Middle School Humanities Teacher

The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century. Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,100 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity. For more information, we invite you to visit our website at pingry.org or connect with The Pingry School on Facebook, X, and Instagram to discover why we love school.

Position Summary

The Pingry School seeks a dynamic and intellectually engaging Middle School Humanities Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This versatile position is designed for an educator with a strong background in either History/Social Studies or English/Language Arts. Final course assignments will be tailored to the selected candidate's specific background, expertise, and strengths.

This role is designed for an educator who brings the humanities to life as a vibrant tapestry of human stories and ideas, championing the subject as an ongoing journey of discovery where students engage deeply with diverse texts and primary sources, explore multiple perspectives, and develop sharp critical analysis skills. We are looking for collaborative educators who thrive in a student-centered environment where textual analysis, historical or literary investigation, and civil discourse are the primary vehicles for learning.

The ideal candidate is a versatile practitioner who can spark curiosity in middle schoolers, guiding them through the foundational principles of critical reading, analytical writing, civics, or global and American cultures. We seek professionals who prioritize active learning and possess the relational skills necessary to navigate the unique social and emotional developmental stages of Middle School students. Beyond the classroom, these educators serve as dedicated mentors and advisors who foster a culture of empathy, open discourse, and intellectual risk-taking.

The Middle School English and History departments seek professionals who:

• Prioritize student-led questioning, research, and collaborative discussion over traditional lecturing, guiding students to interact deeply with texts and historical evidence to construct well-supported arguments.
• Are comfortable teaching a range of Middle School humanities topics, whether guiding students through literature, creative and analytical writing, world geography, civics, or history.
• Understand that Middle School success is built on a foundation of trust and emotional well-being, and you excel in the role of an advisor and advocate for young learners.
• Enjoy working across departments to design immersive learning experiences that connect literary themes and historical concepts to current global events.
• Seek out the "teachable moment" in every classroom interaction or class discussion and are committed to your own continuous professional and personal evolution.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Teach four sections of Middle School humanities (English or History, depending on candidate background), utilizing a curriculum that emphasizes critical reading, source evaluation, research, literature appreciation, and analytical writing.
• Serve as an advisor to a group of students, supporting their academic, social, and emotional development during these critical transitional years.
• Guide students in developing critical thinking skills through textual analysis, media literacy, understanding context, and the clear oral and written communication of their findings.
• Fulfill an additional "plus one" requirement as assigned (e.g., coaching, club, or affinity group leadership).
• Provide extra academic support for students during flex, community times, conference period, or designated help sessions.
• Participate in all required faculty meetings, department collaborations, middle school project week, and professional development activities aimed at Middle School pedagogy.
  
  

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in English, History, Humanities Education, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• A broad understanding of Middle School English/Language Arts or History/Social Studies standards, with the ability to translate complex literary themes or socio-political concepts into age-appropriate, engaging lessons.
• Strong interest in or experience with student-centered, inquiry-based teaching models (such as writing workshops, literature circles, or project-based learning) and a deep understanding of Middle School developmental needs.
• A deep-seated commitment to cultivating a culture of belonging where every student feels seen and valued. This includes the ability to design an inclusive classroom that explores diverse cultural, literary, and historical perspectives and ensures all students feel confident sharing their voices.
• The interpersonal skills necessary to build a supportive community and work cross-functionally with diverse constituency groups, in alignment with Pingry's mission and Honor Code.
• Proficiency in educational technology, including the Google Suite, digital archives, and learning management systems (e.g., Veracross).
• A demonstrated interest in the intersection of technology and the humanities, with a focus on how digital tools (like research databases, multimedia publishing, or collaborative platforms) can evolve classroom instruction and student-led inquiry.
• Ability to critically evaluate new tools for their pedagogical value rather than just their utility.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and a willingness to pivot instructional strategies to meet the evolving needs of the students.
  

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers.

The salary range for this position is $60,000-$110,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education.

Pingry offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans with employer matching; life and disability insurance; tuition remission for employees' children; and access to wellness and professional development resources.

A full list of benefits is available at www.pingry.org/careers.

The Pingry School aspires to be an anti-racist community and is committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Pingry is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Pingry School's employment policy is that individuals will receive equal opportunity in all matters pertaining to recruitment, employment, salary, promotion, and assignment, regardless of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy status, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, or other basis proscribed by federal, state, and local law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.