Lower School, 6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher

Founded more than a century ago, Holton-Arms School encourages young women in grades 3-12 to approach the world with a thirst for challenge, unflinching curiosity, and a sense of responsibility to use what they learn for the greatest good. A nationally-recognized school that prioritizes purposeful connections, Holton is a vibrant place where both students and faculty are deeply engaged in the process of learning and bring tremendous spirit and passion to their work.

With a long legacy of excellence in educating girls, Holton provides students with time-tested and future-forward programming, preparing them for what the world needs next. The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit”. Founded in 1901 by two visionary women, Holton-Arms continues to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community; tend to the health and wellbeing of its members; and build a global curriculum that responds to the learners in its classrooms and the world around us.

The school’s aspirations and current program are rooted in Mrs. Holton’s founding vision: “My high hope is that they who enter through the ‘Open Door’ of Holton-Arms remember they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life”. In this vibrant community committed to academic excellence, discovery, creativity, and joy, students are scholars, artists, and athletes who find their voices, take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue leadership opportunities, and build lifelong friendships. The school motto, Inveniam viam aut faciam (I will find a way or make one), exemplifies this spirit of agency and empowerment.

We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, talents, and interests who share our passion for helping girls learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we are committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

Position Overview

Holton-Arms is seeking a passionate, experienced, student-centered Sixth Grade Language Arts Homeroom teacher. This person will lead one of our four Sixth grade homerooms and create and implement the Language Arts curriculum for four sections of Sixth grade. The person will be prepared to commit to and promote the School’s Mission and the institutional priorities embodied in the School’s philosophy of Learn Well, Live Well, Lead Well and the Diversity Mission Statement. The Sixth Grade Language Arts teacher needs to inspire a passion for reading and writing amongst students using a workshop model, work closely with grade level colleagues to design integrated units, and communicate effectively with parents. The Sixth grade teacher will also be responsible for infusing the tenets of Responsive Classroom into homeroom time and academics. 

Key Responsibilities

• Teach four sections of 6th grade English Language Arts
• Serve as a homeroom teacher and Advisor to 6th grade students
• Communicate regularly and effectively with students and parents
• Work collaboratively with teachers in the grade level, division colleagues, and administrators
• Commitment to creating a student-centered and competency-driven classroom
• Attend regular meetings, including in-house professional development
• Participate in supervisory and extracurricular duties, including chaperoning events, lunch and recess duties, and parent events.
• Contribute to the Lower School community through advisory, leading clubs, or other student programming

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Elementary Education/Middle School English
• 3 to 5 years of relevant teaching experience and curriculum development in upper elementary or middle school level
• Demonstrated content knowledge and expertise in reading and writing workshop models, balanced literacy approaches, and differentiated instruction for Language Arts
• Experience with effective classroom management and social-emotional learning methodologies (for example, Responsive Classroom)
• Experience embedding Social and Emotional Learning, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, and Global Competencies into their curriculum
• Experience leading an advisory and the ability to build meaningful, supportive relationships with students.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
• Appreciation for the mission of a school committed to girls’ education
• Proficiency with technology and digital platforms in the classroom (Canvas and Google Classroom)
• Eagerness to collaborate with colleagues within and across disciplines
• Commitment to continuous growth.
• Proficiency in the school learning management system.
• Desire to pursue ongoing professional development.
• High levels of enthusiasm for teaching and learning.
• Coaching experience is desired. Priority Varsity coaching opportunities include Soccer and Lacrosse.

Salary and Benefits Information

The average salary range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000, the exact salary to be determined based on education and experience. We use a step scale to determine teacher salary. Early career teachers are initially compensated less than the listed salary range and highly experienced teachers are compensated more than the listed salary range. Additional stipends are available for coaching, certain club sponsorship, and significant commitments outside of the classroom. Benefits include health insurance with a generous employer contribution to medical, dental, and vision; life and disability insurance; 403b retirement savings with an employer match and non-elective contribution; employee assistance program, tuition remission for eligible children; professional development opportunities; paid parental leave after one year of employment; paid sick and personal days; and lunch is provided on school days.

Application Details

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and the names and contact information of three references (one of whom must be a current or most recent supervisor).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement

Holton-Arms cherishes the uniqueness of each of our members including current and former students, faculty, and staff. We seek to create an inclusive environment that sees, values, and supports diverse identities and experiences, cultivates engaging discourse, and empowers our students to be thriving members of the global community.

At Holton-Arms, each of us is responsible for fostering an equitable, respectful, and just community. We are committed to:

• Discovering, developing, and valuing our full authentic selves.
• Deepening awareness of personal and systemic biases and being accountable for the impact of our words and actions.
• Developing an understanding of the historical origins and perpetuation of systems of power and privilege.
• Engaging in open and brave conversations that promote growth, understanding, connection, and agency.
• Embracing every individual as essential to the community.