6th Grade History and Electives Teacher

Position: 6th Grade History and Electives Teacher       

Position Start Date: August 1, 2026 

Reports to: Upper School Director and Arts and Electives Coordinator 

Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt 

Foothill Country Day School is currently seeking an energetic, creative, and resourceful 6th Grade History and Electives Teacher for its Upper School. The teacher has primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining a teaching and learning environment that reflects Foothill’s Mission and Core Values. The teacher offers instruction focused on Ancient History and collaborates with Upper School teachers to develop curriculum that fosters curiosity in students and facilitates an understanding of the natural world. The teacher will possess the content knowledge and skills to inspire a love of learning in students and an appreciation for the richness and variety of ancient cultures and peoples. The teacher will value the importance of building a solid academic foundation and supporting the social emotional development of their students.

Successful candidates will have teaching experience in the elementary and middle grades and the demonstrated ability—through observation and references—to teach to the highest level of all students in a school that aims to reach the whole child.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

6th Grade History Teacher 

• Teach 4 classes
  (3 sections of 6th grade history, 1 section of Arts Electives)  


• Collaborate with the Upper School Director and faculty to ensure the development and coordination of the 6thgrade history curriculum and academic preparation and consistency of expectations across grade levels 


• Establish high academic and behavior expectations and a supportive, predictable learning climate that provides opportunities for students to learn to be accountable  


• Create a Responsive Classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the academic, social, and emotional developments of students 


• Differentiate instruction to meet a range of learning styles and prior experience, helping each student find an entry point into the study of history 


• Form trusting, supportive relationships with students and partnerships with parents  


• Gauge the instructional curriculum so that it is developmentally appropriate and meets the needs of each learner  


• Use whole class, small group and individual instructional techniques  


• Observe, evaluate, encourage, and monitor students’ academic and social development and progress  


• Communicate regularly and proactively with students, parents, and colleagues regarding students’ progress  


• Participate in an overnight experiential learning opportunity  


• Attend and implement professional development training throughout and beyond the school year 


• Conduct parent conferences. 


• Serve as an advisor for 6thgrade students. 


• Utilize such vehicles as weekly Friday Notes and monthly bulletins to communicate grade level happenings and current areas of focus to the broader community. 


• Demonstrate support and knowledge of the school's goals and mission. 


• Cultivate an inclusive classroom community that values diverse artistic voices, cultures, and respectful dialogue 


• Participate fully in the life of the middle school through advising, collaboration with colleagues, and engagement with families 

Electives Teacher 

• Design and teach art history electives for middle school students that spark curiosity, imagination, and confidence in engaging with works of art 


• Introduce students to global artistic traditions and visual cultures through storytelling and age-appropriate historical context 


• Foster discussion-based classes that encourage students to share observations, ask questions, and listen thoughtfully to multiple perspectives 


• Guide students in developing foundational skills in visual analysis, reflective writing, and presentation in a supportive, exploratory environment 


• Create hands-on and creative assignments such as sketch-based analysis, visual journals, mini-exhibitions, and student presentations 


• Integrate interdisciplinary connections to history, literature, and social studies that reinforce broader curricular goals 


• Use digital tools and museum resources to extend learning beyond the classroom and connect students with authentic works of art 

The ideal candidate will have the following educational and work background: 

• A minimum of 3-5 years of classroom teaching experience  


• Undergraduate degree from a 4-year accredited institution in science, history, or a related field  


• Postgraduate degree is preferred but not required  


• Demonstrated knowledge of educational technology to support teaching and learning 


• Working knowledge of Google Classroom, Zoom, and online learning websites and applications 

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes: 

• Understanding of Foothill’s Mission and Core Values 


• A passion for teaching history to pre-adolescent students 


• Familiarity with authentic assessment practices and current educational technology  


• A solid understanding of pre-adolescents’ academic and social emotional development 


• A desire to work with children and embrace their differences in learning and temperament and meet their individual needs  


• Strong organizational and time management skills 


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills  


• A proven record of collegial collaboration together with an understanding of interpersonal relations and a healthy sense of humor. 


• Experience with Schoology and PowerSchool 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits 


• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Benefits 


• 403(b) Retirement Plan Benefits (7% employer contribution upon hire; 8% after four years of full-time service) 


• 100% Tuition Remission for all admitted K-8 children of full-time employees (50% for admitted preschool children) 


• Personal, Sick, Holiday/Break, Jury Duty, and Bereavement Leave with pay 

Salary Range: 

• $65,000-$75,000 annually 

Foothill Country Day School provides a competitive wage and an inviting, professional, and collegial working environment and is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all local, state, and federal laws in its interview and employment practices. Physical presence is an essential function of the job.