Middle School 6th Grade Science Teacher – Long-Term Substitute

About the school

The Fessenden School is an all‑boys independent day and boarding school serving 540 students in Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 9 in West Newton, MA. Its mission is to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community. For over 100 years the school has offered state‑of‑the‑art facilities, a dynamic curriculum, and programs specifically designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of boys.

About the role

The 6th Grade Science Teacher is a passionate, innovative, and collaborative educator who engages boys through dynamic, student‑centered teaching. The teacher will join a dedicated team to inspire students to think critically about scientific principles and their real‑world applications, fostering an inclusive and equitable classroom that reflects the school’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect. The role involves teaching four classes of 12–15 boys, collaborating with the 6th grade team, and advising a small group of students. The curriculum emphasizes conducting experiments, analyzing data, and project‑based learning (PBL) to deepen scientific understanding and critical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement engaging science lessons that bring scientific concepts to life, fostering curiosity and a love for discovery; teach Earth and Environmental Science, Physical Science, or Biology using hands‑on experiments.
• Foster a dynamic classroom environment where students feel challenged and supported.
• Build meaningful connections with students, inspiring confidence, curiosity, and perseverance; create a supportive environment where all students feel valued.
• Actively teach and model the school’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect to nurture academic and character development.
• Utilize varied instructional modes and assessments (formative and summative) to meet diverse learning needs; design assignments and projects that accommodate a range of abilities and interests.
• Incorporate project‑based learning rich with laboratory investigations, educational technology, and cross‑curricular connections; collaborate with colleagues to strengthen program offerings.
• Integrate diverse perspectives, cultural competency, and inclusive practices into lessons so all students feel valued and represented.
• Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, supporting their social‑emotional growth, goal‑setting, and academic progress.
• Actively participate in the life of the school: attend meetings, grade‑level activities, and school events; support extracurricular programs such as coaching sports, facilitating clubs, or leading grade trips.
• Pursue professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in science education and teaching methodologies.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to create a student‑centered classroom that fosters academic rigor, engagement, and positive relationships
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with boys and collaborate with families and colleagues
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching practices
• Ability to provide varied instructional practices to meet the learning needs of diverse learners
• Successful criminal background check

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or related field
• Master’s degree in education, science, or related field
• 2+ years of teaching experience with middle school students or equivalent age group
• Experience with project‑based learning and educational technology integration
• Prior experience working in an all‑boys school or understanding of boys’ developmental needs

Schedule

January 4, 2027 – June 11, 2027; Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:30 pm. Full‑time, exempt.

Pay

Salary range: $36,506 – $50,085 based on qualifications and experience. An additional stipend may be provided for coaching.

Benefits

• Supportive, inclusive, mission‑driven community that encourages creative teaching methods
• Robust professional development budget for school support, professional growth, and collaboration
• Focus on educating the whole boy — academically, socially, emotionally, and physically — through dynamic programming and character development
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities: Pallotta Athletic Center, Sacerdote Science Center, Congoli Center for Innovation, and Elfers Center for the Arts
• Daily hot lunch and assorted salad bar options
• Class sizes of 12–15 students
• Diverse representation in senior leadership positions