Upper School Social Studies Teacher

Title: Upper School Social Studies Teacher

Department / Location: Upper School, St. Louis 

Position Type: Full-Time, 39 weeks

Summary 

The Upper School Social Studies Teacher at Principia School inspires student interest and ownership in learning and integrating real-life scenarios into instruction. Reporting to the Social Studies Department Chair, this role plays a critical part in preparing students to be future-ready learners and collaborates closely with colleagues in English and Chemistry to design and implement interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences. Success in this role draws on demonstrated teaching expertise, relationship building, flexibility, project-based learning expertise, and strong communication skills. 

In addition to teaching Social Studies in standalone classes, you will play a key role in the Upper School CoLab—a two-period block where Social Studies, English, and Chemistry are fully integrated using project-based learning. This innovative approach emphasizes authentic, real-world applications and fosters critical 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. 

Daily collaboration is central to this position. You will work closely with a team of three educators to design and implement integrated, project-based units that assess learning across all disciplines. Co-teaching is a core expectation, requiring adaptability, openness to new methods, and a commitment to shared planning and assessment. Because there are no strict protocols, success depends on your ability to adjust in real time to meet the needs and interests of students. 

As a member of the Upper School faculty, reporting to the Social Studies Department Chair, you will help prepare students to be future-ready learners and contribute to a culture of collaborative professional growth. Your enthusiasm for integrated teaching and commitment to authentic assessment will help shape a dynamic educational experience that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. 

Who We Are 

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.  

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child—intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning. 

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. 

Primary Responsibilities  

• Collaborates and co-plans with the English and Chemistry teachers to design and implement the CoLab experience (interdisciplinary project-based class)   
• Demonstrates ability to teach history that informs current societal, political, and global dynamics
• Encourages students to draw connections between the past and present, fostering critical thinking about contemporary issues
• Integrates current events into the classroom to engage students with real-time application of historical and civic knowledge
• Models and supports media literacy and responsible consumption of information
• Collaborates across departments (e.g., English, Science, Art, Ethics) to design interdisciplinary projects that deepen student learning; experience with collaborative/team teaching is important
• Incorporates elements of economics, geography, civics, and sociology into the curriculum for a holistic understanding of social systems
• Promotes inquiry-based learning that encourages curiosity, dialogue, and critical reflection
• Facilitates student-led discussions, debates, and research projects that foster independent thinking and civic engagement
• Builds a classroom environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages empathy
• Incorporates a wide range of voices and narratives, particularly those historically underrepresented
• Utilizes technology to enhance student engagement and access to global perspectives (e.g., digital archives, mapping tools, simulations, etc.)
• Demonstrates commitment to preparing students to be thoughtful, informed, and active citizens
• Displays a strong interest and love for working with high school students
• Works with a wide range of students, helping them feel successful and understand their unlimited potential
• Serves as a member of the Social Studies Department, which involves weekly meetings
• Provides daily conferences for students who require extra support
• Handles discipline situations in an effective manner that supports character growth
• Pursues professional development and applies best educational practices in the classroom; becomes part of a professional learning community where teachers continually improve teaching and learning
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, coaches, parents, houseparents, and administrators
• Supports mutual curricular and instructional goals with the Upper School Social Studies teachers
• Organizes work to achieve timeliness and order
• Supports school activities by chaperoning social events and trips
• Recognizes that character education is important and should be a natural part of classroom instruction
• Serves as an advisor to a group of 8-10 Upper School students

Core Competencies 

Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia:  

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development. 
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes. 
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals. 
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes. 
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results. 
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. 
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment. 
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations. 
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect. 

 Minimum Qualifications 

• Student of Christian Science preferred 
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (in Education, History, or related field)
• Demonstrated experience teaching high school students
• Ability to teach a range of Social Studies, including US Government, American History, and parallel World History events; preferred ability to teach entrepreneurial studies and economics as well
• Ability to relate well with students and adults

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.  

Compensation and Benefits 

We offer a competitive salary range for this position, starting at $51,000 annually for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and no prior teaching experience. Salary is commensurate with degree and years of teaching experience. 

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes: 

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity  

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.  

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.