Position: Middle and Upper School Humanities Teacher, Full Time
Reports to: Middle School and Upper School Directors
Job Summary
CIS, a college-preparatory, independent school with a rich history in the humanities, is seeking a creative, committed, and relationship-focused teacher of middle and upper school humanities, including 6th grade social studies, 8th grade US History, and potentially an upper school humanities elective. The candidate will be given autonomy to develop an appropriate curriculum with the guidance and support of an engaged and collegial department and administrative staff. The position requires a deep understanding and passion for history and the social sciences, as well as a love for the subject that can be transferred to students of various ages, abilities, and interests. Working as a teacher at Columbia Independent School offers a very rewarding experience. The focus of the curriculum is on critical thinking, global perspectives, and a good-fit educational experience for each student. Class sizes are intentionally small to facilitate high-quality teaching and mentorship.
Columbia, Missouri
CIS is a growing school of over 450 students from age 3 to Grade 12 located in a mid-sized city halfway between the major metropolitan areas of St. Louis and Kansas City. Columbia is home to the flagship University of Missouri and offers all the amenities of a college town—and a populace that values education, cultural opportunities, award-winning restaurants, and collegiate athletics. Outdoor opportunities abound in the area.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The candidate will also have the opportunity to develop one or more additional electives in cooperation with the department and division director. In addition, CIS teachers are expected to:
Update and create curriculum in conjunction with the departmental goals
Work with students on an individual basis (as needed) outside of regularly scheduled class times
Provide regular feedback (written and verbal) to students and parents
Update learning management course page assignments on a daily basis
Update electronic grade books on a regular basis
Prepare progress reports and conduct conferences for students and parents
Collaborate with other departments on cross-curricular connections.
Attend faculty, divisional, and departmental meetings as scheduled
Support the mission of the school through teaching, advising, and participating as a member of the faculty
Other Duties
Serve as an advisor to a group of 10-12 upper school students
Serve as an advisor for an academic club or social activity
Provide support for and chaperone middle or upper school functions (field trips, socials, dances, etc.)
Take advantage of various professional development opportunities
Model life-long learning through personal and professional growth
Serve as an ambassador for the school at Open Houses and other admissions or public relations activities
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher in humanities or a related course of study
Teaching experience preferred
Demonstrated passion for working with students of various ages and an understanding of the developmental needs of the adolescent age groups
Commitment to the success of every student
Proven collaborator and team member
Innovative and optimistic thinker
Life-long learner with a growth mindset
How to Apply
Interested candidates for the 2025-2026 school year should submit the following to resumes@cislions.org: Letter of Interest, Statement of Educational Philosophy, and Resumé/CV.
Columbia Independent School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 378 students in junior kindergarten through grade twelve, located in mid-Missouri near the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College. Founded in 1998, CIS seeks to foster superior academic, artistic, athletic, and social growth for each of its students. Students come from a variety of socio-economic, religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds from Columbia and the surrounding area, as well as foreign countries. Columbia Independent School is a member of National Association of Independent Schools, ISACS, National Association for College Admission Counseling, The College Board, Educational Records Bureau, and National Honor Society.
Columbia Independent School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.