Career Center

Department/Location: Upper School Faculty, St. Louis campus

Organizational Relationship: Reports to Upper School Principal

Summary:  Principia is looking for a Social Studies teacher who has the passion and skillset to invoke student interest and ownership, incorporates real-life situations where appropriate, and demonstrates an awareness of the needs of the 21^st-century learner. Actively engages in professional learning opportunities as an individual and with colleagues. Uses a variety of teaching methods to teach for understanding, ensuring students are effectively applying their knowledge and skills; teaches Social Studies for Upper School with an ability and interest in teaching history, possibly including business management, entrepreneurial studies, and economics; mentors students as their teacher, character educator, and advisor. Full-time, school year (39 weeks) position.

Work Performed: Essential Duties*

• Displays a strong interest and love for working with high school students
• Plans lessons that invoke student interest and ownership, incorporates real-life situations where appropriate, and demonstrates an awareness of the needs of the 21^st-century learner
• Willingness to work effectively in a 1:1 tablet laptop environment, using technology as a tool to enhance learning
• Models an enthusiasm and love for history and current events
• Effectively integrates 21^st-century skills into the classroom helping students develop strong critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, research and communication skills
• Able to work with a wide range of students, helping them feel successful and to understand their unlimited potential
• Member of the Social Studies Department, which will involve weekly meetings
• Provides daily conferences for students
• Handles discipline situations in an effective manner that supports character growth
• Pursues professional development and looks to apply best educational practices in the classroom; becomes part of a professional learning community where teachers are continually improving teaching and learning
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, coaches, parents, houseparents, and administrators
• Supports mutual curricular/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 5-8 Upper School students

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; 
• Project Management – Develops project plans
• Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others
• Interpersonal – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming
• Oral Communication
• Written Communication
• Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; inspires respect and trust; gives appropriate recognition to others; displays passion and optimism

Mission

• The Principia shall seek to serve the Cause of Christian Science through appropriate channels open to it as an educational institution (Policy 1). 

Vision

• Principia is a Christian Science community of practice. Through transformative opportunities, a challenging curriculum, and character education based on the teachings of Christian Science, we examine, test, and strengthen our faith while developing the skills and understanding requisite for excellence. As global, outward-looking, inspired learners, we serve and better the world.

Values - Principia’s values, listed below, are grounded in the teachings of Christian Science:

• Teaching and learning
• Thinking and acting from the basis of Principle, Love
• Unfoldment of character
• Individual and collective excellence
• Citizenship and service
• Innovation and continuous improvement

*The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Willingness to turn readily to God for guidance
• Teaching certification  
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (in Education, History or related field)
• Documented 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