Adjunct Teacher Job Description

The Greater Boston Zen Community (GBZC) is sangha-led, with organizational oversight provided by a volunteer board. Our teaching model supports a dynamic environment in which multiple teachers and peer mentors support practitioners in their Zen practice.

Adjunct Teachers are board-appointed, volunteer teachers formally associated with GBZC. Their primary role is to teach meditation practice, forms, traditions, and Dharma concepts.

This is not a junior or secondary teaching role; the title “Adjunct” reflects that teachers support the sangha’s practice life but do not hold governance authority within the organization.

Practitioners within the sangha may choose to work with one or more teachers as part of their Zen practice, but doing so is not required. Students are free to move among teachers and peer mentors. Teachers serving as Adjunct Teachers at GBZC may also maintain affiliations with other sanghas.

The Greater Boston Zen Community invites qualified individuals to apply for our Adjunct Teacher positions.

Role and Responsibilities

Adjunct Teachers may serve the sangha in a variety of ways depending on the needs and activities of the community.

Teaching and Practice Leadership

  • Lead and participate in meditation practice, teaching activities, and Dharma discussions.
  • Offer Dharma talks during regular sittings (zendo teaching).
  • Teach classes, workshops, or retreats (e.g., precepts classes, sesshin, practice instruction).
  • Offer private spiritual guidance to practitioners (e.g., dokusan, practice interviews, or koan curriculum where appropriate).

Mentorship and Practice Development

  • Mentor sangha members who are engaged in peer teaching or discussion leadership.
  • Provide guidance to practitioners pursuing deeper study or practice.
  • May supervise shoken students or support the development of other teachers.

Community and Sangha Support

  • Participate in community activities and events locally and/or via Zoom.
  • Provide pastoral care to sangha members in times of difficulty or transition.
  • Support community initiatives such as outreach, social engagement, diversity efforts, or ecological sustainability.
  • Contribute to liturgy development or revision where appropriate.
  • Support an inclusive and respectful practice environment for people of all backgrounds.

Collaboration and Governance Support

  • Coordinate with teaching-focused working groups or task forces established by the board.
  • Engage collaboratively with other GBZC teachers, sangha members, and board leadership.
  • Participate in additional initiatives that may arise during the term of service.

Priestly Functions (if applicable)

  • Teachers who are also ordained priests may occasionally perform priestly duties consistent with their training and in coordination with the sangha.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

  • Formal training in the Soto or Rinzai Zen tradition.
  • Verified Dharma transmission from a recognized teacher.
  • A clear and verifiable lineage.
  • Demonstrated experience teaching meditation and Zen practice.
  • Exceptions to these requirements may be considered on a case by case basis.

Expectations and Ethical Commitments

Adjunct Teachers are expected to:

  • Read, sign, and uphold the GBZC Ethics Policy, and participate in any required ethics training or review processes.

Maintain ongoing spiritual and personal support, including:

  • Continuing their own practice through dokusan or spiritual guidance with a teacher.
  • Participating in a teaching or practice community.
  • Maintaining appropriate support networks outside the sangha (e.g., friends, family, counselors).

Terms and Governance

  • This is a volunteer position and is not compensated.
  • Teachers may be reimbursed for approved expenses associated with official GBZC activities, including travel, materials, and other board-approved costs.
  • Adjunct Teachers are not eligible to serve on the GBZC Board.
  • This appointment is renewed yearly up to 5 years, renewable upon mutual agreement.
  • Adjunct Teachers collaborate as peers with other GBZC-endorsed teachers, the sangha, the board, and relevant board task force group members.

Application and Selection Process

The GBZC Board will use the following process to evaluate applicants:

  1. Application Submission
    • Candidates submit a resume outlining training, lineage, and teaching experience.
  2. Interview Process
    • Qualified candidates will participate in an interview using a standard set of questions shared in advance.
  3. Teaching Engagement
    • Candidates will be invited to teach at GBZC and meet with members of the board, sangha, and teaching community.
  4. References
    • At least one reference will be requested from:
      • A former or current board member of a sangha in which the candidate has participated.
      • A person who has had a mentoring or teacher–student relationship with the candidate.
  5. Final Appointment
    • Selected candidates will receive an offer contingent upon:
      • A CORI (or equivalent) background check.
      • Signing a formal letter of agreement.

Anyone interested in being considered for appointment as a GBZC Adjunct Teacher should begin discussions with the board by contacting it at board@bostonzen.org, including a description of one’s teaching qualifications and experience. 

(pdf version)