French Language Teacher

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12 outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks a dynamic and student-centered educator versed in current trends, research, and emerging ideas in education to teach French beginning in August 2026.

About the role

The ideal candidate will inspire students to learn French and will work collaboratively with colleagues in various curricular areas. They will embrace the school’s Mercy mission to promote a holistic education that is student-centered and encourages both academic and personal excellence. The candidate will be enthusiastic about teaching girls, have a familiarity with instructional technology, and enjoy working within a team setting of shared ideas and constructive feedback in a collaborative manner.

The French Language Teacher reports directly to the Dean of Academics and will:

• Create and deliver engaging French curricula in a secondary school context.
• Teach French at all levels, including CP, Honors, and AP.
• Reflect the school’s mission and core values as a Catholic school founded by the Sisters of Mercy.
• Establish a culture of positive communication with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Create an inclusive classroom/work environment.
• Commit to diversity and multicultural educational practices.
• Use multicultural teaching/leadership methods, materials, and resources that reflect multiple perspectives.
• Engage in professional development opportunities to further develop inclusive teaching and leadership practices.
• Demonstrate a collaborative mindset that seeks out opportunities to work as part of a high-functioning team.
• Commit to remaining current in educational research and pedagogy.
• Conference with parents upon request and respond to messages in a timely manner.
• Develop varied assessment tools to perform both formative and summative assessment; consistently and effectively evaluate student progress.
• Practice a positive approach to classroom management.
• Maintain current and accurate records.
• Moderate a club and lead an advisory group.
• Collaborate well with colleagues on pedagogical approaches, curricular alignment, and instructional strategies.
• Encourage collaborative teamwork in the classroom, teaching students to communicate effectively and thoughtfully.
• Invest in the life of the school by participating in the advisory program, department and staffulty meetings, and all aspects that support the student experience.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in French Education; master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of teaching experience.
• Fluency in French and English.
• Demonstrated knowledge of subject content, curriculum, and methodology of effective teaching.
• Skilled in the use of computer technology to enhance learning.
• Effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues and parents.
• Enthusiastic interest in teaching, motivating, and mentoring high school students.
• Independent school/girls’ school experience preferred.

Personal characteristics necessary for the position include positivity and enthusiasm for all aspects of school life; warmth and a good sense of humor; patience and persistence; and excellent communication skills. The candidate will demonstrate skills in cross-cultural teaching and leadership practices and be dedicated to working in a diverse community. They should be passionate about teaching and celebrating French language and culture, comfortable using a blended approach of ACTFL’s standards, and conducting classes in French while incorporating a deep focus on cultural understanding.

About Merion Mercy Academy

Founded in 1884 by the Sisters of Mercy and located on a beautiful 12-acre campus on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Merion Mercy currently enrolls over 400 students from diverse geographic areas and socioeconomic groups. The academic program consistently challenges each student to prepare for college and a lifetime of service, developing competent and compassionate women for the future. The faculty and staff are committed to providing a holistic education that stresses academic and personal excellence and encourages all students to “Live Mercy and Seek Justice,” an educational philosophy that builds a true sense of sisterhood extending beyond the classroom.

Merion Mercy Academy embraces diversity and inclusion through its mission, Mercy identity, and student body.