Sixth-Grade English Teacher

Position: Sixth-Grade English Teacher - Starting August 2026
Location: Atherton

The Middle School (grades 6-8) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced educator to teach sixth-grade English. Middle School English teachers have four class sections with at least two class periods each day for preparation, on a rotating block schedule. All Middle School teachers participate in an extracurricular activity and serve as advisors to a group of 10 students. Teachers work closely with the Department Chair and the Middle School Director for guidance, curriculum assessment, and evaluation.

Teachers meet regularly with both the middle school English department and the sixth-grade team to discuss curriculum, pedagogy, student progress, and special initiatives.

 The sixth-grade English curriculum builds a strong foundation in reading, writing, and language skills. Middle school English, at all three grade levels, features a robust independent reading program, in conjunction with small-group book clubs and whole-class texts. In writing, students develop their voices through both expository and creative pieces, guided by a writing workshop approach that encourages process, revision, and reflection.

Vocabulary and grammar instruction are integrated throughout the curriculum to deepen students' appreciation of the power of language and to support their growth as thoughtful readers and expressive writers.

 This course serves as a foundation for both English skills and academic habits, as all incoming sixth graders, hailing from a wide variety of schools, need support in acquiring successful habits of learning. These four Habits of Learning-initiative, organization, collaboration, and engagement-are emphasized throughout English and all other courses. Furthermore, all sixth-grade teachers work to establish a positive student culture inspired by the Middle School's six Habits of Heart and Mind: self-awareness, ethical behavior, kindness, empathy, curiosity, and resilience.

In our hiring process, we look for teachers who:

General Instruction

+ Possess a broad knowledge of and experience with current best practices in curriculum and instruction, especially standards-based learning and grading

+ Design learning experiences, create assessments, and evaluate student performance in a standards-based system, using a set of established core competencies

+ Facilitate a dynamic, inspiring, and joyful classroom, using a wide variety of creative and learner-centered teaching methods

+ Support the organizational, academic, and emotional needs of middle schoolers through a genuine love of middle school students

+ Differentiate classroom materials, assignments, and presentations as needed to allow for learning differences among students

+ Integrates technology confidently into instruction and workflow, using AI tools for both teaching and learning, Canvas LMS, Google Workspace, Viewboards, and other digital resources to enhance learning

English Instruction

+ Support a robust reading program through substantial knowledge and experience in independent reading programs, readers' workshop, literacy practices, genre-based student book clubs, and whole-class texts

+ Demonstrate a broad knowledge of middle-grade and young-adult fiction and nonfiction, and thoughtfully curate a diverse and engaging classroom library to inspire a love of reading across a range of genres

+ Model and scaffold all stages of the writing process to help students develop confidence, clarity, and voice in their expository and creative writing

+ Apply effective, grade-appropriate strategies to build students' grammar and vocabulary skills  

School Community Engagement

+ Contribute to the school community by actively participating in extracurricular activities, faculty committees, and school initiatives

+ Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through both classroom instruction and broader school community engagement

+ Manage frequent, ongoing, and prompt verbal and written communications with students, parents, and colleagues

+ Work collaboratively with other faculty members towards common goals through active listening, sharing, and reflecting

+ Commit to ongoing professional growth and reflection

+ Model high ethical and moral standards

Qualifications:

+ Bachelor's degree in English or a closely related field required;
Master's degree desired

+ At least five years of Middle School teaching experience

We offer:

+ An exceptional work environment and caring community

+ Highly competitive salary

+ A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families. Learn more  here.  (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).)

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience through our application portal.  

As part of your application, please submit a short sample of your own writing composed within the last few years (PLEASE INCLUDE THIS AS PART OF YOUR COVER LETTER.) We would…