Title: Middle SchoolSocial Studies/Integrated Studies Teacher
Department/Location: Middle School Faculty, St. Louis, MO
Position Type: Full-time, school year position
Organizational Relationships: Reports to Middle School Principal, 6th - 8th Grade
Summary
Principia is looking for a Middle School Social Studies/Integrated Studies Teacher. In this role, you will teach Social Studies for sixth, seventh and eighth graders through the Integrated Studies program; use a variety of teaching methods to meet students' needs; and mentor students as their teacher and character educator.
Who We Are
At our award-winning pre-K-12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education-blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia's team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.
At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child-intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.
Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow's leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.
Primary Responsibilities

• Display a strong interest and love for working with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.
• Plan lessons that invoke student interest and ownership.
• Incorporate real-life situations where appropriate, and demonstrate an awareness of the needs of the future-ready learner.
• Model an enthusiasm, love for and expertise in the five themes/strands of Social Studies: History, Geography, Economics, Culture, Government.
• Center teaching around and links all units to current events.
• Demonstrate a desire to challenge the status quo of traditional history teaching - offers an unbiased and multi-faceted thinking approach to concepts in the Social Studies curriculum.
• Effectively integrate future-ready skills into the classroom helping students develop strong critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, creativity, research and communication skills.
• Able to work with a wide range of students - differentiate for multiple levels within each class (mixed-ability classrooms).
• Member of the Integrated Studies team (which will involve planning and team teaching weekly).
• Pursue professional development and apply best educational practices in the classroom; become part of a professional learning community where teachers are continually improving teaching and learning.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, coaches, parents, houseparents & administrators.
• Support mutual curricular/instructional goals with the Lower and Upper School Social Studies teachers.
• Monitor and support student progress by using different forms of assessment i.e. rubrics and a proficiency scale.
• Develop experiential opportunities to deepen understanding.
• Integrate technology where appropriate.
• Meet and communicate with students and parents regarding student growth in Social Studies skills.
• Participate in weekly faculty meetings about student growth in academics and character.
• Assess students in their approaches to learning.
• Communicate with the Learning Engagement Center about students and push-in/support services.
• Actively participate in various committee meetings, faculty and parent meetings, and professional development.
• Support Middle School activities by chaperoning social events and trips.
• Participate in yearly goal-setting and frequent one-on-one meetings with supervisor.
• Reflect on teaching and learning regularly and improve practice.
• Complete the required portfolio, including walkthroughs, school visits, reflections, and goal-setting.
• Attend conferences with the intention of improving own practice, as well as initiatives for the Middle School.
• Participate in and contribute to weekly and yearly professional development sessions.
• Engage in professional learning experiences that support school initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Positivity: Optimistic, positive, and focused on elevating and bringing out the very best in themselves and others. Faculty and staff are invited to understand teammates' strengths and how they can complement each other.
• Team players: Ability to collaborate and partner with peers and senior leaders is critical, with an ability to listen, give and receive feedback, and be comfortable exchanging ideas and speaking candidly in a professional and collegial manner
• Strategic thinkers: Ability to consider complex topics from multiple perspectives and offer innovative solutions.
• Innovative : Presents a problem-solving mindset that helps our team come up with creative solutions to challenging issues, with a mentality of self-improvement and organizational excellence; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas
• Communication : Communicates well (written and verbal), delivers compelling presentations, has strong listening skills, passion and drive, and both intellectual and emotional intelligence
• Planning and Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; manages multiple projects and tasks simultaneously

Minimum Qualifications:

• Student of Christian Science; if not, then values-aligned
• Supportive of Principia's mission, vision, and values as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/mission
• Teaching certification preferred (required within two years of hire date).
• Bachelor's degree required in Education, History or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Ability to teach Social Studies, including US Government, American History, Geography, and parallel World History events.
• Relevant teaching experience with middle school students.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.
Equal Opportunity
Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.
In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia-as an institution with a religious mission-gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.