Career Center

Quad Preparatory School

Upper School Humanities Head Teacher  

Anticipated Opening for the 2023-24 School Year

Updated: February 2023

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Humanities Department Chair 

Annual Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000

At Quad Prep, we are on a mission — to transform the lives of neurodiverse, twice-exceptional people by redefining the experience of school. Through the collective, collaborative, and empathic work of our teachers and clinicians, we are empowering our students to engage with the exciting and wonderful diversity of this world. 

As we enter our 10th year, we are excited to welcome fellow innovators and collaborative colleagues to our team to be a part of this inspiring and impactful mission. At Quad Prep, a New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Accredited School, we are eager to create challenging and engaging learning experiences for our students, to seek diverse perspectives, and to work together to continuously refine and redefine best practices in neurodiverse education. The Quad Preparatory School actively seeks to advance diversity through its programs and hiring.

Why work at Quad Prep?

• ACCREDITED SCHOOL: Quad Prep was recognized as an outstanding school when it received accreditation last year through NYSAIS.
• COMMUNITY: We are committed to building a joyful and inclusive culture where everybody is celebrated for who they are.   
• COLLEAGUES: Our colleagues are inspiring, consummate innovators and are at their happiest collaborating to create personalized solutions for each student.  
• STUDENTS We guarantee that you will learn something eye-opening every single day from our students — and have a lot of joy and laughter along the way!

• DEEP PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: Quad Prep supports mission-driven educators and clinicians to grow their professional skills and influence in the neurodiversity educational space. Close collaboration with colleagues, coaching from supportive leaders, and thoughtful, in-depth professional learning programs keep us growing.

• GENEROUS AND COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS

• Health: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Student Loan repayment 
• Retirement Plan contribution
• Group Life Plan
• Disability Insurance
• Generous Parental Leave

• WORK LIFE BALANCE:  In addition to a ten-month school year during which our staff are offered on average 33 days off (approximately 7 weeks) for scheduled holidays and school breaks, we provide generous preparation periods throughout each week, limiting the number of after work hours you will need to work —  so that you can live the life you wish for — inside and outside of our school. Additionally, our students are dismissed midday each Friday in order for you to meet with your team, plan, and prep.

• PROTECTED TIME * Staffing permitted, we strive to provide coverage to allow you to learn from one another, participate in one of our special PD programs, conduct original research, develop special projects, and participate in our initiatives to create the culture YOU want to work in.  

• EXTRAS You can build a private practice or tutor onsite during after school hours at low-cost reduced rates, available only to our Quad Prep staff.

Who We Are

(If Quad Prep is for you, you'll read what's below and feel, "That's me!")

At Quad Prep, we are guided by values that we hold dear and we have developed an innovative set of practices to meet our mission. We are:

Groundbreaking: We ignite our students’ talents and are passionate about their futures. You are:

• Passionate about our work and our mission
• Creative and excited about reaching each and every learner in new ways
• Excited to help create new, evidence-based best practices in this rapidly evolving field
• Able to set high expectations of both students and yourself and discover ways to meet them

Collaborative:  We function with an exceedingly deep degree of collaboration. You:

• Communicate effectively with colleagues
• Seek to understand yourself and others in order to welcome new perspectives 
• Are generous of spirit and willing to give and receive feedback and input freely
• Are kind, welcoming, and inclusive

Trustworthy:  We are steadfast and are accountable to our students and each other. You:

• Can be counted on to do what you say you will do
• Have a high level of ownership for personal and team results
• Can purposefully develop skills to find success in your work and our learning community
• Ask for support when you need it
• Project an unflappable, firm, and kind presence to our students

Constantly Learning and Growing:  We value continued growth and learning. You:

• Seek opportunities to learn and grow in your professional practice
• Support colleagues by sharing best practices and nurturing their learning
• Help the organization grow and improve by developing and sharing new ideas and approaches

Resourceful:  At Quad Prep, we dig deep to meet our mission. You: 

• Are highly effective and dedicated 
• Show initiative
• Display good judgment and sensibility
• Excellent at supporting students inside and outside the classroom

Flexible:  At Quad Prep, we never give up on each other and are driven by the ethos of “not if, but how.”   You are:

• Open to new ideas
• Nimble in fluid, changing environments
• Excited by growth, change, and innovation

The Quad Preparatory School is looking for a 6th grade Humanities Head Teacher in the 2023-24 school year. Humanities Head Teachers provide challenging and creative content instruction in English Language Arts (ELA) and social studies while integrating appropriate literacy development and executive functioning skills. Head Teachers provide academic instruction and social-emotional support to students alongside an Associate Teacher through a co-teaching model (Friend and Cook, 2004).  Candidates who have experience working with students who require behavioral support and a structured environment are highly encouraged to apply.

The essential duties of this teaching role include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, implement, and adapt inquiry focused lessons for 2-3 seminar sections of students three times a week in accordance with the Humanities curriculum scope and sequence.
• Conduct formative assessment to inform personalized student plans for 1:1 instruction, literacy development, executive functioning, and behavioral support; assign and provide feedback to classwork and homework.
• Differentiate teaching strategies and instructional materials to meet students' varying academic, social communication, and executive functioning needs as well as interests; collaborate with clinicians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and Learning Support faculty to address students’ needs.
• Design, differentiate, and implement assessment tools and unit summative assessments grounded in the Humanities scope and sequence and the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies for Grade 6.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of student work to illustrate and record progress and academic achievement (e.g. portfolios); participate in IEP meetings and clinical assessments as needed.
• Write and submit timely academic updates monthly to provide feedback on students’ academic and social-emotional progress; serve as academic advisor to 3-4 students acting as the academic point person with families; communicate with families through emails and phone calls as needed.
• Write, edit, and submit timely progress and final grade reports to the Humanities Department Chair four times a year.
• Organizes and maintains a structured and aesthetic learning environment that accounts for students’ social, emotional, and executive functioning needs. 
• Implement a co-teaching model to collaborate with, mentor, and delegate responsibilities to an Associate Teacher under the guidance of the Humanities Department Chair.
• Organize and supervise homeroom students for activities such as morning meeting, student clubs, study hall, enrichment activities, student trips, and other department-wide, grade-wide, and school-wide activities. 
• Work with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programming.
• Participate fully in the life of the school, including professional development, school-wide or division-wide committees, faculty and staff meetings, regular supervisory meetings, and required special events (e.g., open houses, Curriculum Night, Humanities Showcase).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Commitments:

• Understand and participate in all school-wide diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
• Examine teaching practice through the following lenses including but not limited to race, gender, sexuality, dis/ability, identity, equity, and privilege.
• Adapt the curriculum to provide students with an opportunity to recognize their many identities.

Staff and reporting relationships:

Head Teachers report to the Humanities Department Chair. They may also receive additional mentorship and support from the Upper School Associate Academic Director. They work collaboratively with an Associate Teacher,  clinicians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and Learning Support faculty on a regular basis.

Work Environment: 

This job operates in a school setting. The school is located on the first, fifth and sixth floors of a building with an elevator. This role requires working in various locations around the school and occasional travel to the Lower School campus approximately two blocks away.

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. This position is active and involves standing and walking. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items under 20 pounds. During fire drills, the employee, unless physically unable, will need to use the stairs to go to ground level from the fifth floor. Typing is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a full-time exempt position in an educational facility which is open eight hours a day. Teachers work ten months out of the year according to the academic calendar (late August to late June). Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required. In general, hours are Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in elementary education, literacy education, or secondary education in ELA or social studies content area; special education experience a plus
• Experience teaching ELA, social studies and/or Humanities to students in grades 4-7

• 2+ years of direct teaching experience; independent or charter school experience a plus
• Strong oral and written communication with parents, children, and colleagues
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, including knowledge and skills related to cultural competencies
• Familiarity with technology; GSuite, Zoom, and Altitude Learning a plus

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Literacy or special education teaching credential
• Special education training, including training in the area of gifted education
• Experience working with special education students and/or twice-exceptional youth
• Experience with Orton-Gillingham and the Hochman writing method
• Experience with co-teaching (Friend and Cook, 2004)
• Experience with assistive technology

Want to learn more about Quad Prep? Connect with us! 

***Note that all employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. Medical and Religious Exemptions may be provided.***

ADA/AAP/EEO Statement: The Quad Preparatory School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People and Culture department at peopleandculture@quadprep.org.

The Quad Preparatory School is based on an inclusive philosophy that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status, creed, sexual orientation, familial status, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law in its hiring procedures and policies.

To apply, visit: https://app.trinethire.com/companies/10791-the-quad-preparatory-school/jobs/73695-upper-school-humanities-head-teacher

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in elementary education, literacy education, or secondary education in ELA or social studies content area; special education experience a plus
• Experience teaching ELA, social studies and/or Humanities to students in grades 4-7

• 2+ years of direct teaching experience; independent or charter school experience a plus
• Strong oral and written communication with parents, children, and colleagues
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, including knowledge and skills related to cultural competencies
• Familiarity with technology; GSuite, Zoom, and Altitude Learning a plus

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Literacy or special education teaching credential
• Special education training, including training in the area of gifted education
• Experience working with special education students and/or twice-exceptional youth
• Experience with Orton-Gillingham and the Hochman writing method
• Experience with co-teaching (Friend and Cook, 2004)
• Experience with assistive technology

About The Quad Preparatory School

At Quad Prep, we are on a mission—to transform the lives of neurodiverse, twice exceptional people by redefining the experience of school. Through the collective, superlative and empathic work of our teachers and clinicians, we are empowering students to leave Quad Prep fully prepared to engage with the exciting and wonderful diversity of this world. Entering our 10th year and a new phase of maturity, we are excited to welcome fellow groundbreakers to our team to help us further this inspiring and urgent mission. We are eager to challenge our status quo, to seek diverse perspectives and work together to develop better practices of neurodiverse education. The Quad Preparatory School actively seeks to forward diversity through its programs and hiring. A not-for-profit independent college preparatory school, Quad Prep’s rich and robust curriculum engages, challenges, and inspires students at all levels, K–12.

Connections working at The Quad Preparatory School