Middle School Humanities Guide (ELA/Social Studies)
About the position:
Status: Full-Time
Reports to: Head of School
We are seeking a passionate, student-centered, self-motivated educator to join our middle school team as a Humanities Guide. In this role, you will:
- Teach project-based, interdisciplinary “Quests” that center on ELA while integrating history, social justice, and current events, with opportunities to incorporate artistic modalities into student work; this also includes coordinating monthly field trips and guest speakers that deepen learning.
- Lead Morning Meetings and a weekly advisory group to support social-emotional development, serving as a trusted adult and model of Aurora’s values.
- Teach High School Prep for 7th and 8th graders (one semester each), and partner with the Admissions Director and families to support high school visits, readiness, and placement.
- Contribute to Aurora’s culture of family partnership and retention
- Teach small classes and a manageable student load (~25 students now, 30–35 with growth).
- Have robust prep time built into the schedule for planning, collaboration, and balance.
What We Look For In A Guide:
A Whole-Self Approach to Education: Our Guides create safe, inclusive spaces where students develop emotional intelligence, confidence, and resilience.
A Commitment to Social Justice & Equity: We work to dismantle systems of oppression and build an anti-racist, multicultural learning environment. Our Guides model cultural competency, foster equity-centered dialogue, and embrace diverse perspectives.
A Passion for Educating Middle Schoolers: You love working with adolescents and honor this unique stage of transformation intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
A Growth Mindset & Love for Learning: You are self-directed and confident, and you welcome feedback as part of continuous growth. You bring curiosity to your work and model lifelong learning.
An Entrepreneurial, Real-World Perspective: You have an entrepreneurial mindset and energy for creating and adapting project-based curriculum that connects learning to the real world through community partnerships and authentic application.
A Relational Approach to Community: You build trusted relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners. You communicate clearly, follow through, and contribute meaningfully to Aurora’s culture of belonging, enrollment, and retention.
Key Responsibilities:
Teaching & Curriculum Development
- Lead interdisciplinary, project-based Humanities “Quests” that center on inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world relevance. Each Quest culminates in a public-facing event or exhibition.
- Examples: "What are your big dreams for U.S. democracy, and how can you make them real?" & "What's the recipe for a revolution?"
- Teach reading, writing, research, and text analysis across genres, including Socratic discussion and evidence-based argument.
- Design culminating projects and presentations that apply learning to authentic, real-world contexts.
- Coordinate guest speakers and excursions connected to curricular content.
- Co-lead two overnight trips each year with the middle school (two nights in the fall; three nights in the spring).
Adapt and evolve curriculum responsively, drawing from current events, student interests, and community partnerships.
Track student data to inform instruction, differentiation, and intervention.
Complete quarterly progress reports that reflect students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
Advisory & Social-Emotional Learning
- Lead Morning Meeting and a weekly advisory group where students practice social-emotional skills, ethical awareness, reflection, and personal growth strategies.
- Build a relational, inclusive classroom culture with high expectations and a sense of belonging, where students feel seen, heard, understood, and valued.
- Implement restorative practices to support accountability, repair harm, and strengthen community.
Collaboration & Community Engagement
- Work closely with middle school colleagues to create an integrated learning experience.
- Partner with families to support student success.
- Contribute to faculty meetings & school-wide initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Dedication to anti-racism, equity, and social justice in education.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- At least 2 years of experience teaching Humanities (ELA/Social Studies) at the middle school or upper elementary level
- Experience designing curriculum for adolescents.
- Experience with project-based learning and progressive teaching methods.
- (Preferred) Experience with restorative justice or social-emotional learning practices.
- (Preferred) Experience teaching mixed-grade classrooms ● (Preferred) Expedition or trip-leading experience.
Salary: $60,000 - $130,000, based on experience and education.
Health & retirement benefits, disability insurance, and professional development opportunities.
Sign-on Bonus: Aurora will offer a $1,000 sign-on bonus to a candidate who signs and begins by the start of January 2026.
How to Apply
How To Apply:
To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to Lynsey Kamine, Head of School (lkamine@auroraschool.org)
Aurora School is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and evaluate all candidates based on merit.
