Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher

The Pathfinder School
Traverse City, Michigan
Full-Time | 2026–2027 School Year

The Pathfinder School, an independent school in Traverse City, Michigan, seeks a full-time Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher for the 2026–27 academic year.

About The Pathfinder School

The Pathfinder School’s mission is to ensure that each student builds a foundation of intellectual skill and self-assurance through immersion in rigorous learning environments that require creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, initiative, and responsibility.

With class sizes capped at 16 students per grade level, Pathfinder teachers cultivate meaningful relationships and engage students through inquiry-driven instruction. Discussion-based pedagogy—including Socratic Seminar and Harkness-style dialogue—forms the core of our middle school program. We seek educators who value questioning, thoughtful discourse, and the pursuit of understanding over rote delivery of content.

Position Overview

This position integrates Language Arts and Social Studies into a cohesive, interdisciplinary program. The successful candidate will design curriculum that allows students to explore historical, cultural, and geographic themes through literature, primary and secondary source analysis, research, and writing.

The role includes homeroom/advisory responsibilities and active participation in the life of the school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and teach an interdisciplinary, standards-aligned Language Arts/Social Studies curriculum
• Develop thematic, inquiry-based units incorporating literature, historical documents, civic texts, and contemporary issues
• Teach analytical reading, narrative and argumentative writing, and research methodology
• Facilitate discussion-based classes that promote student voice and intellectual curiosity
• Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners
• Provide narrative feedback and communicate proactively with families
• Serve as a homeroom teacher, supporting students’ academic and social-emotional growth
• Participate in faculty collaboration, experiential learning (including field trips), and school-wide initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Teaching experience at the middle school level preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to discussion-based, inquiry-centered pedagogy
• Strong background in both literature and history/social studies content
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Commitment to collaboration and active participation in an independent school community

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• One-page statement of educational philosophy

Materials should be emailed to Interim Head of School Ben Hebebrand at bhebeberand@thepathfinderschool.org.

Application Deadline: March 27, 2026.
The Pathfinder School reserves the right to make a hiring decision prior to this deadline.

The Pathfinder School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who will contribute to a diverse and inclusive school community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Teaching experience at the middle school level preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to discussion-based, inquiry-centered pedagogy
• Strong background in both literature and history/social studies content
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Commitment to collaboration and active participation in an independent school community

About The Pathfinder School

Established in 1972, The Pathfinder School is a non-sectarian independent day school, which enrolls 110 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Located just north of Traverse City, Michigan on a 22-acre wooded campus nestled between the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay and Cedar Lake, the school provides a natural workshop for project-based and experiential learning both in and out of the classroom. Pathfinder is characterized by its warm and caring atmosphere, small classes and a highly skilled and dedicated instructional staff. The school is committed to engaged, relevant and active learning, the pursuit of academic and creative excellence and a fundamental respect for the integrity and diversity of children. The Pathfinder School serves the Grand Traverse area as an ISACS accredited independent elementary and middle school.

Connections working at The Pathfinder School