The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website at www.sffriendsschool.org.

The school seeks teachers who resonate with the Friends School mission, which provides an exemplary education in a community dedicated to problem-solving, service to others, simplicity, social justice, and quiet reflection. Our Quaker mission also compels us to create a diverse and inclusive community; we seek a person who will thrive and contribute to such a community, both within and beyond the walls of the school.

Job Summary

San Francisco Friends School seeks an experienced Middle School Humanities teacher who is compelled by the school’s mission and committed to progressive, integrated Humanities education. 

Humanities at Friends is an inquiry-based, conceptual program where students grapple with problems and make meaning for themselves. We strive to build students' capacity to think critically and express themselves in dialogue and writing. Teachers are engaged in regular collaboration, curriculum development, and pedagogical reflection. Candidates should have a strong understanding of history and literature and be invested in collaborating with colleagues and working closely with students. Experience as an instructional leader or curriculum designer is also desired for the next instructor.

Candidates should know that San Francisco Friends School deeply values integration and collaboration. Teachers work in cross-disciplinary teams to develop and implement curricula that examine relevant contemporary topics in their full complexity. Timely communication, patience, humility, willingness to listen, and the ability to problem-solve with peers are at the core of this work.  

Responsibilities:

• Classroom teaching at the Middle School level
• Supporting close teamwork for curriculum development, committee involvement, and student assessment 
• Facilitating a student advisory group; supervising lunch and recess
• Preparing timely and attentive parent communications, including quarterly student progress reports 
• Engaging with parents and guardians about Humanities content, approach, and philosophy in both proactive and responsive ways
• Attending and supervising overnight outdoor education as well as various field-based curricular and cultural explorations
• Support school-wide events, including Back to School Night, presentation night, field day, and admissions events
• Facilitating student-led conferences twice a year

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher, in a related field preferred 
• Late elementary or middle school teaching experience and love and appreciation for middle school
• Openness to Quaker philosophy
• Highly collaborative and creative team player
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and an ability to work with and support a diverse population of students and families.

Preferred Qualities:

• Four or more years of experience teaching middle school English, history, or social studies
• Advanced degree in English, History, Social Sciences
• Knowledge of current pedagogy and facility with hands-on and project-based instruction
• Language skills in Spanish and/or Cantonese
• Teaching credential or Masters’ Degree

About San Francisco Friends School

Connections working at San Francisco Friends School