About Us
The Fessenden School is an all-boys independent day and boarding school serving 540 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9 in West Newton, MA. Our mission is to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community. For over 100 years, The Fessenden School has offered state-of-the-art facilities, a dynamic curriculum, and programs specifically designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of boys.
Position Summary
The Interim Middle School History and Life & Leadership Teacher will be a passionate, engaging, and collaborative educator who inspires boys through dynamic, student-centered teaching. This role involves teaching one section of 6th-grade history and 4 sections of Life & Leadership classes, which focus on developing students’ understanding of history, civics, leadership, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making. This educator will be part of a team dedicated to fostering curiosity, character development, and critical thinking.
The ideal candidate will bring experience in middle school history education and/or social-emotional learning and be excited to teach lessons that blend historical inquiry with 21st-century leadership and life skills.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Teach and Inspire:
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Design and implement engaging lessons in history and Life & Leadership that foster critical thinking, personal reflection, and civic responsibility.
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Deliver developmentally appropriate content in history (with a focus on ancient civilizations, global cultures, or U.S. history) and in the Life & Leadership program (covering topics such as self-awareness, collaboration, character, digital citizenship, and community impact).
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Incorporate project-based learning and discussion-based formats to deepen student understanding.
Build Relationships:
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Create a supportive classroom environment where all students feel respected, known, and safe to express their ideas.
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Inspire boys to develop self-confidence, empathy, and collaborative skills through meaningful teacher-student relationships.
Integrate Core Values:
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Actively teach and model the School’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect across academic and advisory settings.
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Embed character education themes into Life & Leadership classes.
Differentiate Instruction:
Promote Inclusion:
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Integrate culturally responsive practices and diverse perspectives into lessons to ensure all students feel represented and valued.
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Help students reflect on identity, community, and ethical leadership through the lens of justice, equity, and inclusion.
Mentor and Advise:
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Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, guiding them in goal-setting, social-emotional development, and community engagement.
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Support boys in developing executive function, empathy, and self-regulation skills.
Contribute to Community:
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Attend team meetings, participate in grade-level programming, and support school events and traditions.
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Supervise duties such as recess, lunch, and dismissal, contributing to the smooth operation of daily school life.
Professional Development:
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Actively pursue professional growth opportunities related to middle school teaching, leadership education, social-emotional learning, or history instruction.
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Remain open to feedback and continuous improvement in line with the school’s mission.
Schedule
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School year November 2025 to June 9, 2026
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Mon - Fri 7:30 am to 4:30 pm; Some required meetings throughout the year may extend hours past 4:30 pm
Qualifications and Characteristics
Required Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree
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Experience working with middle school students
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Ability to foster academic rigor and character development through engaging, inclusive instruction
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Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills
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Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging
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Successful criminal background check
Preferred Qualifications:
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Master’s degree in education, history, or a related field
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Experience teaching history and/or social-emotional/leadership curriculum
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Familiarity with project-based learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, and advisory models
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Prior experience in an all-boys school or a similar educational setting
Why Join Us?
The Fessenden School offers:
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A supportive and inclusive professional culture grounded in the School’s mission
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A robust professional development program
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A student-centered approach that emphasizes growth, character, and joy
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Access to outstanding campus facilities
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Hot lunch and daily salad bar
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Class sizes of 12–15 students
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A vibrant and diverse learning community
