Posted: 04-Mar-26
Location: Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Type: Full Time
Salary: $60,000-$110,000
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Salary Details:
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About Pingry
The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century. Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,200 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity. For more information, we invite you to visit our website at pingry.org or connect with The Pingry School on Facebook, X, and Instagram to discover why we love school.
Position Summary
The Pingry School seeks a dynamic and forward-thinking Middle School Computer Science Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This role is designed for an educator who sees computer science not just as "coding," but as a fundamental tool for creativity, logic, and problem-solving.
As the sole practitioner in the Middle School Computer Science and Engineering department, you will be the primary architect of the MS student experience, bridging the gap between foundational exposure and the high-level rigors of our Upper School curriculum. You will partner closely with the Computer Science and Engineering Department Chair and US faculty to ensure a seamless vertical alignment that prepares students for advanced studies in data science, machine learning, and complex algorithms. We seek an educator who is deeply passionate about the middle school years, understands the unique developmental energy of this age group, and can harness it to build a culture of "high-interest, high-exposure" computing.
The Middle School Computer Science and Engineering department seeks a professional who will:
- Ignite Early Interest: You excel at demystifying technology, making the "black box" of computing accessible and exciting through hands-on projects, from block-based logic to Python and beyond.
- Bridge the Curricular Gap: You are a strategic thinker who understands the "why" behind the code, ensuring students master the computational thinking skills necessary for a world-class Upper School program.
- Champion Independent Innovation: As a "department of one" in the Middle School, you are self-directed and thrive on the autonomy of continuing to build and evolve a program.
- Foster a "Maker" Culture: You are energized by robotics and physical computing, viewing the 2:30–3:30 Activity Block as a prime opportunity to build community and lead our competitive MS Robotics team to excellence.
- Serve as a Relational Mentor: You recognize that middle schoolers need a safe space to fail and iterate. You serve as a dedicated advisor who supports the "whole child," navigating their social, emotional, and academic growth.
Responsibilities
- Instruction: Teach a full course load of Middle School Computer Science and Engineering, including required grade-level courses (Form I & II) and potential electives such as 3D Design and Printing.
- Curriculum Development: Collaborate with the MS/US Department Chair to refine the scope and sequence to transition students from introductory logic and Scratch to Python and engineering principles.
- Robotics Leadership: Lead and grow the Middle School Robotics team (this fulfills the "Plus One" community requirement). This includes a season of afternoon preparation as well as supporting competitions on select nights and weekends.
- Program Expansion: Develop and lead expanded curricular, potential electives and other Auxiliary enrichment opportunities to broaden student exposure to emerging technologies.
- Advising: Serve as a Middle School Advisor, acting as the primary point of contact for a small group of students and supporting their holistic development.
- Cross-Divisional Collaboration: Partner with both Lower and Upper School divisions to develop a cohesive K-12 scope and vision, ensuring seamless curricular alignment and a unified computer science experience for all students.
Qualifications
- Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency in a range of programming languages (Scratch and Python are essential; p5.js and Swift are a plus), experience with physical devices (e.g., micro:bit, arduino, or Raspberry Pi), and experience with robotics platforms (e.g., VEX, LEGO Spike Prime, or FIRST LEGO League).
- Middle School Savvy: A deep and genuine love for working with middle school students. You must possess the patience, humor, and energy required to teach this specific developmental stage.
- Inclusive Excellence: A commitment to making STEM inclusive and welcoming for all students, ensuring that every learner, regardless of prior experience, feels they belong in a Computer Science classroom.
- Communication Skills: The ability to communicate complex technical concepts to students, parents, and non-technical colleagues with clarity and enthusiasm.
- Mission Alignment: A commitment to Pingry’s Honor Code and the interpersonal skills necessary to work cross-functionally within a diverse and high-achieving community.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers.