Upper School History Teacher Grades 7-9

Fessenden School • West Newton, MA

3d • $64,250 - $98,650 • Onsite

About The Position

The Fessenden School is an all-boys independent day and boarding school serving 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 over 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. The Upper School History Teacher is a passionate, innovative, and collaborative educator who engages boys in Grades 7-9 through dynamic, student-centered teaching. This teacher will join a dedicated team to inspire students to think critically about historical events and their connections to the present, fostering an inclusive and equitable classroom environment that reflects the school’s mission and core values of honesty , compassion , and respect . The role involves teaching 4 classes of 12 to 15 boys, collaborating with grade-level teams, and advising a small group of students. The curriculum emphasizes skills such as analyzing primary sources and exploring diverse perspectives to deepen students' historical understanding and critical thinking.

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.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in education, history, or related field.
• Master’s degree in education, history, or a 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 and Inspire : Promote critical thinking and incorporate 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving into lessons. Foster a dynamic classroom environment where students feel challenged and supported in their learning.
• Build Relationships : Create meaningful connections with students to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love for history.
• Integrate Core Values : Actively teach and model the School’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect to nurture students' academic and character development.
• Differentiated Instruction : Utilize various modes of instruction and assessments to meet the diverse learning needs of students. Use formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and evaluate student progress. Design assignments and projects that accommodate a range of abilities and interests.
• Innovate and Collaborate : Incorporate project-based learning (PBL), educational technology, and cross-curricular connections into classroom experiences. Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen program offerings.
• Promote Inclusion : Integrate diverse perspectives, cultural competency, and inclusive practices into lessons, ensuring all students feel valued and represented.
• Mentor and Advise : Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, supporting their social-emotional growth, goal-setting, and academic progress over the time they spend in the Upper School.
• Contribute to Community : Actively participate in the life of the school by attending meetings, grade-level activities, and school events. Support extracurricular programs such as coaching sports, facilitating clubs, or leading grade trips.
• Professional Development : Stay current with best teaching practices through School-provided professional development opportunities and School-supported external professional development opportunities (workshops, conferences, and traveling abroad).

Benefits

• A supportive, inclusive, and mission-driven community.
• A robust professional development budget that provides for school support, professional growth, and collaboration opportunities.
• A 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, including the Pallotta Athletic Center, Sacerdote Science Center, Congoli Center for Innovation, and the Elfers Center for the Arts.
• Delicious lunch options for faculty every day
• Class sizes from 12 to 15 students
• Diverse representation in Senior Leadership positions

What This Job Offers

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