Humanities & Homeroom Teacher (Grades 5–6) (Two-year position)

National Association of Independent Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 61,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established leader in progressive education seeks a passionate Humanities teacher for grades 5-6. This two-year position offers a unique opportunity to engage young minds in Language Arts and Social Studies, fostering critical thinking and social responsibility. The role involves teaching a responsive curriculum, providing social-emotional support, and collaborating with families and colleagues. Ideal candidates will have a Master’s degree and experience in progressive education, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and equity. Join a nurturing environment that values independent thinking and community engagement, making a meaningful impact on students' lives.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years teaching experience in 5th/6th grade humanities required.
• Master’s degree and strong grasp of progressive education needed.

Responsibilities

• Teach Humanities curriculum to 10-12 year-olds, supporting their development.
• Collaborate with families and colleagues for student growth.

Skills

Teaching Humanities

Adolescent Development Knowledge

Collaboration Skills

Classroom Management

Communication Skills

Differentiated Instruction

Social Justice Commitment

Education

Master’s Degree

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Humanities & Homeroom Teacher (Grades 5–6) (Two-year position)

Start Date: August 27, 2025 Salary: 61K–150K

Schedule: This role is a 10-month position, and is in the Professional Employees’ Federation (PEF), the union for faculty members at Bank Street College. The hours for this position are 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Mondays through Fridays, and until 5:00 PM on Wednesdays for a weekly afternoon faculty meeting. This role also includes occasional overnight work (~1 multi-night trip per year) and occasional event support (~4 per year) that may happen early mornings, evenings, or weekends.

About the School

A leader in progressive education for more than 100 years, the Bank Street School for Children provides students, from nursery through 8th grade, an education that engages their natural curiosity, nurtures critical thinking, and helps to develop a sense of community and social responsibility. Through a teaching approach that is fundamentally hands-on and child-centered, Bank Street students develop the courage and confidence to think independently, work collaboratively, understand themselves and others more deeply, and possess the compassion to make meaning of the world around them.

About the Position

The Bank Street School for Children is seeking a passionate, knowledgeable, and team-oriented Humanities teacher. The 5th and 6th Grade Humanities curriculum covers Language Arts (reading, literature and writing) and Social Studies (a study of China in 5th grade, a study of belief systems in the 6th grade).Grade-level homeroom advisorsengage in social emotional support, executive function support, close collaboration with a homeroom co-advisor, and communication with family members. The ideal candidate will be excited about working with 10s, 11s and 12s in progressive school that values social justice and equity.

This role will fill a unique need in the Upper School for at least two years. In the 2025-26 school year, for the first time, we will have three classes of 5th graders (instead of two) in the Upper School, and this role will serve that third classroom of students. In the following year, both the Humanities teacher and their Math/Science homeroom partner will ‘loop’ with the cohort of students and serve as teachers in 6th grade since the 5th grade will return to two classrooms. Consideration for employment for the 2026-27 school year and beyond is dependent on availability of relevant teaching experiences and experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Work with Children & Parents

• Teaching an existing Humanities curriculum (social studies and literature/language arts) to 10-11 year-olds and 11-12 year-olds that is responsive to children’s developmental capacities and needs
• Along with the Math/Science teacher, serving as a homeroom teacher for each student, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Communicating and collaborating regularly with families and others who support learning and growth
• Document lesson plans and develop a comprehensive curriculum with guidance from supervisor and in collaboration with other members of the humanities team
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and other specialists to support curriculum and children’s development
• Facilitating a Community Time curriculum – advisory-style programming on community, digital citizenship, relationships, human growth and development, identity, and effective communication
• Organizing and maintaining a positive classroom community that reflects curricular work
• Differentiating instruction to support group and individual learning
• Providing extra help to students as necessary such as during work periods and before school
• Sharing progress and concerns with families through conferences, written reports, and regular parent communication

Other Responsibilities

• Attending regular faculty, division, department, and supervisory meetings
• Support school coverage needs by substituting for teachers within the humanities department and across the school
• Fulfill weekly communities duties as assigned which may include but are not limited to lunch, recess, early morning care, and bus
• Support with some event or trip planning duties as assigned. Examples have included planning overnight trips, coordinating a day of service, and supporting weekly assemblies.
• Additional duties assigned as specified by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates should have:

• Experience teaching humanities (language arts and history/social studies) in 5th and/or 6th grade required
• At least 3-5 years teaching experience in general
• Master’s degree required
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise with regard to adolescent development, progressive education, and constructivist teaching
• Ability to work collaboratively, preferably in a co-teacher model, with interest in an interdisciplinary approach to education
• Experience teaching reading and writing skills, and comfort with hands-on editing of student work
• Homeroom advisory experience highly preferred
• Experience with Google Suite, and adept at use of technology to support teaching and learning
• Commitment to issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-bias in education and a willingness to engage in identity development individually and with colleagues
• Strong organizational skills, including time management
• Strong grasp of progressive classroom management techniques
• Experience writing narrative reports about student progress and goals
• Ability to meet and adhere to multiple deadlines
• High energy, a sense of humor, and a strong ability to connect with adolescents
• Demonstrated classroom management skills