Upper School Social Studies Teacher

Founded in 1901 The Cathedral School is committed to academic excellence in a curriculum that integrates critical thinking the arts athletics and leadership development. The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race socioeconomic status cultural or religious tradition age gender ability or sexual orientation enhance the individuals sense of identity and broaden respect for others. Through curriculum and informal school experiences students at The Cathedral School come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do. The Schools mission is brought to life on the idyllic 11-acre campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Manhattans Upper West Side through seven Core Values: Cooperation Courage Integrity Kindness Passion for Learning Respect and Responsibility.

As an independent K-8 day school rooted in the Episcopal tradition The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine educates students to become articulate confident and responsible citizens of the world through rigorous academics innovative approaches to learning and the nurturing of their aspirations in a diverse community of all faiths. Cathedral is currently seeking an Upper School (Grades 5-8) Social Studies Teacher.

The Social Studies Teacher reports directly to the Head of Upper School and is an integral member of the Upper School team and Social Studies department at The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine. Candidates must have at least three years of teaching experience as a Social Studies or Humanities teacher working with middle school-aged students. We prefer candidates with experience using The Writing Revolution curriculum (also known as Judith Hochman Basic Writing Skills) to support all students in developing a structured yet authentic approach to writing. A Bachelors degree is required. A Masters degree is preferred.

In support of The Cathedral Schools mission the Upper School Social Studies Teacher must be prepared to view curriculum classroom and school culture through a lens focused on equity and justice. A nurturing and caring personality is essential.

Both the fifth and sixth grade courses develop students understanding of history from multiple perspectives and use primary sources to enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills.

Teacher Responsibilities:

• Teaches two different sections of Social Studies in grades five and six (four sections total)

• Develops students reading writing listening and research skills

• Plans lessons units and projects covering foundational social studies skills and concepts and global historical content such as ancient civilizations medieval and early modern periods ancient civilizations the formation of the United Nations the Industrial Revolution World War I and the Treaty of Versailles the Great Depression and World War II representing diverse perspectives and using backward-design frameworks

• Teaches an elective period in the Upper School two out of three trimesters per year

• Directs the 6th grade Social Studies play in collaboration with the Art and Music teachers
  
  

Student Support:

• Serve as an Upper School advisor for six to eight students in support of their academic progress and social-emotional well-being

Teacher Collaboration:

• Attend regular Upper School Guidance Meetings with the student support team and teachers to discuss students academic and behavioral concerns

• Collaborates with the other members of the Social Studies department to coordinate a clear scope and sequence from grade to grade in terms of both subject matter and skills development

• Partners with the Learning Specialist to ensure students are being fully supported and that the writing curriculum across the humanities is aligned

Communication:

• Be proactive clear and consistent in family communications to promote partnership in service of the students

• Write mid-trimester comments twice yearly

• Participate in family/teacher conferences twice yearly

General:

• Fulfill regular Upper School duties such as homeroom lunch recess duty etc.

• Attend weekly Faculty and School-wide meetings

• Is available for other school events and activities as needed

The Upper School 5th and 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher is a 10-month in-person role with a start date of late August 2026. The salary range for this position is $75000 to $90000.