Upper School English Teacher

Friends’ Central School Overview

Friends’ Central School is an independent, coeducational Quaker day school founded in 1845 and serving approximately 850 students in Nursery through grade 12. Located in the Philadelphia suburbs, the School has two campuses. The Middle & Upper Schools are located just outside of West Philadelphia in Wynnewood, and the Lower School is on our Old Gulph Road campus in the heart of Wynnewood. The exceptional faculty at Friends’ Central offers a curriculum that cultivates the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical growth of our students. Our pedagogy is grounded in continuing revelation, reflection, integrity, and a willingness to accept responsibility. From Nursery to Grade 12, our students participate in a process designed to foster creative, critical, and flexible thinking, along with compassion. As they transform from playful children to skilled, self-possessed teenagers, they are always intellectually curious and engaged thinkers. Friends’ Central prepares graduates to succeed in college and in life. 

Upper School English Teacher

Friends’ Central School seeks a full-time English teacher who will report to the Upper School Principal.  The teacher is responsible for teaching four courses (or the equivalent of 8 semesters) and being involved in co-curricular work with students.  The teacher will also act as an advisor to a small group of students.   Candidates with departmental clerking or other leadership experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Teach four sections of English
• Focus on critical thinking, analysis, and understanding of literature in the service of clear writing and thinking
• Lead discussion-based, student-centered classes
• Prioritize the teaching of writing as a process
• Foster an environment of inquiry that encourages students’ exploration and curiosity, and engender a love of and appreciation for reading
• Assess students’ progress and performance in a timely fashion
• Communicate with teachers, advisors, and parents regarding student needs and progress
• Act as an advisor to a small group of students 
• Engage with fellow English teachers through grade-level and departmental work, including curricular design 
• Contribute to the School in an extra/co-curricular capacity as appropriate (coaching, advising clubs, etc.)

Qualifications

In addition to having a professional and educational background in teaching English, we are looking for candidates who also possess the following:

• Degree in English or related field
• At least three years of high school teaching experience, secondary or comparable
• Ability to relate well to high school students
• Willingness to contribute to the continuing development of curriculum 
• Demonstrated leadership in collaborating with colleagues, leading conversations on curriculum, or advancing new initiatives 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Other skills related to the use of technology in the classroom and Canvas for coursework and grades
• Ability to relate to parents and the wider community
• Active engagement with the School’s Quaker values and mission
• Active engagement with the School’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity as outlined in our Diversity Statement (see below)
• Desire and ability to be an engaged member of the Friends’ Central faculty and wider community

Physical Demands

Physical demands include dexterity for office machines and supply operation including but not limited to writing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and printers. Stooping, bending, reaching and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.

Please apply here. The application will ask for a resume, cover letter and three professional references. All applications should be completed by March 3, 2025.

Friends’ Central School seeks candidates with a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning community who will address issues of diversity, as well as enhance the Philosophy of Inclusivity and Awareness articulated in our Diversity Statement.