MS History Teacher

JOB SUMMARY

Crystal seeks a temporary, full-time exempt (1.0 FTE, 10-month) Middle School History Teacher starting August 1, 2025, through June 5, 2026. The mission of the History Department is to develop global and local actors whose civic responsibility and cultural competency drive them to be active members of society, through oral and written advocacy, critical thinking skills, and rigorous inquiry of the past and present.

The objectives of the History Department are:

• To introduce students to the major themes in modern human history from the earliest civilizations through major empires, indigenous communities and nation-states.
• To foster strong identities as both U.S. and global citizens
• To encourage students to regard the people of other times and places with curiosity, openness, and empathy.
• To create an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of race, class, religion, gender, and ethnicity in shaping history.
• To develop skills associated with the social sciences:
  • Analytical writing
  • The interpretation of primary sources
  • The understanding of the vocabulary of history, politics, and social science
  • The use of the library and online resources for research and presentations
  • The ability to formulate and defend an argument in writing or speaking
• To show connections between past and present by connecting with current events. 
• To develop multicultural literacy and global awareness.

7th grade world history students study historical content from the 4th-16th century, focusing on Central America, Asia, and Africa. A primary goal of the course is to examine and understand the cultural, religious, economic, and technological exchanges and conflicts that resulted from the interaction of peoples and ideas in these areas. 

Essential Questions

• How did the distant regions of the world become more interconnected through medieval and early modern times, and what were the effects of these interactions? (Sites of Encounter)
• How did environmental and technological innovations during the Middle Ages affect the expansion of agriculture, cities, and human population? (Technology & innovation)
• How did major religions and cultural systems develop and change over time, and how did they spread to multiple cultures? (Values & belief systems)
• How does where we live influence how we live? (Geography, environment, & use & scarcity of resources)
• How do we know what we know about the past? (Theory of knowledge)

Key Job Competencies

• Classroom Management: Maximizes administration of rules and procedures, proactive management, effective and stimulating instruction, and reduction of disruptive and inappropriate student conduct to ensure high-quality learning, and emotionally safe, equitable environments. 
• Collaboration: the interpersonal and intrapersonal qualities one will leverage to collectively solve a problem or make progress toward a common goal. The ability to work with others to complete a project or task or develop ideas or processes.  
• Communication: Exceptional ability to articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as deep listening skills to gain understanding.  
• Cultural Competence: Possesses and applies the skills, values, and principles that acknowledge, respect, contribute to, and work effectively across cultural differences. Recognizes the unique value, perspectives, strengths, and challenges of every person who comes to the Crystal community.  
• Developing Others: Ability to effectively support the growth and development of students/adults across all levels of the organization.   
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates high levels of self/social awareness, self-management, empathy, and curiosity.   
• Formative Assessment: Supports competency-based education by ensuring understanding of students’ needs and modifies instruction as it is happening to guide and assess student learning. 
• Instructional Delivery: Effectively implements essential practices for effectively instructing students to maximize knowledge and skill acquisition  
• Personal Growth: Demonstrates commitment and curiosity to ongoing learning and development.
• Relationship Management: Positively collaborates and builds/maintains authentic and trusting relationships. Demonstrates high levels of discretion and confidentiality.

Essential Functions

• Help students develop historical thinking and writing skills as well as historical understanding of the individual and collective experiences of people around the world
• Design and implement creative pedagogy with instruction that values a hands-on, collaborative, project-based curriculum & methodology 
• Cultivate an inclusive, challenging, and equitable learning environment that reflects Crystal’s core values and allows the diverse student body to grow and thrive 
• Set and maintain acceptable standards of classroom behavior to establish a positive and appropriate learning environment
• Foster an inclusive school environment
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop an innovative and meaningful curriculum with vertical alignment 
• Integrate technology in effective ways that enhance students’ learning experiences and growth 
• Participate in professional development opportunities that promote growth and leadership 
• Record and report on students' progress. Assign and grade projects and examinations.
• Serve as an advisor who is committed to the social and emotional development of students 
• Attend meetings as required 
• Uphold Crystal’s core values

Travel Required

• Light travel between the Middle School and Upper School campuses, as needed  

Other Professional Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties as assigned to the Essential Functions, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

Required Education, Certifications, and Work-Related Experience

• 3 years of teaching experience
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university      
• Knowledge of subjects assigned  
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction practices
• Ability to instruct students and apply effective classroom management
• Strong communications, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Preferred Education, Certifications, and Work-Related Experience

• Classroom teaching experience: Grades 6 - 8
• Valid California teaching certificate
• Independent school experience

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Able to work in a dynamic environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts  
• Able to lift up to 20 pounds  
• Able to climb stairs  
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods  

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Crystal Springs Uplands School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time, temporary leave replacement (40 hours/week), faculty position, eligible for 10-month employee benefits after thirty days. The position starts August 1, 2025, and ends on June 5, 2026. This position is an exempt, monthly paid position. The annual salary is commensurate with experience within the range of $70,000 - $150,000.

The first recruitment consideration period will be from May 30 through June 13, 2025. The second recruitment period is expected to end on June 20, 2025 and may close at any time a sufficient pool of highly qualified candidates has been established.