Grade 3 Teacher

Fessenden School•West Newton, MA

12d•$64,250 - $98,650•Onsite

About The Position

The Fessenden School is an all-boys independent day and boarding school serving approximately 540 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9 in West Newton, MA. Our mission is to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community. For more than 100 years, The Fessenden School has offered state-of-the-art facilities, a dynamic curriculum, and programs specifically designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of boys. Position Summary The Fessenden School seeks a dynamic and collaborative Third Grade Teacher to join our Lower School faculty. The Third Grade Teacher guides a class of approximately 14–17 boys through an engaging and joyful learning experience that fosters academic growth, character development, and curiosity. The Third Grade Teacher serves as the homeroom teacher and teaches core subjects including math, social studies, reading, language arts, and character education, while working closely with specialist teachers in science, Spanish, library, music, art, and physical education. At Fessenden, we strive to create classrooms where boys are known, supported, and challenged. Teachers foster inclusive learning environments that reflect the School’s mission and core values of honesty, compassion, and respect, while supporting the developmental needs and learning styles of boys.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
At least two years of experience teaching in an elementary classroom
Ability to create a student-centered classroom that fosters engagement, curiosity, and strong relationships
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction to support diverse learners
Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
Enthusiasm for working with boys and supporting their developmental needs
Successful criminal background check

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Elementary Education or related field
Teaching certification
Coursework or experience in special education or learning support
Experience working in an independent school environment
Understanding of the developmental needs of boys

Responsibilities

Teach and Inspire Design and implement engaging lessons in math, reading, language arts, and social studies that support student curiosity, skill development, and joyful learning.
Plan sequential units aligned with grade-level curriculum and Lower School learning goals.
Incorporate character education across disciplines, reinforcing the School’s core values.
Build Relationships Build meaningful relationships with students and families that foster trust, belonging, and engagement.
Create a classroom environment where boys feel known, supported, and motivated to take intellectual risks.
Integrate Core Values Model and actively teach the School’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect . Support students’ social-emotional development and character growth.
Differentiated Instruction Utilize varied instructional strategies and assessments to support a wide range of learners.
Collaborate with the Learning Resources Department to support students with diverse learning profiles.
Monitor student progress and adjust instruction to support individual growth.
Innovate and Collaborate Collaborate with the other Third Grade teacher and Lower School Curriculum Coordinator to ensure alignment of curriculum and instructional practices.
Integrate educational technology, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and project-based or experiential learning where appropriate.
Work with colleagues across disciplines to enrich the learning experience.
Promote Inclusion Partner with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to incorporate multicultural perspectives and inclusive practices into the curriculum.
Foster a classroom culture where all students feel respected and represented.
Communicate with Families Communicate clearly and compassionately with parents regarding student progress and classroom activities.
Provide timely written reports and participate in parent conferences.
Contribute to the School Community Actively participate in Lower School life, including grade-level activities, faculty meetings, and school events.
Supervise recess, lunch, dismissal, and other student activities as part of community responsibilities.
Maintain documentation related to curriculum and student progress.
Professional Engagement Attend faculty meetings and division meetings.
Maintain required certifications, including CPR/AED, First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention Training.
Pursue professional growth opportunities aligned with best practices in elementary education.