The Siena School is seeking a part-time middle and high school English teacher for the 2026-27 school year who is passionate about teaching and an advocate for children with learning differences. We are looking for a highly collaborative teacher committed to designing and adapting instruction to meet a range of student learning needs and interests and committed to multisensory and differentiated instruction.

Siena's English curriculum focuses on building written and oral language skills. The successful candidate will have experience providing individualized feedback and support during the writing process and be proficient in providing experiential instruction that builds knowledge as well as skills. Through a seminar-style, discussion-based class, students are taught to interact with the text through annotation and learn to recognize patterns and ask questions while reading. Students complete creative projects, analytical essays, short research projects, and expository and creative writing. Instruction in grammar and vocabulary is embedded within the curriculum. Throughout the year students study at least four literary genres: the novel, the short story, poetry, and drama. History and English courses are connected to create an interdisciplinary experience and field trips to related productions or exhibits are prioritized when they become available in the area. With a passion for their subject, the successful applicant will enjoy working with other educators in a collaborative environment, integrating technology in a 1:1 Chromebook environment. 

At The Siena School, teachers encourage students' creative expression, incorporate student interest and passions, and develop critical thinking by creating a vibrant, student-centered environment that supports the learning and personal growth of each student. Siena faculty and staff work collaboratively with students, parents and professionals to create a nurturing but rigorous learning environment. We know our children well and engage them on a daily basis in exciting, intellectual dialogue. Through individualized, multisensory instruction, students develop critical thinking skills and acquire the tools and strategies needed to become successful and independent learners. A positive learning experience inspires our students to have confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Siena teachers work with students in small classes of 10:1 and address their individualized needs through both small-group and individualized instruction. They are skillful in establishing a strong relationship with students and creating learning opportunities that motivate and inspire students to develop all aspects of their learning needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and deliver engaging, multisensory lessons that build students’ skills in reading comprehension and writing while developing an appreciation for literature.
• Teach small classes, allowing you to truly get to know your students and personalize your teaching to meet their individual needs. Provide individualized and small-group instruction when necessary to deliver appropriate levels of challenge and support.
• Encourage students to develop strong critical thinking skills. Help them cultivate the tools and strategies necessary for independent thinking and reasoning.
• Regularly assess student understanding through formal and informal assessments and ongoing feedback. 
• Track academic progress, set individualized learning goals, and adjust instructional strategies to promote individual student growth. Maintain accurate records of student performance, growth, and areas requiring additional focus.
• Build a strong, positive classroom community where students feel comfortable taking risks and celebrating their successes.
• Advise students and work with students, families, and other teachers to fully develop a picture of students’ strengths and learning needs. 
• Use technology (1:1 Chromebook program, learning software programs, school subscriptions) to enhance learning and engage students in 21st-century skills.

Other Responsibilities

• Create a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment that fosters students' self-confidence, self-advocacy, and a positive attitude toward learning. Encourage students to take risks, ask questions, and celebrate their growth and achievements.
• Provide regular and consistent communication with students, families, and colleagues.
• Stay current on best practices for teaching students with language-based learning differences and actively participate in ongoing professional development opportunities. Contribute to the school community by sharing knowledge and resources supporting diverse learners.
• Demonstrate patience, creativity, and flexibility in adapting lessons to individual student needs.
• Familiarity with assistive technologies and other resources for students with learning differences.
• Demonstrate commitment to valuing belonging and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Take pride in being part of a team that collectively works to bring together a diversity of backgrounds, thoughts, perspectives, and expressions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary and Benefits: $29,000 - $45,000 depending on experience. (salary range represents part-time role)

Benefits: Benefits include comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, and vision coverage); short-term and long-term disability coverage, including optional life insurance; 401(K) retirement plan with employer contributions; paid leave including holidays, parental, bereavement, and sick leave; SmartBenefits (for Metro transportation); tuition remission for eligible employees; sponsored professional development; discounted facility rentals and free parking.

Physical Requirements: Moderate physical work is required for this position, including frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching and reaching. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push or pull equipment/boxes that weigh up to 10 pounds. Must be able to speak clearly and understand the speech of others.  

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification forms upon hire.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@thesienaschool.org. No phone inquiries, please.

Qualification Requirements

• A love of teaching and learning!
• Interest or experience in working with middle and high school students.
• Bachelor's degree with a strong academic track record and demonstrated career interest in education. Advanced degree and classroom experience are a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with students, families, and colleagues.

• Strong classroom management skills and a desire to grow professionally.
• Creativity, flexibility, and a student-centered mindset.
• Experience with creative and strong curriculum development and pedagogy, including designing and implementing individualized instruction and hands-on and student-centered projects preferred.

About The Siena School

The Siena School has become a national leader in educating bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia. With three campuses in the Washington, DC, area, Siena serves grades 3-12 and has a strong national reputation and growing enrollment. Siena's Forest Glen (grades 5-12) and Satellite (grades 3-4) campuses are in Silver Spring, MD, and Siena's Northern Virginia (grades 3-12) campus is in Oakton, VA. The school enrolls approximately 36% students of color. Siena focuses on the professional development of its staff, who are regularly published and have presented at national and international conferences, including the NAIS Annual Conference. Siena is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Siena School is committed to equitable hiring practices, and enthusiastically encourages professionals of all backgrounds to apply.

Connections working at The Siena School