Leave Replacement 6th Grade Humanities Teacher

About Shady Hill School: Since 1915, Shady Hill, a school of approximately 530 students (preK - 8) and 90 faculty, has been a leader in progressive education. Shady Hill is a deeply mission-driven school. We seek to develop independent, joyful, and curious learners who respect their own accomplishments and those of others. We strive to be a community whose values are strong and which is unafraid to engage students in important questions. The school’s program allows children to explore their worlds and test their powers. As a school with a historical and contemporary commitment to social justice, we believe that an inclusive and equitable community is an educational and moral imperative that empowers us all. Therefore, we seek to hire teachers who demonstrate a mindset and skill set that prioritizes cultural competence, equity, and justice in their practice with students and in their work with colleagues. A hallmark of Shady Hill is the Central Subject methodology. Students in Grades 3 - 8 engage in an assigned Central Subject, an in-depth, integrated study of a particular time or people in history. The year-long study, which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, the use of primary sources, understanding of multiple perspectives, acquisition of essential skills, and self-discovery, forms the core of our curriculum. “Gradeheads” (lead teachers) are both humanities teachers and advisors, supporting the academic and social-emotional experience for their students. About the position: Shady Hill School is looking for an experienced short-term Leave Replacement 6th Grade Humanities Teacher to cover a parental leave of absence from mid April - June 2025. The Leave Replacement Humanities Teacher is responsible for humanities instruction for 17 students, and also serves as those students’ advisor. The curriculum for 6th Grade is focused on West Africa. This position will overlap for around 1 week with the outgoing teacher in April, and be supported by that teacher for year-end parent conferences as well as the culminating pass along ceremony (Rites of Passage) for 6th grade students. This is a temporary, full-time, in person position. Based on the duration of the assignment, this position is not eligible for benefits. Specific Responsibilities:

• Teach the grade-level assigned Central Subject (See document for further descriptions of each grade’s Central Subject)
• Grade 5: Ancient and Modern China
• Grade 6: Africa (focus on West Africa)
• Grade 7: The Early American Experience (pre-contact USA to Constitutional Convention)
• Grade 8: Democracy and Immigration in the United States
• Monitor the social, emotional, and academic lives of early adolescent students, creating an identity-safe and caring classroom environment and community
• Serve as the primary point of contact for students’ families, coordinating and communicating with grade level colleagues to provide continuity of experience and care
• Manage all classroom responsibilities, including designing and implementing curriculum, differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners, utilizing a variety of approaches to teaching and assessing students
• Communicate about student progress, write reports, hold parent conferences, and meet with administrators and other faculty to support the needs of individuals
• Work collaboratively with the grade level team

In addition, the Leave Replacement 6th Grade Teacher will share in responsibilities associated with the position or with membership on the faculty including supervision of student activities and lunch and recess supervision. The 6th Grade Teacher is also expected to attend closing meetings in June and weekly faculty meetings (typically Wednesday afternoons).