Upper School English Teacher - Long-Term Substitute

About Us

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. Our 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 Fessenden School has offered state-of-the-art facilities, a dynamic curriculum, and programs specifically designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of boys.

Position Summary

Fessenden seeks a creative, reflective, and collaborative Upper School English Teacher (long-term substitute) to teach two classes of Grade 7 English and two classes of Grade 9 English from April 5, 2027, to June 15, 2027. This educator will inspire a love of reading, writing, and critical thinking while supporting boys’ academic growth, character development, and identity formation during these pivotal years.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Teach and Inspire: Teach Upper School English curriculum (two classes of grade 7 and two classes of grade 9), including literature, writing, grammar, and discussion-based analysis, using developmentally appropriate texts and strategies.
• Create a dynamic classroom environment where boys feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to take intellectual risks.
• Create engaging English lessons that bring literature, language, and writing to life, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of reading.
• Build Relationships: Build meaningful relationships with students that inspire confidence, curiosity, and perseverance as readers, writers, and thinkers.
• Create a supportive and structured learning environment where all students feel known, valued, and respected.
• Incorporate core values of honesty, compassion, and respect into teaching practices, supporting students' academic growth and character development.
• Differentiate Instruction: Utilize varied instructional strategies and assessments to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Integrate project-based learning (PBL), educational technology, and interdisciplinary connections to create an engaging and relevant English classroom experience.
• Collaborate with colleagues across grade levels, departments, and student support services to strengthen curriculum and instructional practice.
• Promote Inclusion: Integrate diverse voices, perspectives, and culturally responsive practices into literature selection, writing, and classroom dialogue.
• Mentor and advise: Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, supporting their social-emotional development, goal-setting, and academic growth throughout their Upper School experience.
• Contribute to community: Actively participate in the life of the school by attending meetings, grade-level activities, and community events.

Qualifications

• 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 various instructional practices to meet the learning needs of diverse learners
• Successful criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field
• Bachelor’s degree in education, English, or a related field
• Master’s degree in education, English, or a related field
• 2+ years of teaching experience with middle school students or an 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

Compensation

The range for this position is $18,633 - $25,564 based on qualifications and experience. An additional stipend of $3,045 may be provided for coaching.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive, inclusive, and mission-driven community that supports creative teaching methods
• A robust professional development budget that provides for school support, professional growth, and collaboration opportunities
• A focus on educating the whole boy academically, socially, emotionally, and physically through dynamic programming and an emphasis on character development
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities: Pallotta Athletic Center, Sacerdote Science Center, Congoli Center for Innovation, and the Elfers Center for the Arts
• Daily hot lunch and assorted salad bar options
• Class sizes from 12 to 15 students
• Diverse representation in Senior Leadership positions

To Apply

Submit an application through Fessenden’s Career Site. Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. The Fessenden School encourages applications from candidates with diverse or minority backgrounds. Equal Opportunity Employer