Middle School Humanities Guide (ELA/Social Studies)
Aurora School
Application
Details
Posted: 09-Mar-25
Location: Oakland, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: Depends on status
Categories:
English/Language Arts
Salary Details:
Compensation
Salary: $45,000 - $ 60,000 if part-time $60,000-$120,000 if full-time, also based on experience and education.
If full-time (30-40 hours) Health & retirement benefits, disability insurance, and professional development opportunities.
Status:Part-Time or Full-Time Teaching Option Available Reports to: Head of School
We seek a passionate, student-centered educator to join our middle school team as a Humanities Guide. In this role, you will:
Teach project-based, interdisciplinary "Quests" that center on Humanities while incorporating other disciplines.
Lead a weekly advisory group to support students' social-emotional development.
Collaborate with fellow middle school educators to create a cohesive, engaging ?learning experience.
Teach High School Prep Class for 7th and 8th Graders (one semester each)
What We Look for in a Guide
A Whole-Self Approach to Education: Aurora prioritizes self-awareness and social-emotional learning, recognizing that student success is about more than just academics. Our Guides create safe, inclusive spaces where students reflect on their personal growth, develop emotional intelligence, and build resilience.
A Commitment to Social Justice & Equity: We actively work to dismantle systems of oppression and create an anti-racist, multicultural learning environment. Our Guides model cultural competency, foster conversations about equity, and embrace diverse perspectives in their teaching.
A Passion for Educating Middle Schoolers: You genuinely love working with adolescents and appreciate the uniqueness of this developmental stage. You see middle school as a time for transformation—not just intellectually, but socially, emotionally, and ethically.
A Growth Mindset & Love for Learning: You are constantly learning—whether through teaching, travel, personal study, or life experiences. You bring a curiosity-driven mindset to your work and model lifelong learning for your students.
An Entrepreneurial, Real-World Perspective: You bring a global, pragmatic approach to education. You understand how real-world experiences—from community engagement to problem-solving—can enhance academic learning and make it more relevant.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Curriculum Development
Lead interdisciplinary, project-based Humanities Quests such as: "What are your big dreams for U.S. democracy, and how can you make them real", "How can we as podcasters persuade adults to let kids read banned? books?", "What's the recipe for a revolution"
Guide students through inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, research, reading complex texts, writing throughout various genres and forms, and Socratic ? seminar-style discussions.
Encourage real-world application of academic concepts through culminating projects and presentations.
Schedule, organize, and chaperone excursions related to curriculum content.
Shape and refine curriculum, incorporating student interests and current events.
Advisory & Social-Emotional Learning
Lead a weekly advisory group where students develop social-emotional skills, ethical awareness, and personal growth strategies.
Foster a structured, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment by setting high expectations and fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and academic excellence where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Implement restorative justice practices to foster accountability, repair harm, and support students in resolving conflicts constructively.
Collaboration & Community Engagement
Work closely with middle school colleagues to create an integrated learning experience.
Partner with families to support student success.
Contribute to faculty meetings & school-wide initiatives
At least 2 years of experience teaching Humanities (ELA/Social Studies) at the middle school or upper elementary level
Experience designing curriculum for adolescents
Passion for guiding students' social-emotional development in addition to academics
Experience with project-based learning and progressive teaching methods
Dedication to anti-racism, equity, and social justice in education
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
(Preferred) Experience with mindfulness, restorative justice, or social-emotional learning practices
(Preferred) Expedition or trip-leading experience.
ABOUT US
Aurora School has been a leader in progressive education since 1988. Aurora is an independent K-8 school that combines challenging academics, multi-grade classes, differentiated instruction, and a keen awareness of children’s social and emotional development. We strive to foster students’ development into self-aware, confident life-long learners and leaders who step up to advocate for themselves and others.
Professionals in the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities are strongly encouraged to apply.