New York, New York
Forest Hills, New York
Posted: 19-Dec-25
Location: New York, New York
Type: Full Time
Salary: $70,000 to $80,000
Categories:
Required Education:
Kennedy International School provides a bilingual, well-rounded education for students from preschool through 12th grade, and we pride ourselves on the strength of our faculty, the diversity of our student body, and our cultural richness. With a small student–teacher ratio, our individualized approach to instruction encourages students to leverage their personal strengths and passions as they develop both language proficiency and academic knowledge.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a Humanities / IBDP Teacher to join our team for our Upper School Division for the 2026-2027 school year.
Full-time teaching: 30 hours per week (classes, lesson preparation, substitutions)
Start date: August 1, 2026
Direct supervisor: Upper School Director
Within this context, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Humanities educator to teach grades 6–10, with the possibility of teaching an IB course—such as Theory of Knowledge—and to serve as advisor to our Model United Nations Club. This position represents an excellent opportunity for a teacher eager to grow professionally within a reflective, collaborative, and internationally minded learning community.
The successful candidate will be committed to our pedagogical framework grounded in Understanding by Design, emphasizing conceptual understanding, inquiry-driven learning, and purposeful curriculum planning. Instruction is centered on fostering critical thinking, student agency, and meaningful interdisciplinary connections across the humanities.
The teacher will be responsible for designing and delivering high-quality instruction while cultivating a positive, respectful, and intellectually engaging classroom environment aligned with the school’s teaching and learning principles. In addition to Humanities courses, the teacher may be asked to teach a section of Middle School English Language and Literature.
Responsibilities
- Design and teach engaging Humanities courses for grades 6–10 (and, as assigned, Middle School Language and Literature and/or an IB course such as Theory of Knowledge) using a developmentally appropriate approach grounded in Understanding by Design.
- Plan concept-driven, inquiry-based units that emphasize critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections, and authentic assessment, with purposeful differentiation to meet diverse learner needs.
- Create and sustain a student-centered, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating classroom environment that promotes curiosity, respectful dialogue, and student agency.
- Advise and lead the Model United Nations Club, supporting students in research, debate, collaboration, and global awareness.
- Assess student learning regularly using a range of formative and summative assessments, providing timely, fair, and constructive feedback.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with parents and guardians using Toddle, the school’s learning management system, as well as individualized correspondence and other school-approved communication channels.
- Use educational technology thoughtfully to enhance planning, instruction, and assessment, without overreliance on digital tools.
- Model intellectual curiosity, cultural openness, and ethical behavior, reflecting the school’s bilingual and international mission.
- Establish clear expectations for behavior; use positive reinforcement and effective strategies for classroom management, discipline, and conflict resolution.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of grades, assessments, and assignments, and share relevant information with students and families through Toddle.
- Collaborate actively with colleagues on curriculum design, vertical and horizontal alignment, scheduling, and interdisciplinary planning.
- Participate fully in grade-level, department, and faculty meetings, as well as professional learning initiatives.
- Supervise students as assigned in non-instructional settings such as lunch, recess, field trips, and school events.
- Maintain current knowledge of best practices in Humanities education, IB pedagogy (as applicable), and bilingual/international education.
- Pursue ongoing professional growth and contribute positively to the life and culture of the school community.
- A minimum of five years of experience teaching Humanities at the Middle School and/or High School level.
- Demonstrated ability to create a safe, inclusive, and intellectually engaging learning environment in which students feel supported and challenged.
- Strong sense of professional responsibility and a clear commitment to high academic standards, student growth, and reflective teaching practice.
- Experience with, or strong interest in, concept-driven and inquiry-based teaching aligned with Understanding by Design.
- IB experience or certification is an asset.
- Experience with or interest in advising Model United Nations or similar co-curricular programs is an asset.
- Ability to work effectively within a bilingual, diverse, and collaborative school community.
- A valid U.S. work visa or authorization to work in the United States, if applicable.
Benefits
The annual salary for this position will range between $70,000 and $80,000, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. It covers all responsibilities, including teaching and preparation time, orientation week meetings, as well as staff and parent meetings. Kennedy International School highly values formal recognition for positive contributions to the school. Benefits include: private medical premium partially covered (80%), tuition rebate for teachers' children (50%).