Providence, Rhode Island
Washington, D.C.
Posted: 16-Mar-26
Location: Wynnewood, Pennsylvania
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Friends’ Central School Overview
Friends’ Central School is an independent, coeducational Quaker day school founded in 1845 and serving approximately 880 students in Nursery through grade 12. Located in the Philadelphia suburbs, the School has two campuses. The Middle & Upper Schools are located just outside of West Philadelphia in Wynnewood, and the Lower School is on our Old Gulph Road campus in the heart of Wynnewood.
The exceptional faculty at Friends’ Central offers a curriculum that cultivates the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical growth of our students. Our pedagogy is grounded in continuing revelation, reflection, integrity, and a willingness to accept responsibility. From Nursery to grade 12, our students participate in a process designed to foster creative, critical, and flexible thinking, along with compassion. As they transform from playful children to skilled, self-possessed teenagers, they are always intellectually curious and engaged thinkers. Friends’ Central prepares graduates to succeed in college and in life.
Upper School Biology and Ecology Teaching Position
The Friends’ Central Upper School (grades 9-12) seeks a dedicated, enthusiastic Science teacher for a full-time position starting July 2026. The position involves leading engaging, inquiry-driven courses and field investigations that introduce students to plant biology, ecology, and living systems in local landscapes. This role blends classroom teaching with hands-on fieldwork, emphasizing observation, bio inventory methods, and the cultivation of scientific curiosity.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach science courses at several levels, including course content related to plant biology, ecology, systematics, and applied field botany.
- Help design learning experiences that integrate field observation, lab skills, and ecological thinking.
- Support student-driven research projects that combine field and laboratory approaches.
- Assess students’ progress and performance in a timely fashion.
- Engage with fellow Science teachers through departmental work.
- Communicate with teachers, advisors, and parents regarding student needs and progress.
- Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, proactively guiding and supporting their academic progress and social-emotional well-being, and serving as the key contact between advisees’ parents and the school.
- Attend and contribute to faculty, department, and other committee meetings. Attend and contribute to colleague in-service meetings.
- Contribute to the School in an extra/co-curricular capacity, as appropriate, such as advising a club or chaperoning school-sponsored events.
In addition to having a professional and educational background in teaching science, we seek someone who will:
- Be an enthusiastic teacher, advisor, and supportive guide for students
- Continue to develop and coordinate our science curricula with other faculty
- Stay current with best practices in teaching and the teaching of science, including incorporating technology and differentiating instruction
- Determine learning goals and design coherent instruction and assessment accordingly
- Be prepared to lead research and lab opportunities in and out of the classroom
- Have the mindset and ability to work in partnership with parents
- Possess excellent communication skills, including writing skills
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills
- Enhance the School’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity as outlined in our Diversity Statement
- Understand and be committed to the School’s Quaker values and mission
- Be an engaged member of the Friends’ Central faculty and the wider school community
Qualifications:
- Strong background in ecology, evolutionary biology, and/or systematic biology with knowledge of field and lab work in support of ecological research.
- Demonstrated ability to teach Biology at several levels with a focus on plant biology, ecology, systematics and applied field botany.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Ecology or related fields
- 3-5 years of teaching experience preferred
Please apply here. The application will require a resume, a cover letter, and three professional references. All applications should be completed by April 1, 2026.
Friends’ Central School seeks candidates with a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning community, who will address issues of diversity, as well as enhance the Philosophy of Inclusivity and Awareness articulated in our Diversity Statement.