Middle School 6th Grade Science Teacher - Long-Term Substitute

FESSENDEN SCHOOL • Newton, MA

5d • $36,506 - $50,085 • Onsite

About The Position

The Fessenden School is hiring a full-time, long-term substitute 6th Grade Science Teacher for its all-boys independent day and boarding school in West Newton, Massachusetts. The school serves 540 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9 and aims to develop students’ character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community.

The teacher will engage students through dynamic, student-centered science instruction and join a collaborative 6th-grade team. The role teaches four classes of 12 to 15 boys, advises a small group of students, and emphasizes experiments, data analysis, and project-based learning. Instruction may cover Earth and Environmental Science, Physical Science, or Biology, with hands-on investigations and real-world applications. The teacher is expected to foster an equitable classroom and model the School’s values of honesty, compassion, and respect.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from January 4, 2027, through June 11, 2027. It is temporary, full-time, and exempt. The salary range is $36,506 to $50,085, based on qualifications and experience; an additional coaching stipend may be available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Ability to create a student-centered classroom that fosters academic rigor, engagement, and positive relationships.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for connecting with boys and collaborating with families and colleagues.
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching practices.
• Ability to use varied instructional practices to meet the learning needs of diverse students.
• Successful criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in education, science, or a related field.
• At least 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

• Design and implement engaging science lessons that foster curiosity and a love of discovery.
• Teach Earth and Environmental Science, Physical Science, or Biology, using hands-on experiments to support understanding.
• Create a classroom environment where students feel challenged and supported.
• Build meaningful relationships with students and support their confidence, curiosity, perseverance, and sense of belonging.
• Teach and model the School’s values of honesty, compassion, and respect.
• Use varied instructional methods and formative and summative assessments to address diverse learning needs and evaluate student progress.
• Design assignments and projects that accommodate a range of abilities and interests.
• Incorporate project-based learning, laboratory investigations, educational technology, and cross-curricular connections.
• Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen program offerings.
• Integrate diverse perspectives, cultural competency, and inclusive practices into lessons.
• Advise a small group of students, supporting their social-emotional growth, goal-setting, and academic progress.
• Participate in school meetings, grade-level activities, and school events.
• Support extracurricular programs, such as coaching sports, facilitating clubs, or leading grade trips.
• Pursue professional development and keep current with science education practices and teaching methodologies.

Benefits

• Robust professional development budget supporting school needs, professional growth, and collaboration.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Pallotta Athletic Center, Sacerdote Science Center, Congoli Center for Innovation, and Elfers Center for the Arts.
• Daily hot lunch and assorted salad bar options.
• Class sizes of 12 to 15 students.
• An additional stipend may be provided for coaching.

What This Job Offers

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