Long-Term Substitute - 5th Grade English Teacher

Fessenden School • West Newton, MA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fessenden School is seeking a creative, reflective, and collaborative 5th Grade English Teacher for a long-term substitute position. This role involves teaching four classes of Grade 5 English from January 4, 2027, to June 15, 2027. The educator will be responsible for inspiring a love of reading, writing, and critical thinking, while supporting boys' academic growth, character development, and identity formation. The position requires fostering an inclusive and equitable environment, teaching 12 to 15 boys per class, collaborating with grade-level teams, and advising a small group of students. Ideal candidates will possess deep knowledge of middle school literature, an understanding of boys' development, and a commitment to inclusive and engaging classroom practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to create a student-centered classroom that fosters academic rigor, engagement, and positive relationships.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with boys and collaborate with families and colleagues.
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching practices.
• Ability to provide various instructional practices to meet the learning needs of diverse learners.
• Successful criminal background check.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field.
• Master’s degree in education, English, or related field.
• 2+ years of teaching experience with middle school students or an equivalent age group.
• Experience with project-based learning and educational technology integration.
• Prior experience working in an all-boys school or understanding of boys’ developmental needs.

Responsibilities

• Teach Upper School English curriculum (two classes of grade 7 and two classes of grade 9), including literature, writing, grammar, and discussion-based analysis, using developmentally appropriate texts and strategies.
• Create a dynamic classroom environment where boys feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to take intellectual risks.
• Design and implement engaging English lessons that bring literature, language, and writing to life, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of reading.
• Build meaningful relationships with students that inspire confidence, curiosity, and perseverance as readers, writers, and thinkers.
• Create a supportive and structured learning environment where all students feel known, valued, and respected.
• Actively teach and model the School’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect, supporting students’ academic growth and character development.
• Utilize varied instructional strategies and assessments to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Use formative and summative assessments to guide instruction, provide feedback, and evaluate student progress.
• Design writing assignments, projects, and discussions that accommodate a range of abilities, interests, and learning profiles.
• Incorporate project-based learning (PBL), educational technology, and interdisciplinary connections to create an engaging and relevant English classroom experience.
• Collaborate with colleagues across grade levels, departments, and student support services to strengthen curriculum and instructional practice.
• Integrate diverse voices, perspectives, and culturally responsive practices into literature selection, writing, and classroom dialogue.
• Foster an inclusive classroom culture where all students feel represented and empowered to share their ideas.
• Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, supporting their social-emotional development, goal-setting, and academic growth throughout their Upper School experience.
• Actively participate in the life of the school by attending meetings, grade-level activities, and community events.
• Support co-curricular and extracurricular programs, including coaching athletics, facilitating clubs, or participating in grade-level trips.

Benefits

• Supportive, inclusive, and mission-driven community that supports creative teaching methods.
• Robust professional development budget that provides for school support, professional growth, and collaboration opportunities.
• Focus on educating the whole boy academically, socially, emotionally, and physically through dynamic programming and an emphasis on character development.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities: Pallotta Athletic Center, Sacerdote Science Center, Congoli Center for Innovation, and the Elfers Center for the Arts.
• Daily hot lunch and assorted salad bar options.
• Class sizes from 12 to 15 students.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level