Lead Teacher, 3rd/4th Grade Homeroom
Reports to: Assistant Head of School/Lower School Head 
Status: Ten month, Full-time, Salaried
Department: Lower School
Start Date: August 17, 2026
Work Location: In-Person
FLSA Classification: Exempt

Friends Community School (FCS), founded in 1986, is a progressive, co-ed Quaker K-8 day school serving a diverse student body from the greater Washington, D.C. area. FCS’s LEED-certified building is situated on 17 acres surrounded by Greenbelt National Park, nine minutes from the University of Maryland, College Park, and thirty minutes from Washington, D.C.

Educators at FCS nurture lifelong learners, courageous risk takers, and joyous peacemakers through the expression of our commitments to Quakerism, Progressive Education, equity, and inclusion. Our progressive pedagogical approach emphasizes depth over breadth, creativity and innovation over memorization, and hands-on collaborative projects over rote schoolwork. Our curriculum engages students in the exploration of values rooted in our Quaker Heritage – simplicity, peaceful conflict resolution, integrity, community, equality/equity, and stewardship – from a range of perspectives. 

Job Summary

FCS seeks a 3rd/4th grade homeroom teacher who possesses and demonstrates an understanding of child development and progressive pedagogy. The qualified candidate will also be knowledgeable about and experienced with project-based and experiential learning; possess strong classroom management skills; and create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment using Responsive Classroom. We seek an individual who respects and understands issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion and incorporates them into their practice and the curriculum. 

The 3rd/4th Grade Homeroom Teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing, engaging, and academically challenging classroom environment for a mixed grade class of upper elementary students. The teacher serves as the primary instructor for core academic subjects and as the central point of connection for students and families. Through thoughtful instruction, strong classroom community building, and ongoing assessment of student progress, the teacher supports the intellectual, social, and emotional development of each child.

The Homeroom Teacher plans and delivers developmentally appropriate curriculum in language arts, mathematics, and social studies while fostering curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. This role requires a commitment to differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, and strong partnerships with colleagues and families.

Working collaboratively with grade-level team members and specialists, the teacher helps ensure a cohesive and supportive learning experience for all students. The teacher also contributes to the broader life of the school through participation in meetings, school events, and ongoing professional growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach 16-18 students in combined 3rd and 4th grade homeroom
• Leads daily instruction in math, language arts, and social studies 
• Plan and update engaging lessons and units of study that consider multiple learning styles and differences 
• Work collaboratively with the Learning Specialist and grade-level colleagues to provide differentiated and interdisciplinary learning experiences for students
• Provide remediation and enrichment as needed
• Maintain regular communication with parents about class activities, topics of study, and special events Contribute to the FCS school-wide community 
• Leads daily morning and closing meetings
• Participate in weekly Meeting for Worship
• Facilitate non-violent conflict resolution
• Participate in scheduled school events such as parent-teacher conferences, Back-to-School Night, and field/overnight trips
• Attend major school-wide events
• Ensure communication across constituencies 
• Work in partnership with all members of the teaching team and the administration
• Communicate proactively and responsively with individual families
• Complete all report cards and student recommendations in a professional and timely manner, emphasizing the individual strengths and challenges for each student
• Continuously integrate the school’s commitment to Quakerism, Progressive Education, and Equity in your classroom
• Participate in weekly staff meetings
• Engage in continuous, ongoing professional development
• Collaborate with colleagues in professional learning communities
• Partner with a teacher in the lower or middle school to facilitate cross divisional peer-to-peer relationships among middle and lower school students
• Other duties as assigned

Desired and/or Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree (required)
• Minimum of three years of classroom experience, preferably in elementary/upper elementary teaching
• Previous experience teaching language arts
• Previous experience teaching math
• Previous experience teaching social students
• Commitment to and some understanding of Progressive Education
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Openness to Quaker beliefs and practices 
• Experience integrating technology into teaching practices 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Ability to collaborate with coworkers and other school community members
• Genuine love for children and understanding of child development

Commitment to Diversity
FCS is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive educational community and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a person's status as a qualified candidate with a disability in administration of its educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and other school-administered programs.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, we actively seek faculty and staff of varied backgrounds and encourage them to share their unique gifts to cultivate a rich educational experience. We strive to create a learning environment that exposes students to the value and breadth of differences, informs their perspective, and prepares them to shape the world.

Please send a cover letter, résumé, and the names and contact information of three
professional references to jobs@friendscommunityschool.org. 

About Friends Community School

Connections working at Friends Community School