Middle/Upper School Teacher - Social Studies

Organization Name: Palm Valley School

About Our Organization: Since 1952, Palm Valley School (PVS) has stood alone as the Coachella Valley’s only non-religious, college-prep, independent school. With our commitment to developing leaders, Palm Valley School provides a toddler-12th grade nurturing environment in which highly motivated students flourish and find success in the classroom, at colleges and universities throughout the nation, and beyond. Palm Valley School is an exceptional learning community that educates, nurtures, and challenges students to achieve excellence and contribute to a global society. Our core values guide our approach to education: Individual Attention to Students – Fostering personal connections and tailored learning experiences Inspiring Passionate & Innovative Teaching – Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning Inquiry & Exploration – Promoting hands-on discovery and intellectual growth Academic, Artistic & Athletic Growth – Supporting a well-rounded education that nurtures the whole child Trust, Respect & Partnership – Building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues Diversity & Responsibility to Self & Others – Cultivating an inclusive environment that values ethical leadership and global awareness

Website: www.pvs.org

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared Date: 03-20-2025

Effective Date: 08-01-2025

Hiring Manager Job Title: Head of Middle and Upper School

Employment Status: Full-time Regular

Primary Location: Rancho Mirage, CA

Job Summary

Palm Valley School seeks an engaging and innovative Social Studies teacher to join our community for the 2025-2026 academic year. This educator will teach sections in both the middle and upper schools (grades 6-12) and serve as a grade-level advisor. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a highly collaborative environment where value is placed on the skills and passions of the instructor and your ability to be a contributing member of the Social Studies Department. You are someone who incorporates technology and hands-on learning experiences in the classroom with enthusiasm. Reports to the head of middle and upper school. To be considered, please submit (1) your current CV/resume, (2) a cover letter detailing your interest and experience for this role, as well as your educational philosophy, and (3) a sample lesson plan.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, preferred; will consider candidates enrolled in relevant Master’s Degree programs. Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field required: Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field required: preference for degrees in social studies: economics, geography, history, political science, and psychology.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, etc.).
• Previous teaching experience required, preferably at the middle and high school level with experience teaching Advanced Placement social studies course(s): United States History, World History, US Government & Politics, and Economics.
• Minimum of three (3) years professional experience working in education preferred.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills

• Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future
• problemsolving and decisionmaking.
• Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the
• points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative
• solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Learning Strategies Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate
• for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Work Context

Works in classroom environment with children and other adults. Standing and sitting in confined area for extended periods of time. Interacts with children, families, and collegaues regualrly.

Primary Job Duties

• Observe student progress for mastery of course content, providing intervention or differentiation when necessary and appropriate, and consistent high quality feedback
• Provide collaborative and individual learning opportunities that support student growth
• Create lessons that are wellstructured in terms of content, developmental appropriateness, and department sequencing
• Work collectively with fellow teachers to coordinate lesson plans and course sequencing
• Cultivate learning experiences where inquiry, curiosity, and ingenuity are valued
• Promote a learning environment where students have a sense of belonging and feel safe and welcome
• Emphasize the importance of learning, and the integral role mistakes play in the learning process

Activities

• Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Time Management Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Learning Strategies Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Tools and Technology

• Blackbaud Academics
• ClassDojo
• GMail
• Google Drive
• Google Classroom
• Google Meet
• Google Docs

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

About PALM VALLEY SCHOOL

Since 1952, Palm Valley School has stood alone as the Coachella Valley’s only non-religious, college-prep, independent school. With our commitment to excellence, Palm Valley Private School provides a Preschool through 12th grade nurturing environment in which highly motivated students flourish and find success in the classroom, at colleges and universities throughout the nation, and beyond. It is Palm Valley School's policy to practice equal opportunity without regard to an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin or ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or other protected status in accordance with state and federal laws. This pertains to every policy, practice, rule, and regulation of the school.