Middle School Social Studies Teacher & Advisor

Available Position:                Middle School Social Studies Teacher & Advisor

Department:                           Middle School

Reports to:                             Head of Middle School 

Status:                                    Salaried, Exempt, 10 Month

Date Posted:                           March 16, 2021

Start Date:                              August 1, 2021

About Saint Mary’s Hall

Founded in 1879, Saint Mary’s Hall is an independent co-ed day school serving students and families of all faiths. Since its founding, Saint Mary’s Hall has called four campuses home. Though the faces and structures change over time, the heart of Saint Mary’s Hall endures from generation to generation.

Situated on a picturesque, tree-covered 60-acre bluff above Salado Creek in Northeast San Antonio since 1968, the campus, located at 9401 Starcrest Drive, serves all students in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility. Saint Mary’s Hall is a special place built on strong community bonds, rich traditions, and a culture of belonging for all students. Graduates leave Saint Mary’s Hall confidently armed with the skills, knowledge, study habits, and self-awareness needed to thrive in college and find fulfillment in life.

Position Description

 Saint Mary’s Hall seeks an outstanding Middle School Social Studies Teacher to be a part of a successful Social Studies Vertical Team K-12, teaching a course on The Eastern Hemisphere: “From Mesopotamia to the Modern World.”

Course Description

The Eastern Hemisphere: “From Mesopotamia to the Modern World”

Form 6

Length of course:  2 semesters

Text: World History: Ancient Civilization through the Renaissance (2012)

Students in Form 6 Social Studies focus on the geography, history, and cultures of the Eastern Hemisphere through an examination of major historical themes. Utilizing interactive learning strategies, students investigate the development of ancient civilizations in river valleys with a focus on China, the development and beliefs of major world religions and philosophies, the classical ages in Greece and Rome, and The Middle Ages in Europe. Students conclude the year by learning about the themes of oppression and resistance using case studies of the Cultural Revolution in China, the Indian Independence Movement in India, and resistance to apartheid in South Africa. Our connections to literature supplementary reading enriches our instruction on China by examining China’s Cultural Revolution through the experiences of the middle school aged Ji-li Jiang. This emphasis on studying the past and twentieth and twenty-first-century topics concurrently prepares students for the similar integration of past and present in Form 9 Global Studies curriculum. Specific case studies, analysis of how the past informs our present, and the examination of primary sources engage Form 6 students in active learning.

Connections to Literature: Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution

Responsibilities

• Teach five Social Studies classes daily
• Serve as an Advisor to a small group of Middle School students to oversee those students’ academic progress and to facilitate communication with their parents
• Assume any faculty duties as assigned by MS Division Head, including coaching, club, and/or leadership group sponsor
• Communicate effectively with parents, colleagues, staff, and administration
• Work in Form Level team planning to facilitate horizontal lesson implementation and Form Level activities, such as field trips and experiential education
• Support the efforts of vertical team planning and curriculum alignment
• Participate in meetings of the Social Studies Vertical Team, Middle School Social Studies Department, and Middle School Division
• Participate in professional development activities

Qualifications

• A./B.S. in History or related field required
• Advanced degree(s) preferred
• A minimum of three years of teaching at the secondary school level is required
• Secondary teaching certification or graduate work in history/education preferred
• Successful teaching experience in middle school preferred
• Passion for subject matter and for working with bright, motivated middle school students in a rigorous, college-preparatory environment
• Ability to implement technology into daily teaching and the design of student projects is preferred
• Strong background and professional development experience in teaching social studies
• Vertical team experience preferred
• Previous experience with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculum (preferred)
• Strong preference to those who coach sports and other co-curriculars
• Student-centered, collaborative, and transparent educator who is accessible to students, parents, and colleagues and is adept at building relationships
• Academic leader with extraordinarily high expectations of her/himself and the ability to inspire and motivate others
• Character above reproach and unparalleled integrity

Dynamic New Leadership

Len Miller joined Saint Mary’s Hall as the 25th Head of School in July of 2020. Len comes to San Antonio after a 25-year career in independent schools. He served previously at some of our nation’s top schools, including The Hill School, The Lawrenceville School, and The Shipley School. His tenure has been hallmarked by a deep commitment to the quality of the academic program, the student experience, and the long-term sustainability and growth of the institution. He has been at the forefront of developing innovative academic programs and recruiting and retaining dynamic teachers. Robust, intentional, student wellness programs are the result of his collaborative leadership.

Len’s forward-thinking efforts in strategic planning, enrollment, advancement, and fiscal matters have underpinned the overall strength and quality of the schools he has served. As a leader, he strives to empower his leadership team to build programs, effect change, and make significant and meaningful impacts on the students, faculty, staff, and School culture. Len is committed to educating the whole student with a deep focus on connection and belonging among the student body.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work in a classroom environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
• Occasionally bend, stoop, and squat
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time
• Be able to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
• Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled environment
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold

Other Information

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. If you are interested in joining our dynamic professional and learning environment that encourages innovation, send us a cover letter, resume, and complete our SMH employment application. Please email your documents to [email protected]. You can download our employment application by visiting www.smhall.org/about/employment-opportunities. Applications will be processed as they are received.

Sarah Visagie, Head of Middle School

Saint Mary’s Hall

9401 Starcrest Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78217

[email protected]