Social Studies Teacher, Intermediate School

Seattle Country Day School; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous retirement plan

Job summary

An independent educational institution in Seattle is seeking a passionate fourth- and fifth-grade social studies teacher to create an engaging learning environment. This full-time role involves designing and implementing a dynamic curriculum focusing on inquiry and creative problem-solving for academically gifted students. Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree, relevant teaching experience, and proficiency in social studies. The position offers a competitive salary range of $72,000–$132,000 along with robust benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of teaching experience.
• Experience implementing curriculum for 4th and 5th grade.
• Demonstrated understanding of social studies curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• Teach all fourth- and fifth-grade students.
• Design and implement social studies curriculum.
• Supervise students during off-campus activities and trips.

Skills

Inquiry-based teaching

Creative problem-solving

Constructivist approaches

Proficiency in social studies

Experience in gifted education

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Reports to: Intermediate School Division Head
Starting Date: August 2026

Seattle Country Day School (SCDS) is an independent school that serves more than 400 gifted students, grades K–8, on a 2.4‑acre campus on the north slope of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington.

At SCDS, we know gifted children can be intense, verbal, and imaginative; we also know that gifted children come from every community, every race, and every socioeconomic class. Our students find a warm, welcoming classroom based around the concept of inquiry, encouraging exploration, questioning, experimentation, and creation. The school also prioritizes social‑emotional learning informed by diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts. This attention to the whole child, and to the world they live in, stimulates intellect and imagination and helps foster flexibility, empathy, integrity, and compassion.

SCDS is committed to equal employment opportunity and a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression/identity, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics will not be tolerated.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have at least a bachelor’s degree and 3 years of teaching experience. A master’s degree is preferred. Experience implementing curriculum for 4th and 5th grade through inquiry‑based teaching and creative problem‑solving is required, as is a demonstrated ability and understanding of constructivist approaches to teaching. Proficiency in social studies and developing social studies curriculum are required. Academic or professional experience in gifted education is desirable.

Responsibilities

The fourth‑ and fifth‑grade social studies teacher will be a member of the Intermediate School faculty and report to the Intermediate School division head. This position is ideal for a dynamic, knowledgeable teacher excited by the opportunity to provide an active learning environment in a departmentalized structure and experienced in designing and implementing social studies curriculum for fourth and fifth grade. The teacher will teach every fourth‑ and fifth‑grade student, providing continuity and focus for their six‑period school day. The teacher will work collaboratively with other teachers, administrators, and staff to develop a powerful course of study for academically high‑performing, intellectually gifted students. Responsibilities also include supervising students on off‑campus activities, overnight camps and trips, supervising the Winterim program as assigned, and other duties as assigned.

This position is full‑time.

Compensation and Benefits

SCDS offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Depending on education and professional experience, salary range may be $72,000–$132,000. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long‑term disability, a generous retirement plan, and a Section 125 plan.