Upper School English Teacher (Grade 8) Position Available In Morris, New Jersey

TO APPLYSubmit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references by email to English@peckschool.org to Chelsey Carr, Director of Curriculum & Faculty Development.

Reference the job title in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.

ABOUT THE

POSITIONThe Peck School, a coed, K-8, independent school in Morristown, NJ, seeks a full-time 8th-grade English teacher (Upper School). This position offers an excellent opportunity for a dynamic English educator to join a school that is committed to the belief that students thrive in classrooms and communities where they are known, celebrated, and inspired to grow as learners and citizens. The 8th-grade English teacher will be a core member of a collaborative department that works with students to build critical thinking and communication skills through the exploration of literature, writing, and language. The English Department at The Peck School engages students in a program that lays a strong foundation in literary analysis, effective writing strategies, and understanding of language conventions. Students gain significant experience with various forms of expression and develop their analytical skills through activities such as essay writing, literary discussions, creative projects, and presentations. Peck students matriculate to a fantastic mix of secondary day and boarding schools, always with a strong foundation as a writer and thinker.

OVERVIEW OF

RESPONSIBILITIESClassroom Instruction:

Teach 8th-grade English (four sections). Continue to grow and build the 8th-grade English curriculum within the scope and sequence of Peck s K-8 English program.

Teach lessons within one of the three Themes strands: Digital Citizenship, Ethics & Belonging, or Health & Wellness. Themes classes meet once a cycle and dovetail with the content area and Advisory curriculum. Upper School faculty are part of a Themes strand teaching team and collaborate within this team-teaching structure.

Connections:

Upper School (grades 5-8) faculty are part of a grade-level team and serve as Advisors to a small group of students. This is an opportunity to create a sense of belonging for students and guide them and their families as they navigate middle school. Within the English classroom, cultivate a dynamic environment where students explore the power of language, engage deeply with literature, and develop their unique voices through a variety of written and oral expressions. For those needing review or extra support, connect with students during Academic Support or before school.

Duties:

Perform duties as assigned. Duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing student safety and wellness during recess, arrival and dismissal duties, and lunch. Peck s family-style dining provides a point of connection. Each faculty member receives an individualized duty schedule. Coaching and/or facilitating an activity can be duty opportunities.

Meetings & Professional Development:

Participate in all required professional development activities and meetings, including department, division, and grade-level meetings, scheduled collaboration times, professional development days, and beginning and end-of-year meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCEA

bachelor s degree in English, literature, or a humanities-related field is required. Experience with the Harkness method is a plus.2+ years of teaching experience.

Interest in developing student readers, writers, and thinkers.

Proficiency in building and implementing engaging, student-centered, and age-appropriate lessons that promote critical thinking and creativity.

Experience using formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction to support academic growth.

COMPETENCIESContent Knowledge:

Possess a passion for literature, writing, and language, and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to staying current with curricular best practices in English Language Arts. Guide students through the exploration of diverse literary genres and the development of effective writing skills across various forms. Possess a strong understanding of literary analysis, rhetoric, and the conventions of grammar and style. Plan developmentally appropriate lessons that foster a love of reading, cultivate sophisticated writing abilities, and enhance students’ understanding of language.

Classroom Management:

Encourage positive student behavior and classroom community through strong classroom management skills.

Communication Skills:

Use excellent oral and written communication skills to maintain open communication channels with peers, administrators, faculty, students, and parents. Provide updates on student progress, understanding of skills, and classroom activities while cultivating strong home-school partnerships. Have the ability to work with students in a supportive and productive manner.

Collaboration Skills:

Consistent, positive collaboration with a team of talented faculty and supportive administrators. Excellent time management skills and an understanding of how timeliness and responsibility affect the whole.

Community Engagement:

Engage in and support a positive, healthy faculty culture. Engagement at Peck looks like investing in the whole life of our school, from attending interscholastic sports games or the musical to participating in committees and task forces designed to further school initiatives and embrace community-wide events throughout the year.

Cultural Awareness:

Demonstrate the ability and desire to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from other cultures or belief systems. Dedication to supporting students academic, social, and emotional well-being.