Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Anticipated Start Date: 8/13/2026

Job Description

Shady Side Academy seeks an innovative student-centered educator to join our Middle School faculty as a Social Studies Teacher beginning in August 2026. We are looking for a teacher who is passionate about helping young adolescents make sense of the world around them develop strong critical-thinking skills and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives.

At Shady Side Academy we believe education should inspire students to think expansively act ethically and lead responsibly. Our teachers cultivate meaningful relationships with students challenge them intellectually and create learning environments where curiosity a sense of belonging and personal growth flourish.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate engaging developmentally responsive Social Studies instruction for middle school students.
• Foster historical thinking civic engagement media literacy research skills and respectful dialogue.
• Create student-centered learning experiences that encourage inquiry collaboration creativity and problem-solving.
• Differentiate instruction to support a range of learners.
• Implement proactive classroom management strategies to support positive student behavior and maximize instructional time.
• Use varied assessment practices to monitor growth provide meaningful feedback and support student achievement.
• Integrate technology thoughtfully to enhance learning and strengthen essential future-ready skills.

• Serve as advisor to a group of approximately ten eighth-grade students.
• Support students academic social and emotional development through strong relationships and regular communication.
• Cultivate a classroom and advisory culture grounded in respect empathy and belonging.

• Partner with colleagues to develop curriculum share best practices and support student success.
• Participate actively in interdisciplinary initiatives and professional learning opportunities.
• Coach mentor or lead extracurricular activities during two seasons of the academic year.
• Communicate proactively and collaboratively with families.

Qualifications

A bachelors degree in Social Studies Education Political Science Humanities or related field is required and a masters degree in art or related field is strongly preferred.

An Ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working with middle school students and a deep understanding of adolescent development.
• A passion for teaching and mentoring young people.
• Strong content knowledge and enthusiasm for helping students connect the study of the past to contemporary issues and global citizenship.
• Experience designing curriculum and learning experiences that promote critical thinking inquiry and authentic engagement.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction and inclusive teaching practices.
• A commitment to creating a learning environment where every student feels known valued and challenged.
• Excellent written verbal organizational and interpersonal skills.

• A collaborative mindset intellectual curiosity adaptability and a sense of humor.