Upper School Social Studies Teacher

Job Title: Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Department: Upper School
Reports To: Head of Upper School
Classification: Exempt; 10-Month

Position Overview:
Rumson Country Day School seeks a dynamic and engaging Middle School Social Studies Teacher who is passionate about cultivating informed, curious, and thoughtful global citizens.

The ideal candidate will deliver an innovative, student-centered, inquiry-driven curriculum that connects historical content to current events, civic engagement, and global perspectives. Through discussion-based instruction, project-based learning, and authentic assessments, they will foster a classroom environment where students engage in meaningful dialogue, evaluate diverse perspectives, and develop evidence-based arguments. They will empower students to ask meaningful questions, investigate complex issues, and build essential 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and analytical thinking. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to innovative and thoughtful course, unit, and lesson design, and will work closely with colleagues to plan across disciplines, align curriculum vertically and horizontally, and co-develop engaging learning experiences that reflect the school’s mission and evolving programmatic goals.

In addition, this individual will serve as an Upper School advisor, building strong relationships with students and families and contributing positively to the school’s collaborative, reflective, and mission-driven community.

Key Responsibilities:

Instruction & Curriculum

• Design and implement an innovative, inquiry-driven social studies curriculum with clear goals, meaningful and varied assessments, and engaging learning experiences aligned with Rumson Country Day School’s mission and Portrait of a Graduate.
• Curate and utilize a wide range of resources, including primary sources, scholarly texts, media, and lived perspectives, to ensure representation of varied voices and narratives.
• Support the ongoing development of reading, writing, analytical, and research skills in the social sciences.
• Foster the development of essential 21st-century skills, including collaboration, communication, creativity, and analytical thinking.
• Collaborate regularly with Upper School colleagues and the Director of Curriculum to align curriculum vertically and horizontally, co-design interdisciplinary units, and continuously refine program goals and outcomes.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation by sharing ideas, piloting new approaches, reflecting on instructional practices, and incorporating feedback to enhance student learning experiences.

Student Engagement & Classroom Environment

• Cultivate an engaging, inclusive classroom environment that fosters curiosity, active participation, intellectual risk-taking, and empathy.
• Establish and maintain clear expectations and consistent classroom routines using practices that support student growth, responsibility, and respect.
• Facilitate discussion-based and project-driven learning experiences that promote inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
• Encourage students to consider multiple perspectives, practice empathy, and engage thoughtfully with complex historical and contemporary issues.

Supporting Diverse Learners

• Differentiate instruction to support a diverse range of learners, providing appropriate scaffolds, extensions, and opportunities for student choice and agency.
• Collaborate with learning specialists and colleagues to support students with varied learning profiles
• Demonstrate a commitment to understanding diverse learning needs and building inclusive instructional practices.
• Provide additional support and guidance as needed to help all students achieve success.

Advisory & Student Support

• Serve as an advisor, mentoring a small group of students and supporting their academic, social, and emotional development.
• Build strong relationships with students and serve as a trusted adult within the school community.

Communication with Families

• Maintain open and proactive communication with parents regarding student progress and classroom expectations.
• Participate in parent conferences and provide thoughtful feedback about student learning and growth.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Work closely with upper school faculty and administration to support students and strengthen the curriculum.
• Contribute to a collaborative and collegial faculty culture.
• Participate in faculty meetings, school events, and professional development opportunities. Attend both day and overnight field trips. Share family-style lunches with students. Fulfill assigned duties, including morning and after-school coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Social Studies, Education, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience teaching middle school social studies required.
• Demonstrated ability to design engaging lessons and units that incorporate current events and global perspectives.
• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and support diverse learners.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for history, civics, and global issues
• Engaging, enthusiastic, and student-centered
• Collaborative team player
• Organized and proactive communicator
• Committed to fostering curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Head of Upper School Natalie Diehl at ndiehl@rcds.org and Director of Curriculum Heather Parker at hparker@rcds.org.