Lead Teacher, 3rd/4th Grade Homeroom

Friends Community School; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends Community School is looking for a passionate 3rd/4th grade homeroom teacher committed to progressive education principles. The ideal candidate will understand child development and have experience in project-based and experiential learning.

This role involves creating an engaging learning environment and teaching core subjects while fostering critical thinking and collaboration among students. The position also includes regular communication with families and participation in school events, ensuring a supportive classroom community.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of classroom experience, preferably in elementary/upper elementary teaching.
• Previous experience teaching language arts, math, and social studies.
• Openness to Quaker beliefs and practices.

Responsibilities

• Teach core subjects in a mixed grade class of upper elementary students.
• Plan and deliver engaging lessons that consider diverse learning styles.
• Communicate regularly with parents about student progress and class activities.

Skills

Understanding of child development

Classroom management skills

Collaborative teaching

Differentiated instruction

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Responsive Classroom

Technology integration

Job description

Reports to: Assistant Head of School/Lower School Head
Status: Ten month, Full-time, Salaried
Department: Lower School
Start Date: August 17, 2026
Work Location: In-Person
FLSA Classification: Exempt

Friends Community School (FCS), founded in 1986, is a progressive, co‑ed Quaker K‑8 day school serving a diverse student body from the greater Washington, D.C. area. FCS’s LEED‑certified building is situated on 17 acres surrounded by Greenbelt National Park, nine minutes from the University of Maryland, College Park, and thirty minutes from Washington, D.C.

Educators at FCS nurture lifelong learners, courageous risk takers, and joyous peacemakers through the expression of our commitments to Quakerism, Progressive Education, equity, and inclusion. Our progressive pedagogical approach emphasizes depth over breadth, creativity and innovation over memorization, and hands‑on collaborative projects over rote schoolwork. Our curriculum engages students in the exploration of values rooted in our Quaker Heritage – simplicity, peaceful conflict resolution, integrity, community, equality/equity, and stewardship – from a range of perspectives.

Job Summary

FCS seeks a 3rd/4th grade homeroom teacher who possesses and demonstrates an understanding of child development and progressive pedagogy. The qualified candidate will also be knowledgeable about and experienced with project‑based and experiential learning; possess strong classroom management skills; and create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment using Responsive Classroom. We seek an individual who respects and understands issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion and incorporates them into their practice and the curriculum.

The 3rd/4th Grade Homeroom Teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing, engaging, and academically challenging classroom environment for a mixed grade class of upper elementary students. The teacher serves as the primary instructor for core academic subjects and as the central point of connection for students and families. Through thoughtful instruction, strong classroom community building, and ongoing assessment of student progress, the teacher supports the intellectual, social, and emotional development of each child.

The Homeroom Teacher plans and delivers developmentally appropriate curriculum in language arts, mathematics, and social studies while fostering curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. This role requires a commitment to differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, and strong partnerships with colleagues and families.

Working collaboratively with grade‑level team members and specialists, the teacher helps ensure a cohesive and supportive learning experience for all students. The teacher also contributes to the broader life of the school through participation in meetings, school events, and ongoing professional growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach 16-18 students in combined 3rd and 4th grade homeroom
• Lead daily instruction in math, language arts, and social studies
• Plan and update engaging lessons and units of study that consider multiple learning styles and differences
• Work collaboratively with the Learning Specialist and grade‑level colleagues to provide differentiated and interdisciplinary learning experiences for students
• Provide remediation and enrichment as needed
• Maintain regular communication with parents about class activities, topics of study, and special events
• Contribute to the FCS school‑wide community
• Lead daily morning and closing meetings
• Participate in weekly Meeting for Worship
• Facilitate non‑violent conflict resolution
• Participate in scheduled school events such as parent‑teacher conferences, Back‑to‑School Night, and field/overnight trips
• Attend major school‑wide events

Ensure Communication Across Constituencies

Work in partnership with all members of the teaching team and the administration. Communicate proactively and responsively with individual families. Complete all report cards and student recommendations in a professional and timely manner, emphasizing the individual strengths and challenges for each student.

Continuously Integrate the School’s Commitment to Quakerism, Progressive Education, and Equity

Participate in weekly staff meetings, engage in continuous, ongoing professional development, and collaborate with colleagues in professional learning communities.

Partner with a teacher in the lower or middle school to facilitate cross‑divisional peer‑to‑peer relationships among middle and lower school students. Other duties as assigned.

Desired and/or Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (required)
• Minimum of three years of classroom experience, preferably in elementary/upper elementary teaching
• Previous experience teaching language arts
• Previous experience teaching math
• Previous experience teaching social studies
• Commitment to and some understanding of Progressive Education
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Openness to Quaker beliefs and practices
• Experience integrating technology into teaching practices
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with coworkers and other school community members
• Genuine love for children and understanding of child development