Social Studies Teacher (7th & 8th grade)

Erie 1 BOCES; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Erie 1 BOCES is seeking a Social Studies Teacher for grades 7–12. You will design curriculum-aligned lessons that develop historical literacy, critical thinking, and civic engagement in an inclusive classroom.

Plan, deliver, and assess standards-based daily instruction using varied strategies such as source analysis, debates, and projects to support diverse learners. Collaborate with colleagues, communicate with families, and participate in professional development to stay current with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in History, Social Studies Education, Political Science, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Valid state teaching credential/license in Secondary Social Studies (Grades 7-12).
• Prior student teaching or professional classroom experience at the middle or high school level is desirable.
• Clean background check and compliance with all state/district employment requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute rigorous, standards-based daily lessons for 7–12.
• Use diverse strategies like source analysis, debates, and collaborative projects to foster critical thinking.
• Design and administer formative and summative assessments and differentiate instruction.
• Maintain a positive, well-managed classroom and communicate with parents and guardians.

Skills

Classroom Management

Differentiated Instruction

Communication

Cultural Competency

Critical Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in History or Social Studies

Secondary Social Studies teaching credential

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Google Classroom

Canvas

Schoology

Nearpod

Kahoot

Edpuzzle

Quizizz

PowerSchool

Infinite Campus

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Job title: Social Studies Teacher (7th & 8th grade)

Reports to: Principal/Designee

Position Summary

The Grades 7-12 Social Studies Teacher is responsible for fostering a deep understanding of history, civics, geography, economics, and culture in a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. This educator will design and deliver engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons that develop students' critical thinking, historical inquiry, and literacy skills. By creating a supportive classroom culture, the teacher will inspire students to become informed, active, and empathetic global citizens, while preparing them for academic success and future civic engagement.

Duties/Responsibilities

The Social Studies Teacher will plan, prepare, and execute rigorous, standards-based daily lessons that accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the 7-12 grade spectrum. They are expected to utilize a variety of instructional strategies-such as source analysis, structured debates, and collaborative projects-to encourage critical thinking and active student participation. To accurately gauge student progress, the teacher will design and administer both formative and summative assessments, utilizing the resulting data to differentiate instruction and provide timely, constructive feedback.

Beyond classroom instruction, the teacher will establish and maintain a positive, well-managed classroom environment rooted in mutual respect and high expectations. They will actively collaborate with department colleagues, interdisciplinary teams, and school administration to align curricula, share best practices, and support school-wide initiatives. Furthermore, the teacher will maintain open and proactive communication with parents and guardians regarding student achievement and behavior, while consistently participating in professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends and historical scholarship.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in History, Social Studies Education, Political Science, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Certification: Valid state teaching credential/license in Secondary Social Studies (Grades 7-12).
• Experience: Prior student teaching or professional classroom experience at the middle or high school level is highly desirable.
• Background: Clean background check and compliance with all state/district employment requirements.

Technical Skills

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Proficiency with platforms like Google Classroom, Canvas, or Schoology.
• Educational Technology: Ability to integrate interactive tools (e.g., Nearpod, Kahoot, Edpuzzle, Quizizz) into daily instruction.
• Data & Grading: Competency in using digital gradebooks and student information systems (e.g., PowerSchool, Infinite Campus) to track and analyze student performance.
• Productivity Suites: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets).

Skills And Competencies

• Classroom Management: Proven ability to maintain a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment for adolescents.
• Differentiated Instruction: Skill in modifying lessons to support English Language Learners (ELL), students with IEPs/504 plans, and advanced learners.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interacting with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Cultural Competency: Sensitivity and responsiveness to diverse student backgrounds, fostering an inclusive classroom that respects multiple perspectives.
• Critical Thinking Inquiry: Ability to teach students how to evaluate primary and secondary sources, detect bias, and construct evidence-based arguments.

Job Attachment : View Attachment

Salary: From : 36000.00

Salary: To : 42000.00

Salary Competitive : Y

Appointment Status : Permanent

Position Status : Full time

Contact Person's Name : Denise Terrell

Contact Person's Title : Chief Operating Officer

Contact Person's Phone : [phone]

Contact Person's Email : [e-mail]