What are the responsibilities and job description for the Upper School History and Social Studies Teacher/Advanced Government Specialist 2025-26 position at Ravenscroft School?
Ravenscroft is an independent, coeducational day school in Raleigh, NC, with approximately 1,250 students in grades PreK-12.
We are looking to welcome a History and Social Studies Teacher (Advanced Government Specialist) into our community of educators that actively strive to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. Our candidates should demonstrate empathy, knowledge and an understanding for the diverse backgrounds in our community; place an importance on genuine and authentic connections with students, faculty, staff and parents; be able to work collaboratively with team members of diverse backgrounds; and have the capacity to model an attitude of unyielding curiosity and a growth mindset.
Reports to: Head of Upper School
The experienced educator should bring a passion for social studies and a special interest and proficiency in aspects of local, state, and national government. The teacher’s lessons are student-centered and infused with both theory and practice, and they skillfully incorporate technology and creativity. Other responsibilities and competencies include:
- Teaching four sections of classes, including at least one section of Advanced Studies in Government and Politics (a unique capstone seminar course involving intensive study of municipal, state, and national government, an intensive research project, and a study trip to Washington, D.C.) and other electives or core courses across the Upper School History and Social Studies curriculum.
- Serving as the primary steward of a special grant that funds programs related to American government, democracy, and civic engagement.
- Coordinating the Ravenscroft Civics League program, which includes extracurricular student organizations such as Youth and Government and Youth Legislative Assembly.
- Designing classes that support the Ravenscroft mission to “nurture individual potential and prepare students to thrive in a complex and interdependent world”
- Exhibiting superior teaching skills that demonstrate best practices, including inquiry-based learning, differentiated instruction, and facilitation
- Demonstrating cultural competence and the ability to connect with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, and parents
- Advising approximately 12 students and facilitating the integration of Ravenscroft’s “Lead from Here” curriculum
- Demonstrating effective technology skills, including the ability to use Ravenscroft’s learning management systems (Canvas and Veracross)
- Participating in other aspects of the School community as desired by the candidate (i.e., athletics, clubs, committees, etc.). The ability and willingness to coach a sport is welcomed.
- Having experience supporting social emotional learning inside and outside of the classroom; an eagerness and ability to support our Lead From Here curriculum
- Demonstrating a growth mindset and the ability to receive feedback, adapt to different learners’ needs, and become a valued colleague in a strong and cohesive department
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in History/Social Studies or History/Social Studies Education, MA in History/Social Studies or MEd/MAT in History/Social Studies highly desirable.
- Experience teaching courses in Government highly preferred.
- Experience working with Youth and Government or similar activities preferred.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Mission Alignment:
As the school mission states, the Ravenscroft community, guided by our legacy of excellence, nurtures individual potential and prepares students to thrive in a complex and interdependent world. Ravenscroft School seeks to build a teaching faculty that represents the diversity of its constituency and our larger society. To that end, qualified teachers from traditionally underrepresented groups or communities are encouraged to apply.
Salary/Benefits:
Ravenscroft School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through a compensation plan that compares favorably with those of regional peer schools. A full benefits package includes TIAA retirement and generous medical/dental coverage, and equals the best plans in Independent School.