Who we are?
Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves an inclusive community of about 1,700 students on two campuses -- one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, and the other in Manhattan. The Upper School, located in the Bronx, is comprised of approximately 600 students and 80 faculty members.  

What is essential about working at our school?
The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of inclusion and belonging deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace all aspects of an individual, including their ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self.  

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in an inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality. 

Position Summary
We are seeking a STEM Teacher for City Semester,  our interdisciplinary, experiential semester program for juniors in our Upper Division for the 26/27 School Year. This unique role combines teaching our science course—an Ecology elective that explores natural and urban ecology through a systems lens—with our math course, which integrates precalculus topics and data analysis. 

The ideal candidate is confident teaching across STEM disciplines and has demonstrated experience with collaborative/co-teaching models, as well as a passion for experiential and project-based learning. They employ a range of pedagogical approaches (e.g., direct instruction, cooperative group work, and project-based learning) and are excited to teach students from a wide range of backgrounds in a values-based community. Qualified candidates also demonstrate a commitment to fostering equity, belonging, and inclusion within and beyond the classroom. A passion for alternative learning models and a commitment to lifelong learning are essential. 

This is a 1.0 FTE (full time equivalency) position beginning September 1, 2026 and the hiring range for this role is $75,261-$184,830.

Please note that this is an onsite role and not performed remotely. Ethical Culture Fieldston School retains its right to modify job duties in accordance with changing operational needs.

Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities of the City Semester teacher will include:

• Teaching and developing a dynamic curriculum across STEM disciplines in the program;

• Having a collaborative approach with colleagues including sharing resources, communicating about curriculum and students, and  working  with a core team of City Semester colleagues to plan curriculum and weekly field experiences; 

• Preparing for and communicating details about student performance and growth with parents and/or guardians at scheduled conferences;

• Attending all departmental, division and school-wide meetings;

• Appropriately addressing student behavioral issues and other challenges that may arise in the program in order to maintain a safe environment and a sense of calm in such situations;

• Maintaining accurate student record keeping including grades and attendance;

• Providing encouragement to students to help support their social and emotional growth; 

• Ensuring confidentiality of student information as necessary;

• Maintaining compliance with all school policies, state regulations, and educational standards; and

• Performing other related projects and duties as needed and assigned.

Position Requirements
The successful incumbent will possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field. Master’s degree preferred;

• A minimum 2 years of relevant teaching experience, preferably with upper school students;  

• Demonstrated ability to teach fluidly across multiple STEM disciplines;

• A passion for teaching with a pleasant and positive demeanor toward all forms of teaching and learning;

• A positive attitude and the ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback; 

• The ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with faculty, administrators, students, parents, and the overall community; 

• A commitment to cultural competency and to fostering an inclusive environment that supports students of all backgrounds;

• The ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, and prioritize required tasks; 

• Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills; 

• Passionate about the chosen field of study;

• Varied teaching approach: listening, cooperative learning, flipped classroom;

• A commitment to engaging in ongoing professional development and proficiency in utilizing and learning new technologies (i.e., Google Workspace tools); 

• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance; and

• The ability to cultivate a welcoming culture in which all members of our community feel valued and appreciated.

To Apply
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. 

EEO
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to be a welcoming community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to hiring practices that ensure all candidates are given fair consideration in alignment with our institutional mission and goals. 

About Ethical Culture Fieldston School

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK to 12 independent school serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs. Committed to academic excellence, ethical learning, and progressive education, ECFS offers a rich and challenging curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A coed, nonsectarian school, it serves a diverse community of about 1,700 students from PreK to 12 on two campuses -- one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, and the other in Manhattan.

Connections working at Ethical Culture Fieldston School