The Humanities/Language Arts and Project Based Learning teacher will work in conjunction with the Middle School Coordinator, the Middle School Team, and HOS to educate and lead a mixed age group of sixth, seventh and eighth graders in accordance with the principles of Montessori educational philosophy and practices and the mission, statement of diversity, curriculum, and policies of our school.  

The teacher will teach Humanities/Language Arts and, together with the Middle School Team, Project Based Learning to students in grades 6^th, 7^th and 8^th. The teacher will also advise a group of students, lead trips and direct school community service and practical life activities. The teacher will report directly to the Head of School.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching

• Prepare rigorous, differentiated lessons in the Humanities/Language Arts for 6^th, 7^th and 8th grade students
• Maintain a prepared environment in the classroom and other areas
• Develop, review, and update curriculum as needed in conjunction with the Middle School coordinator, MS team, and HOS
• Guide students through their Project Based Learning modules

 Advisory

• Support a designated group of students as an advisor
• Communicate regularly with parents
• Work closely with the middle school team to organize all aspects of the students’ educational experience, including diversity and equity work, running a class business, school trips, and the service-learning program
• Participate in field trips and overnight trips with students
• Work closely with the students and parents on High School selection and application process

Professional Duties

• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development initiatives, and self/team reflection with the goal of continued professional growth
• Be available from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm during school days for meetings, lesson planning, work with students, and all scheduled classes
• Maintain student records with regard to attendance and achievement
• Prepare for and participate in at least 2 scheduled parent-teacher conferences as set forth on the school calendar, and arrange additional meetings as necessary
• Prepare student progress/grade reports for parents in accordance with school policies
• Prepare letters of recommendation for all eighth graders applying out to high school, and participate in the high school application process as necessary
• Attend and participate in various evening meetings, such as Back-to-School Night, etc. and 2 weekend school events.
• Establish and maintain a positive and professional relationship with students, parents, and other teachers and school personnel
• Comply with the established policies and procedures of the school as stated in the Faculty and Staff Handbook
• Perform various reasonable tasks from time to time as requested by the Head of School or the Middle School Coordinator

APTITUDE, ATTITUTE AND INTERESTS

• Enthusiasm for supporting, and collaborating with, middle school students; appreciation for the joy and complexity of working with students in grades 6-8.
• Interest in working in an innovative school with a focus on project-based learning, and a grounding in an authentically multidisciplinary, team-based approach to education.
• Appreciation for, and commitment to, diversity and social justice in multiple forms.
• Flexibility and ability to embrace change and adapt to new situations.
• Interest in helping to build and shape the middle school at HPMS
• Ability to develop curriculum, construct and implement innovative lessons, and share best practices.
• Commitment to a growth mindset wherein open, respectful feedback is valued, and professional growth and learning are central to the culture of the school.
• Ability to teach differentiated lessons and build projects that are accessible to different kinds of learners.
• Enthusiasm for partnering with parents.
• Commitment to collaborating closely with colleagues, and to working in a closely-knit team.
• Thrives in an open space environment.
• Interest in supporting, and developing, performance-based, skill-centered, holistic assessments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and prepare curriculum, appropriate to the needs, interests, experience and existing knowledge of your students;
• Play a full part in curriculum development work undertaking key tasks and responsibilities as agreed within the team of teachers.
• Build and maintain co-operative relationships with parents, and to communicate with them on student learning and progress, drawing attention to special skills and talents as well as to problems or difficulties.
• Maintain an attractive, stimulating learning environment; to contribute to displays in the school as a whole.
• Keep up-to-date with current educational thinking and practice, both by study and by attendance at courses, PD sessions and workshops reading books, articles, etc.
• Participate in PD workshops, meetings, sessions and activities with other members of staff.
• Participate in periodic reviews of student and class performance in order to monitor progression and determine future priorities