Upper School English Teacher (Grade 8)

The Peck School; Morristown (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Peck School seeks a full-time 8th-grade English teacher who will engage students in literature and writing while fostering critical thinking and communication skills. This role provides an opportunity to collaborate within a dedicated department, develop a dynamic curriculum, and support students' growth in a nurturing environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit plan including health, dental, and vision insurance

403b retirement plan

Paid time off (sick, vacation, holidays)

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2+ years of teaching experience.
• Interest in developing student readers, writers, and thinkers.
• Experience with Harkness method is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Teach 8th-grade English across four sections.
• Build and grow the curriculum within K-8 English program.
• Supervise student wellness during arrival and lunch duties.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Classroom management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, literature, or humanities-related field

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

To Apply

• Submit a cover letter , resume , and contact information for three professional references by email to [e-mail] to Chelsey Carr, Director of Curriculum & Faculty Development.
• Reference the job title in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.
  
  

About the Position
The Peck School, a coed, K-8, independent school in Morristown, NJ, seeks a full-time 8th-grade English teacher (Upper School). This position offers an excellent opportunity for a dynamic English educator to join a school that is committed to the belief that students thrive in classrooms and communities where they are known, celebrated, and inspired to grow as learners and citizens.

The 8th-grade English teacher will be a core member of a collaborative department that works with students to build critical thinking and communication skills through the exploration of literature, writing, and language. The English Department at The Peck School engages students in a program that lays a strong foundation in literary analysis, effective writing strategies, and understanding of language conventions. Students gain significant experience with various forms of expression and develop their analytical skills through activities such as essay writing, literary discussions, creative projects, and presentations. Peck students matriculate to a fantastic mix of secondary day and boarding schools, always with a strong foundation as a writer and thinker.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Classroom Instruction:
• Teach 8th-grade English (four sections). Continue to grow and build the 8th-grade English curriculum within the scope and sequence of Peck’s K-8 English program.
• Teach lessons within one of the three Themes strands: Digital Citizenship, Ethics & Belonging, or Health & Wellness. Themes classes meet once a cycle and dovetail with the content area and Advisory curriculum. Upper School faculty are part of a Themes strand teaching team and collaborate within this team-teaching structure.
• Connections: Upper School (grades 5-8) faculty are part of a grade-level team and serve as Advisors to a small group of students. This is an opportunity to create a sense of belonging for students and guide them and their families as they navigate middle school. Within the English classroom, cultivate a dynamic environment where students explore the power of language, engage deeply with literature, and develop their unique voices through a variety of written and oral expressions. For those needing review or extra support, connect with students during Academic Support or before school.
• Duties: Perform duties as assigned. Duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing student safety and wellness during recess, arrival and dismissal duties, and lunch. Peck’s family-style dining provides a point of connection. Each faculty member receives an individualized duty schedule. Coaching and/or facilitating an activity can be duty opportunities.
• Meetings & Professional Development: Participate in all required professional development activities and meetings, including department, division, and grade-level meetings, scheduled collaboration times, professional development days, and beginning and end-of-year meetings.

Qualifications/Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in English, literature, or a humanities-related field is required. Experience with the Harkness method is a plus.
• 2+ years of teaching experience.
• Interest in developing student readers, writers, and thinkers.

• Proficiency in building and implementing engaging, student-centered, and age-appropriate lessons that promote critical thinking and creativity.

• Experience using formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction to support academic growth.

Competencies

• Content Knowledge: Possess a passion for literature, writing, and language, and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to staying current with curricular best practices in English Language Arts. Guide students through the exploration of diverse literary genres and the development of effective writing skills across various forms. Possess a strong understanding of literary analysis, rhetoric, and the conventions of grammar and style. Plan developmentally appropriate lessons that foster a love of reading, cultivate sophisticated writing abilities, and enhance students' understanding of language.
• Classroom Management: Encourage positive student behavior and classroom community through strong classroom management skills.
• Communication Skills: Use excellent oral and written communication skills to maintain open communication channels with peers, administrators, faculty, students, and parents. Provide updates on student progress, understanding of skills, and classroom activities while cultivating strong home-school partnerships. Have the ability to work with students in a supportive and productive manner.
• Collaboration Skills: Consistent, positive collaboration with a team of talented faculty and supportive administrators. Excellent time management skills and an understanding of how timeliness and responsibility affect the whole.
• Community Engagement: Engage in and support a positive, healthy faculty culture. Engagement at Peck looks like investing in the whole life of our school, from attending interscholastic sports games or the musical to participating in committees and task forces designed to further school initiatives and embrace community-wide events throughout the year.
• Cultural Awareness: Demonstrate the ability and desire to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from other cultures or belief systems. Dedication to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.

• Technology Skills: Ability to navigate the Google Suite of applications (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Slides, etc.). Comfort using or learning technology as part of Peck’s systemic workflow (Zoom, Apple AirPlay, Google Classroom, printers, copiers, etc.).

A Peck Teacher
A Peck Teacher is passionate about teaching and learning, is professional, and demonstrates excellence in teaching. Peck Teachers plan and deliver engaging lessons that inspire student success and promote consideration of others. They know each student well, build relationships, and facilitate a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. Peck Teachers effectively communicate with members of the school community and partner with Peck families to guide and enrich a student’s development. They demonstrate comprehensive content knowledge, and, as lifelong learners, they expand their teaching skills repertoire. Peck Teachers are respected community members who engage actively with the Peck community.

Working at Peck
The Peck School strives to create a culture of belonging. We welcome the unique contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Qualified applicants are offered top-tier pay, exceptionally strong benefits, and a robust professional development program.

The Peck School uses a banded salary schedule for faculty that is based on years of experience and informed by benchmark data. With this in mind, a full-time faculty member's salary may range from $65,000 to $98,000+. Peck also provides a comprehensive benefit plan to eligible employees, including group health, dental, and vision insurance plans, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, 403b retirement plan, paid time off (sick, vacation, holidays), and professional development opportunities. For more information on benefits, please refer to Peck's benefit summary .

To learn more about The Peck School and working at Peck , please visit us online.