Princeton Day School is seeking an experienced Upper School History Teacher beginning in the 2025-26 school year. PDS welcomes candidates who are dedicated to advancing the mission of the Upper School History Department and who value collegiality, collaboration, and actively engaging with a diverse student body. Our dynamic program provides students with a broad perspective on the human experience while emphasizing the development of essential skills in reading, writing, research, and analysis. The ideal candidate will be passionate about discussion-based learning, guiding students through complex questions and texts, and approaching curriculum design with creativity and thoughtfulness. They should have a genuine enthusiasm for working with young people and model the joy of lifelong learning. A commitment to continually deepening one’s understanding of pedagogy and the evolving landscape of teaching and learning is essential for fostering an engaging and effective classroom environment. PDS seeks candidates who are passionate about their subject and committed to supporting high school students in developing strong analytical thinking, clear writing, effective communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong candidates will be adept at providing precise, constructive feedback, and they will also be comfortable using technology to enhance student learning.
The ideal candidate is expected to:
Demonstrate knowledge about and experience teaching the relevant content areas
Implement culturally relevant pedagogy and foster a learning environment that supports students’ social and emotional needs and their development as independent thinkers
Possess a well-developed sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members; be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Independently and collaboratively prepare curricula that balances content mastery, conceptual understanding, and the development of analytical reading and writing skills
Develop creative formative and summative assessments and experiences
Employ innovative student-centered teaching practices rooted in brain-based research
Create and scaffold rigorous, higher-level thinking tasks that emphasize critical thinking, logical reasoning, and synthesis
Provide opportunities for student self-assessment and engagement in the learning process
Exhibit a passion to teach and learn from young people and from colleagues
Primary Responsibilities:
Teach four sections
Advise a group of 8-10 students
Serve as a faculty advisor to a club, activity or affinity group
Assess students’ academic and conceptual development
Provide clear oral and written feedback to students and communicate with families as needed
Collaboratively work on grade-level and department teaching
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in history or related field
Minimum of 3-5 years of proven success teaching high school students
Affinity for working with high school-aged students
Comfort with innovative and forward-thinking approaches to instruction
A strong commitment to professional growth and to collaborating with colleagues as a member of a teaching team
Personal characteristics suitable for motivating, inspiring and nurturing young people: enthusiasm, adaptability, patience, creativity, and a boundless sense of humor
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in history or related field
Advising and/or mentoring experience
Experience implementing inquiry-based or project-based curriculum
Experience teaching in independent schools
Princeton Day School is the region's premier independent day school for students from Pre-K through Grade 12. We aspire to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive community in which all members are seen, challenged, affirmed, respected and valued. Nestled on a picturesque 106-acre campus just two miles from Downtown Princeton and with a history dating back to 1899, PDS provides students with unparalleled opportunities for discovery, exploration and innovation and seeks employees who are passionate about their work and who embrace the importance of lifelong learning.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and a link to samples of their work to the attention of Aline Silva, Director of Human Resources, at hr@pds.org.