Fourth Grade Social Studies and Homeroom Teacher

At a Glance

Job Title: Lower School Fourth Grade Social Studies Homeroom Teacher

Location: Friends School of Baltimore - Baltimore, MD 21210

Reports To: Lower School Principal

Position Type: Full Time, Exempt

Pay rate: $50,000-$70,000

Friends School is a Quaker, co-educational, college preparatory school, Pre-K through Grade 12, in Baltimore City, enrolling 835 students, 41% of whom identify as children of color. We are guided by the Quaker ideals of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. We strive to be a purposefully inclusive community that reflects the racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and religious diversity of our city and our region.

Friends School of Baltimore faculty teach by example, blending intellectual exploration, enthusiasm, and joy. Every day in their classrooms, they challenge and encourage students to think deeply, question thoughtfully, and seek truth, while instilling in each of them a strong sense of social responsibility, a willingness to embrace challenges, and an awareness of their potential as individuals.

In addition to a commitment to the fundamental ideals of Quaker education, Friends School teachers are expected to model and foster the habits of mind we believe are essential to an outstanding education: creativity, curiosity, empathy, reflection, and resilience.

We seek faculty members whose teaching styles and experiences demonstrate:

• A record of successful collaboration with colleagues
• A commitment to lifelong learning and ongoing professional development
• The use of technology to enhance student learning
• The teaching of research, writing, and information literacy skills
• The use of varied assessment techniques that support critical thinking
• Teaching and learning experiences that strengthen students’ communication skills
• Experience with and openness to interdisciplinary teaching
• An understanding of the social, emotional, and academic development of upper elementary students
• A commitment to culturally responsive teaching and inclusive classroom practices

Context and Philosophy

Friends School of Baltimore has an opening for a Fourth Grade Social Studies and Homeroom Teacher beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

This teacher will serve as a fourth grade homeroom teacher and will teach social studies as part of the fourth grade departmentalized program. The ideal candidate will bring warmth, clarity, curiosity, and strong classroom practice to a vibrant Lower School community.

The fourth grade social studies program invites students to think deeply about history, geography, culture, identity, community, power, and responsibility. We seek a teacher who can help students ask meaningful questions, engage with primary and secondary sources, develop research and writing skills, and make connections between the past and the present. The teacher should be able to design learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate, engaging, inclusive, and aligned with Friends School’s Quaker mission.

As a homeroom teacher, this person will also support students’ social-emotional growth, build classroom community, communicate with families, and collaborate closely with the fourth grade team and Lower School colleagues.

Of particular interest are candidates who have experience with project-based learning, interdisciplinary curriculum design, culturally responsive teaching, student-centered discussion, and strong writing instruction. Candidates should understand the developmental needs of fourth grade students and be able to create a classroom environment that is joyful, structured, reflective, and inclusive.

All full-time Lower School teachers participate fully in the life of an independent school in addition to their classroom responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Teach fourth grade social studies in a way that honors Quaker values and supports students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth
• Serve as a fourth grade homeroom teacher
• Build a warm, inclusive, and well-structured classroom community
• Support students’ development of social skills, independence, responsibility, and reflective habits
• Design engaging social studies lessons that include inquiry, discussion, research, writing, and project-based learning
• Help students develop historical thinking, geographic understanding, civic awareness, and empathy for multiple perspectives
• Integrate literacy skills into social studies instruction, including reading informational texts, note-taking, research, discussion, and written expression
• Use a variety of instructional strategies and assessments to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Collaborate closely with fourth grade colleagues, specialists, learning specialist, counselor, and Lower School leadership
• Communicate regularly and effectively with families about student growth, classroom life, and areas of support
• Attend all-school professional days, grade-level meetings, department/team meetings, and Lower School faculty meetings
• Participate in school initiatives, committees, and the broader life of the Lower School
• Maintain a current understanding of best practices in social studies, literacy integration, culturally responsive teaching, and upper elementary education
• Prepare lesson plans and materials in the event of an absence
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times
• Maintain a classroom and learning environment that supports student engagement, belonging, and independence
• Participate in student supervisory duties such as lunch, indoor recess, and dismissal on a rotating basis

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience teaching elementary or upper elementary students preferred
• Experience teaching social studies, humanities, writing, or interdisciplinary curriculum preferred
• Strong classroom management and community-building skills
• Understanding of the developmental needs of fourth grade students
• Commitment to Quaker education, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and families
• Flexibility, optimism, warmth, and a sense of humor

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and supporting documents through the application link on the Friends School of Baltimore website.

A search committee will review candidate materials and contact candidates they are interested in inviting for a conversation about the position.