Upper School Social Studies Teacher

Ursuline Academy is seeking a full-time Upper School Social Studies Teacher for the start of the 2025-2026 School Year.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Ursuline Academy has an opening for a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative teacher of Social Studies to join our collaborative faculty team starting August 2025. The Social Studies department delivers various classes within the discipline, including AP Human Geography, World History, US History, AP European History, Economics, and AP Government, with the possibility of developing your own Social Studies elective. The current position could involve teaching a combination of these courses at the Honors or AP level.

The ideal candidate will have a desire to collaborate with colleagues and a commitment to encourage the potential in every student to embody the tenets of the Portrait of the Graduate. The Social Studies Teacher will be responsible for the overall coordination of teaching in his/her subject including executing well-developed lesson plans, accurate assessment of students’ progress, and participation in school functions.

The ideal candidate will: 1) Have a strong knowledge of world history and political workings and infuse such knowledge into the curriculum, 2) build a solid foundation of speaking, listening, reading and writing in the curriculum, 3) embrace diverse learning approaches that reach a range of learners, 4) actively seek collaborative approaches with teachers within and outside the department as well as in our global network, 5) be proactive in setting up a student centered classroom environment that goes beyond the lecture format, and 6) utilize 21st century pedagogical approaches to instruction for a significant portion of class time.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Align with Mission, Core Values and Portrait of an Ursuline Educator

• Actively uphold the school policies and procedures detailed in the Employee Handbook and Faculty Handbook

• Attend school liturgies, prayer services, and retreats and other mission-directed events or activities as planned

• Actively monitor and ensure student adherence to Student Handbook policies and procedures

• Models desired behaviors for students both in and out of the classroom, including maintaining standards of classroom and school behaviors

Academic Environment

• Meet and instruct assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated by the teacher schedule distributed by the Principal

• Inspire students through enthusiasm for course content and student growth

• Prepare for assigned classes by creating robust lesson plans that align with the course curriculum designated by the Department Chair and/or School

• Provide a detailed course syllabus

• Develop and maintain a safe and inviting classroom environment conducive to learning

• Align instruction to a standards-based unit plan, scope and sequence

• Demonstrate proficiency through careful lesson planning and content expertise

• Use a variety of assessment tools to evaluate student learning, including formative and summative assessment

• Strike a balance between instructional and assessment time that prioritizes authentic learning

• Continually assess curriculum and teaching to ensure inclusiveness for ability, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic sensitivity

• Review assessment data at the departmental level to identify concepts and/or students of concern

• Demonstrate knowledge of students’ strengths, challenges, and learning styles

School Community

• Attend graduation (US only), Back to School Nights, Conferences, Open Houses, school-sponsored extracurricular events, pep rallies, assemblies, community meetings, special events, etc. and chaperone as required

• Demonstrate support of students through attendance at social and extracurricular events across divisions

• Serve as a positive ambassador for Ursuline Academy in the community

• Demonstrate a willingness to serve the school community with time and talents in activities outside of the classroom

• Assist in upholding and supporting school rules

Communication

• Maintain an updated course page and accurate, up-to-date student records

• Post major assignments/assessments on the Test Calendar at least 1 week prior to due date

• Write specific, individual, and constructive comments on report cards/progress reports

• Actively communicate with students and families within 24 hours when students’ performance is of concern

o Student receives a C or less on an assessment/major project

o Student’s performance has shown significant decrease

o Student demonstrates a pattern of missed assignments

• Complete and log at least one positive phone call or email per week to parents that details specific observation of a student’s exhibition of the Portrait of an Ursuline Graduate and/or academic performance.

• Respond to any parent communication within one business day and document phone communication with follow-up email

• Post grades in a timely manner

Professionalism

• Exhibit expertise in curricular area(s) by remaining up-to-date on research and trends, attending professional development opportunities when needed

• Model professional qualities of discretion, confidentiality, and respect through interpersonal relationships with colleagues, students, and families

• Respond to observational feedback and incorporate strategies and skills from professional development into instruction

• Perform duties as assigned including carline, cafeteria monitoring, library coverage, etc. as required by Principal

• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities

• Promptly attend all meetings and in-service and actively participate as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field; Master’s degree preferred; Certification strongly preferred.

• At least one year of teaching experience in the area of social studies. Experience teaching social studies at a high school or college level is preferred.

• Demonstrated understanding of educational technology integration in the classroom.

• Demonstrated understanding of effective teaching strategies for different learning styles and aptitudes.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including presentation, listening, and observational skills.

• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills, including planning and managing projects.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work effectively with students, teachers, parents, volunteers, and school administration from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to navigate challenging situations with discretion and diplomacy.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

• Passion for bettering the lives of students.

• Desire to seek professional development activities related to the latest instructional strategies, student growth, and best pedagogical practices.

• Willingness to be an active, enthusiastic member of the Ursuline community.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times regarding the Ursuline community.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person