Middle School English/Humanities

Keys School, a K-8 of approximately 320 students and 45 faculty, seeks an experienced, full-time Middle School English teacher to begin August 12, 2021.  Founded in 1973, Keys offers a constructivist education with concern for students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical growth.  Today Keys is known for helping students to become compassionate and empathic community members while developing the confidence to find their voice and advocate for themselves and others. Social Emotional learning and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are central points of focus, and ever-growing aspects in our educational practices. 

With a cross-divisional buddy system, ice skating lessons, classes in self-science, and extensive outdoor education experiences beginning in kindergarten, the school offers an array of distinctive programs.  These experiences, in concert with a strong and engaging academic approach, prepare students to matriculate to the region’s highly selective independent secondary schools and rigorous public high schools.

The school is situated on two campuses, about a mile apart.  The Lower School campus houses grades K-4, approximately 180 students and 30 faculty and staff.  The Middle School campus houses grades 5-8, approximately 140 students, and 30 faculty and staff.

The Middle School English teacher plans and implements units through which students develop an appreciation of literature as a study of the human condition while also developing fundamental skills in writing, reading comprehension, grammar, note-taking, research, as well as higher order skills in analysis, synthesis, and creativity.  Middle School teachers work collaboratively to develop interdisciplinary studies and are responsible for creating a community of learners in which children cultivate the skills of self-advocacy and resilience while demonstrating empathy and compassion for others.  

Classroom teachers also serve as advisors, and consequently are not only mentors for students but an important resource for parents, helping them understand the school’s educational philosophy and children’s developmental needs. 

The ideal candidate will possess a solid understanding of children’s academic, social, and emotional development; a commitment to SEL and DEIJ work, knowledge of and passion for both classic and modern literature; a deep understanding of the writing process and the varied styles that come with it; a comprehension and appreciation of cultural change through the ages; familiarity with authentic teaching and assessment practices and current technology; and be of sufficiently nimble mind and spirit to enjoy the uniquely transformative time that is early adolescence. 

Middle School English teachers are expected to:

• Teach the equivalent of four courses
• Serve as an advisor
• Collaborate with the Middle School Curriculum Coordinator and other Middle School teachers to ensure development and coordination of the Middle School English/Humanities curriculum; develop interdisciplinary units with other faculty
• Integrate social justice and identity themes, exploration and practice into the curriculum and display the same in interactions with students, parents, and colleagues
• Create and utilize formative and summative assessments to inform instructional decisions 
• Maintain accurate, current, and unique academic records that capture the process of learning
• Differentiate instruction in to enrich, remediate, and accommodate learning needs
• Utilize current technology to enrich the curriculum
• Participate in the school’s outdoor education program, buddy program, and other duties as assigned
• Communicate effectively with families to foster partnerships 
• Participate in other school-wide activities throughout the year, such as committees, team and staff meetings, and occasional evening or weekend school events

The successful candidate will have:

• A minimum of three years of English teaching experience preferably at the middle school level
• A graduate degree in a related field (preferred)
• Awareness of differentiated learning and teaching styles and progressive pedagogical approaches
• Commitment to creating an inclusive classroom community in which all perspectives are heard and valued
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative with regard to curriculum development, knowledge of UbD framework is helpful
• Experience with students who need extra learning supports, particularly students who face reading and writing challenges
• A proven record of collaborative teamwork together with a nuanced understanding of interpersonal relationships
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, both written and verbal, with prospective and current parents and colleagues
• A healthy sense of humor

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, statement of philosophy, and three to five references to jobs@keysschool.org.

Keys School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, orientation or veteran status. For more information on the school, please visit keysschool.org.