. We are looking for educators who are confident in their content area knowledge, adept with the integration of technology, invigorated by the process of collaboration and experienced in implementing inquiry-based lessons that put students at the center of their learning.
If you are interested in exploring employment with University Liggett School, send the requested information to the appropriate person listed on the job posting.
Faculty positions
University Liggett School seeks a long-term substitute Upper School English teacher for first semester, August-January, 2023.
Responsibilities:
- Teach five sections of English including three sections of Core 1 and two electives, either Craft of Writing or American Dream
- Lead classes devoted to close reading, thoughtful discussion, and writing
- Create equitable and inclusive class environments that promote integrity, respect, and empathy
- Scaffold writing assignments effectively and respond thoughtfully and promptly to student writing
- Collaborate with colleagues and engage in department discussions about pedagogy and other concerns
- Participate actively in advancing the English department’s curriculum and The Liggett Approach
- Serve as an Upper School advisor for a group of approximately 10 students
- Communicate thoughtfully, professionally, and clearly with parents
- Write thoughtful, articulate semester comments that demonstrate a thorough understanding of each learner.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree or higher in English or an equivalent field
- Enthusiasm for upper school students and an understanding of their developmental needs
- A thoughtful and engaging approach to teaching, learning, and assessment
- A growth mindset about teaching practices and professional development
- A desire to work in a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered environment
- Ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds to develop healthy, supportive, and responsive relationships
- Strong reader, writer, and speaker
- Enthusiasm for and commitment to reading a wide range of texts outside of teaching
- A strong sense of organization
- Facility with technology in the classroom
About University Liggett School
The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 640 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passions and explore them in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing them to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning.
The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths of each student through the Liggett Approach. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.
Contact Person
Qualified candidates should send a letter of interest, educational philosophy, and resume to Shernaz Minwalla, Head of Upper School, at sminwalla@uls.org.
University Liggett School is committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body. It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by applicable federal or Michigan law. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply.
University Liggett School seeks a full-time, experienced Upper School History teacher for grades 9-12 who is willing to teach United States History as well as elective courses. This teacher will guide student skill growth in History and Social Studies with a focus on inquiry as a central methodology, evidence-based interpretation as a crucial tool and formal presentation of analysis. This position includes collaboration and planning with colleagues in all divisions. We seek knowledgeable candidates who understand the developmental needs of Upper School students, and are willing to teach students with dynamic, student-centered instruction.
Responsibilities:
- Teach five sections of United States. History classes for the first year and electives in the following years
- Create a class environment that is devoted to close reading of complex texts, thoughtful discussion, and analytical writing
- Create an equitable and inclusive class environment that promotes respect, integrity, responsibility, and empathy
- Design assignments that stretch student thinking and imagination
- Scaffold writing and project assignments effectively and respond thoughtfully and promptly with effective feedback
- Collaborate with colleagues and engage in department discussions about pedagogy and other concerns
- Participate actively in advancing the History and Social Studies department’s curriculum and The Liggett Approach
- Incorporate and advance the skills developed in the Academic Research Program (ARP)
- Serve as an Upper School advisor
- Write thoughtful, articulate semester comments that demonstrate a thorough understanding of each learner
- Communicate thoughtfully, professionally, and clearly with families
- Participate actively and positively in the life of the school
- Along with core teaching responsibilities, the candidate will be asked to take on a co-curricular duty.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree or higher in History, Social Studies, Geography, Political Science, Education, or an equivalent field
- An enthusiasm for Upper School students and an understanding of their developmental needs
- A thoughtful and engaging approach to teaching, learning, and assessment
- A growth mindset about teaching practices and an eagerness to work toward professional goals and development
- A keen desire to work in a collaborative, inclusive, responsive, and student-centered environment
- An ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds to develop healthy, supportive, and responsive relationships
- An ability to read critically and communicate effectively
- An enthusiasm for reading a wide range of texts outside of teaching
- A willingness and desire to support and to be present in the life of the school
- Facility with technology in the classroom
About University Liggett School
The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 640 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passions and explore them in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing them to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning.
The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths of each student through the Liggett Approach. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.
Contact Person
Qualified candidates should send the following to Shernaz Minwalla, Head of Upper School, at sminwalla@uls.org:
- A letter of interest
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- Responses to the following prompts with a video, writing, or an artifact:
- Describe a recent professional development experience you participated in and its impact upon your practice.
- What is the most significant pedagogical shift you have made in your practice from the beginning of your career to today?
- What role does assessment play in your classroom?
University Liggett School is committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body. It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by applicable federal or Michigan law. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply.
The Position
University Liggett School seeks a part-time, experienced Middle or Upper School Spanish teacher for grades 6-12 for the 2023-2024 school year. Teaching one or two sections of students, this teacher will steward students’ skill growth in the Spanish language acquisition, with a focus on listening, speaking, reading, writing, collaboration, and metacognition. This position includes collaboration and planning with peers in all divisions. We seek knowledgeable candidates who are willing to teach students with a dynamic, student-centered approach to instruction. Ideal candidates will have experience with and delight in working with Middle and Upper School students and understand the unique needs and opportunities of working with students in grades 6-12.
Responsibilities include:
- Teach one or two sections of Middle or Upper School Spanish
- Create an equitable class environment that promotes integrity, empathy, and respect
- Scaffold assignments effectively and respond thoughtfully and promptly to student work
- Communicate thoughtfully, respectfully, and clearly with parents
- Write thoughtful, articulate trimester comments that demonstrate a thorough understanding of each learner
- Participate actively in advancing the Liggett Approach
- Collaborate with colleagues and engage in department discussions about pedagogy and other concerns
- Participate actively in advancing the Modern Language Department curriculum, Department initiatives, and the Liggett Approach.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- A bachelor's degree or higher in Spanish education or a related field, with a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional growth
- A minimum of three years of teaching experience in a germane content area is preferred
- Enthusiasm for Middle and Upper School learners and an understanding of their developmental needs
- An innovative approach to teaching, learning, and assessment
- A growth mindset about teaching practices and eagerness to work toward professional goals and development
- A keen desire to work in a collaborative, inclusive, student-centered environment
- An eager willingness to assist and be present in the life of the school
- A strong sense of organization
- Facility with technology in the classroom
- Ability to connect with students and families of diverse backgrounds to develop healthy, supportive, and responsive relationships.
About University Liggett School
The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 640 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passions and explore them in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing them to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering a lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning.
The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. We challenge students to excel and to achieve their highest potential. We create opportunities for discovery and achievement by developing a faculty who foster the strengths of each student through the Liggett Approach. We teach and practice the values of respect and responsibility in an emotionally and physically safe environment.
Contact Person
Qualified candidates should send a letter of interest, educational philosophy, and resume to Paul Rossi, Head of Middle School, at prossi@uls.org.
University Liggett School is committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body. It is the policy of the school to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, military service, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, height, weight, marital or familial status or any other status specifically protected by applicable federal or Michigan law. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply.
If you are a highly qualified educator looking for substitute teaching work for all grade levels and subject areas, we are looking for you. At University Liggett School students are active participants in their learning experience. Substitute teachers at Liggett thrive in a dynamic, student-centered, collaborative environment.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree. Submit to a Michigan school employment criminal background and fingerprinting checks as required. Please indicate the grade level and subject areas that you are qualified to teach in your letter of interest.
If you are interested in being added to our substitute teaching roster please email your resume and a letter of interest to Maureen Solak at msolak@uls.org.
Staff positions
Athletic positions
University Liggett School seeks a Girls’ Varsity Hockey Coach for the 2023-24 winter season.
The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 640 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passions and explore them in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing them to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering a lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning.
Summary: The Girls’ Varsity Hockey Coach is responsible for coaching and providing direction to student-athletes so that they might achieve a high level of skill as well as an appreciation for discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork in athletics. The Girls’ Varsity Hockey Coach reports directly to the Assistant Head of School for Athletics. All coaching assignments are for one year and are subject to the annual approval of the Assistant Head of School for Athletics.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Adheres to the rules, regulations, and policies of the MHSAA and University Liggett School
- Promotes and practices positive sportsmanship
- Upholds the core values of Liggett Athletics
- Submits all required reports promptly and with accuracy
- Committed to professional growth
- Develops a good rapport with parents, community members, news media, teachers, and administrators
- Works with staff to assist athletes in maintaining eligibility
- Responsible for the conduct and overall well-being of players and assigns proper supervision
- Supervises assistant coaches and assigns them duties
- Conducts regular meetings with the coaching staff
- Meets with parents and players to discuss the philosophy of the program and the responsibility of coaches and players
- Ensures that facilities and equipment are maintained properly and reports needs appropriately
Education/Experience:
- High School diploma
- Experience working with children in an educational setting
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and community
- Working with district/state/federal laws and regulations relating to child welfare and attendance
- Prior successful coaching experience required
- Prior successful high school head coaching experience (preferred)
- Ability to effectively communicate with all audiences
- Evidence of strong leadership ability
- Evidence of ability to motivate and teach, with a philosophy of coaching that is compatible with an interscholastic athletic program
- Must be willing to complete levels of the MHSAA Coaches Advancement Program (CAP)
Knowledge and Abilities:
- Demonstrates leadership abilities
- Presents as a positive role model to youth
- Demonstrates willingness to build and lead a strong staff to promote a successful program
- Ability to motivate others
- Effective listening skills
- Effective organizer and planner
- Demonstrates patience and understanding in stressful situations
- Other duties as assigned
Liggett Athletics Core Values:
- Commitment
- Character
- Community
- Culture
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Dr. Leython Williams at lwilliams@uls.org.
University Liggett School seeks a Head Coach of Varsity Volleyball for the 2023-24 fall season.
The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 640 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passions and explore them in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing them to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering a lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning.
Summary: The Varsity Volleyball Coach is responsible for coaching and providing direction to student-athletes so that they might achieve a high level of skill as well as an appreciation for discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork in athletics. The Varsity Volleyball Coach reports directly to the Assistant Head of School for Athletics. All coaching assignments are for one year and are subject to the annual approval of the Assistant Head of School for Athletics.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Adheres to the rules, regulations, and policies of the MHSAA and University Liggett School
- Promotes and practices positive sportsmanship
- Upholds the core values of Liggett Athletics
- Submits all required reports promptly and with accuracy
- Committed to professional growth
- Develops a good rapport with parents, community members, news media, teachers, and administrators
- Works with staff to assist athletes in maintaining eligibility
- Responsible for the conduct and overall well-being of players and assigns proper supervision
- Supervises assistant coaches and assigns them duties
- Conducts regular meetings with the coaching staff
- Meets with parents and players to discuss the philosophy of the program and the responsibility of coaches and players
- Ensures that facilities and equipment are maintained properly and reports needs appropriately
Education/Experience:
- High School diploma
- Experience working with children in an educational setting
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and community
- Working with district/state/federal laws and regulations relating to child welfare and attendance
- Prior successful coaching experience required
- Prior successful high school head coaching experience (preferred)
- Ability to effectively communicate with all audiences
- Evidence of strong leadership ability
- Evidence of ability to motivate and teach, with a philosophy of coaching that is compatible with an interscholastic athletic program
- Must be willing to complete levels of the MHSAA Coaches Advancement Program (CAP)
Knowledge and Abilities:
- Demonstrates leadership abilities
- Presents as a positive role model to youth
- Demonstrates willingness to build and lead a strong staff to promote a successful program
- Ability to motivate others
- Effective listening skills
- Effective organizer and planner
- Demonstrates patience and understanding in stressful situations
- Other duties as assigned
Liggett Athletics Core Values:
- Commitment
- Character
- Community
- Culture
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Dr. Leython Williams at lwilliams@uls.org.
University Liggett School seeks a Head Coach of Boys' Varsity Basketball for the 2023-24 winter season.
The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling more than 640 students, University Liggett School offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passions and explore them in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing them to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country. Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, giving them a keen sense of self while simultaneously fostering lifelong appreciation for and an understanding of learning.
Summary: The Varsity Basketball Coach is responsible for coaching and providing direction to student-athletes so that they might achieve a high level of skill as well as an appreciation for discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork in athletics. The Varsity Basketball Coach reports directly to the Assistant Head of School for Athletics. All coaching assignments are for one year and subject to annual approval of the Assistant Head of School for Athletics.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Adheres to the rules, regulations, and policies of the MHSAA and University Liggett School
- Promotes and practices positive sportsmanship
- Upholds the core values of Liggett Athletics
- Submits all required reports promptly and with accuracy
- Committed to professional growth
- Develops a good rapport with parents, community members, news media, teachers, and administrators
- Works with staff to assist athletes in maintaining eligibility
- Responsible for the conduct and overall well-being of players and assigns proper supervision
- Supervises assistant coaches and assigns them duties
- Conducts regular meetings with coaching staff
- Meets with parents and players to discuss philosophy of program and the responsibility of coaches and players
- Ensures that facilities and equipment are maintained properly and reports needs appropriately
Education/Experience:
- High School diploma
- Experience working with children in an educational setting
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and community
- Working with district/state/federal laws and regulations relating to child welfare and attendance
- Prior successful coaching experience required
- Prior successful high school head coaching experience (preferred)
- Ability to effectively communicate with all audiences
- Evidence of strong leadership ability
- Evidence of ability to motivate and teach, with a philosophy of coaching that is compatible with an interscholastic athletic program
- Must be willing to complete levels of the MHSAA Coaches Advancement Program (CAP)
Knowledge and Abilities:
- Demonstrates leadership abilities
- Presents as a positive role model to youth
- Demonstrates willingness to build and lead a strong staff to promote a successful program
- Ability to motivate others
- Effective listening skills
- Effective organizer and planner
- Demonstrates patience and understanding in stressful situations
- Other duties as assigned
Liggett Athletics Core Values:
- Commitment
- Character
- Community
- Culture
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Dr. Leython Williams at lwilliams@uls.org.
University Liggett School seeks a Head Coach for the Junior Varsity girls’ volleyball program. The position is for the 2018 season which begins in early August. Coaching experience is required.
The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate a passion for the sport and for working with adolescents. Attention to detail, a sense of humor, patience, flexibility, and excellent verbal and written skills are a must.
At Liggett, we take a whole school approach to athletics. Therefore, head coaches are responsible for developing and implementing sport-specific curriculum that is age and ability appropriate. All sub-varsity coaches will coordinate with the varsity head coach in order to institute a cohesive program.
Additional head coach expectations are as follows:
- Head coaches are expected to plan and execute daily practices that appropriately challenge the student-athletes in order to help them achieve their potential.
- Teach fundamentals, rules, techniques, and strategies with a positive, energetic, and constructive approach.
- Head coaches are expected to plan and foster the development of students as athletes and human beings.
- Ensure administrative coaching duties are completed.
- Communicate often and consistently with players, parents and school administration.
- Be a positive role model.
- Strengthen and grow the Liggett volleyball program.
Contact Person:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Michelle R. Hicks, Director of Athletics at mhicks@uls.org
Contact us
For faculty positions, send a resume, letter of interest, and three recent professional references or for a non-teaching position, please send a resume and letter of interest to:
Bart Bronk
Head of School
bbronk@uls.org
University Liggett School
1045 Cook Road
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236-2509
Liggett is always seeking out experienced coaches in all sports. For athletic positions, send a resume and letter of interest to:
Dr. Leython Williams '03
Assistant Head of School for
Athletics & Ancillary Programs
lwilliams@uls.org
University Liggett School
1045 Cook Road
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236-2509