Middle School Humanities Teacher

2 openings available. Location: Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Full-time position.

About Pingry

The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school founded in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. The school serves over 1,200 students from more than 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. Pingry’s mission is to inspire lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing students to be global citizens of the 21st century.

About the Role

The Pingry School seeks a dynamic and intellectually engaging Middle School Humanities Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This versatile position is designed for an educator with a strong background in either History/Social Studies or English/Language Arts. Final course assignments will be tailored to the candidate's expertise and strengths. The role emphasizes bringing humanities to life as a vibrant tapestry of human stories and ideas, fostering deep engagement with diverse texts and primary sources, and developing critical analysis skills in students.

The ideal candidate thrives in a student-centered environment, prioritizing textual analysis, historical or literary investigation, and civil discourse. They are adept at sparking curiosity in middle schoolers, guiding them through critical reading, analytical writing, civics, or global and American cultures. Beyond the classroom, the educator serves as a mentor and advisor, fostering empathy, open discourse, and intellectual risk-taking.

The Middle School English and History departments seek professionals who:

• Prioritize student-led questioning, research, and collaborative discussion over traditional lecturing, guiding students to interact deeply with texts and historical evidence to construct well-supported arguments.
• Are comfortable teaching a range of Middle School humanities topics, including literature, creative and analytical writing, world geography, civics, or history.
• Understand that Middle School success is built on trust and emotional well-being, excelling as advisors and advocates for young learners.
• Enjoy cross-departmental collaboration to design immersive learning experiences connecting literary themes and historical concepts to current global events.
• Seek out "teachable moments" in every interaction and are committed to continuous professional and personal growth.

Responsibilities

• Teach four sections of Middle School humanities (English or History, depending on candidate background), utilizing a curriculum that emphasizes critical reading, source evaluation, research, literature appreciation, and analytical writing.
• Serve as an advisor to a group of students, supporting their academic, social, and emotional development during these critical transitional years.
• Guide students in developing critical thinking skills through textual analysis, media literacy, understanding context, and clear oral and written communication of their findings.
• Fulfill an additional "plus one" requirement as assigned (e.g., coaching, club, or affinity group leadership).
• Provide extra academic support for students during flex, community times, conference period, or designated help sessions.
• Participate in all required faculty meetings, department collaborations, Middle School project week, and professional development activities focused on Middle School pedagogy.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in English, History, Humanities Education, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• A broad understanding of Middle School English/Language Arts or History/Social Studies standards, with the ability to translate complex literary themes or socio-political concepts into age-appropriate, engaging lessons.
• Strong interest in or experience with student-centered, inquiry-based teaching models (such as writing workshops, literature circles, or project-based learning) and a deep understanding of Middle School developmental needs.
• A deep-seated commitment to cultivating a culture of belonging where every student feels seen and valued, including designing an inclusive classroom that explores diverse cultural, literary, and historical perspectives.
• The interpersonal skills necessary to build a supportive community and work cross-functionally with diverse constituency groups, in alignment with Pingry's mission and Honor Code.
• Proficiency in educational technology, including Google Suite, digital archives, and learning management systems (e.g., Veracross).
• A demonstrated interest in the intersection of technology and the humanities, with a focus on how digital tools (like research databases, multimedia publishing, or collaborative platforms) can evolve classroom instruction and student-led inquiry.
• Ability to critically evaluate new tools for their pedagogical value rather than just their utility.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and a willingness to pivot instructional strategies to meet the evolving needs of students.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $60,000–$110,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education.

Benefits

Pingry offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans with employer matching.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Tuition remission for employees' children.
• Access to wellness and professional development resources.