Job Description
St. Peter’s School is an independent, coeducational, non-sectarian Preschool through Eighth Grade school, educating approximately 170 students in the center of Philadelphia for over 190 years. We are seeking an engaging full-time Humanities teacher (Grades 6-8) who has experience planning and implementing an integrated English and Social Studies curriculum, is committed to academic excellence and teaching with diversity and inclusion in mind, and who understands the social and emotional growth and development of young children. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and organizational skills, and the motivation to work collaboratively as a team with the upper grade (6-8) faculty to build a sense of community in and outside of the classroom. This person will also be the advisor for the Eighth Grade.
The Humanities teacher promotes critical thinking, responsible scholarship, and creative expression within an imaginative thematic curriculum. In a seminar setting with extended periods each week, we model a learning environment framed on the values of inquiry, mutual respect, and cooperative support. The program emphasizes the content and skills necessary for students to find intellectual success through practice in reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and listening. Research skills are developed and each unit dives deeply into primary source documentation, creative and non-fiction writing.
Teacher Responsibilities
• Demonstrates strong classroom management skills
• Is willing to and capable of teaching online when needed
• Ensures that diverse perspectives are incorporated throughout the curriculum; implements the School’s racial literacy curriculum through the Humanities curriculum
• Partners with families to nurture the child’s social and emotional growth
• Is responsible for ongoing assessment and communication with families and the Education Program Director
• Models ethical and professional behavior and works collaboratively and with mutual respect for all members of the faculty
• Establishes positive and productive relationships with students based on mutual respect and from an equitable perspective
• Uses a variety of teaching techniques suitable to the developmental age and needs of the students and subject matter being taught
• Guided by an ethic of care and sees learning as connected to the development of the whole child
• Provides differentiated instruction when appropriate and is comfortable with student-led learning
• Uses a variety of technology formats to collaborate, publish, and engage with peers, families, and colleagues
• Ensures that inclusive themes and diverse perspectives are incorporated throughout the curriculum
• Attends faculty meetings, school events, pursues professional development opportunities, and contributes to committees
• Assists with additional duties as assigned
• Contributes talents and skills to the school community in additional capacities, including coaching and advising
• Meets all expectations regarding job responsibilities in a professional and timely manner
Position Responsibilities
• Is a curious student of the art and science of teaching and learning
• Is flexible and positive and interested in innovative Humanities instruction
• Knowledge of and experience with competency-based education
• Demonstrates an engaging love and enthusiasm for teaching literature, history, and writing
• Confidence in utilizing Google Suite and virtual learning
• Cultivates a curriculum that reflects trends and best practices pertaining to humanities education and pedagogy
• Is a creative problem solver and innovator who possesses a growth-mindset
• Education degree and experience working with pre-adolescent and adolescent students required
• Be pedagogically aligned with the School’s Mission and with a thematic focus to the curriculum
• Be reflective in practice across and favor a learner-centered approach to instruction
• Serves as a middle school advisor
• Meet and collaborate with colleagues to coordinate lesson plans and create thematic units
• Demonstrates a commitment to and actively supports the School, its Mission, and the Diversity Mission Statement:
Mission Statement
To honor the richness of childhood, foster mastery of academic principles, and educate students to be generous and committed citizens of their communities and the world.
Diversity Mission Statement
St. Peter’s School is committed to engaging and preparing students for meaningful participation in a diverse society. We commit ourselves to the active pursuit of recognizing and honoring each person’s voice and to fostering a school environment that embodies the values of equity, inclusion, and justice for others, with respect to race, ethnicity, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
A Bachelor’s degree in education, Humanities, English or history is required. While a Master’s degree is not required, advanced coursework or training is preferred, as well as previous independent school teaching experience. Salary will be determined based on experience and education. For more information, please visit our website at www.st-peters-school.org . Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references via email with the subject line, “Humanities” to David Hoffman at dhoffman@st-peters-school.org
St. Peter’s School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic background, age, disability, or military service in its hiring, employment or other programs and activities.