Long Term Substitute: Middle School History (Grades 7/8)

La Jolla Country Day School's (LJCDS) Middle School is where we cultivate the maturation of our young scholars in Grades 5-8 in an ever-changing time in their lives. A bridge between the Lower and Upper Schools, the Middle School challenges students within a nurturing environment and provides opportunities to explore a variety of academic offerings, technology, physical education, music, art, community service and leadership roles. We place great value on preparing our students for the Upper School but also for a world beyond academia. We believe in the education of the whole child-inside and outside of the classroom-and encourage students to develop intellectually as well as into citizens of good character.
Are you a dynamic educator with a proven track record in guiding students through the intricacies of research paper development and evaluation, demonstrating expertise in providing constructive feedback and grading assessments with precision and fairness? We are seeking an enthusiastic individual who has a demonstrated passion for learning and teaching to be a Long Term Substitute for our Middle School7/8 history educator. This assignment begins in mid-February 2024 and ends in June, and will include chaperone duties on a multi-day, outdoor education trip in the spring.
The exploration of history and how societies have shaped the present-day fosters a rich and rigorous curriculum in the history department. The goal of the department is to teach students how to regard history thoughtfully and reflectively by interacting with a variety of perspectives within each class. The Stone Ages through the beginning of Christianity and the Roman Empire are the focus of our Grade 7 survey course. Political, military, intellectual and social history is explored along with ancient mythology and religion. In 8th grade, students study modern United States history and civics with a focus on the social, political and economic history that has shaped the United States of America. Our goal is to understand how these topics are both connected to each other and relevant in America and the world today.
The candidate must have:

• A deep passion for the subject matter
• A variety of classroom techniques and methods to promote high levels of achievement in relation to individual student abilities
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and a desire to collaborate with colleagues in the department, across disciplines, and in all divisions
• Ability to create a supportive and caring classroom environment in which students can learn and interact positively with one another; through student-centered instruction, collaboration, and authentic assessment
• The insight to gather and analyze data on student learning and teaching practices to improve the educational experience
• A willingness to contribute to school life as a positive community member in ways that go beyond the role in the classroom
• A bachelor's degree, preferably in a field of history or cultural studies
• Prior teaching experience - preference will be given to candidates with knowledge and teaching experience at the Middle School level

Familiarity with computers and expertise in the use of technology to enhance instruction is expected. To perform this job successfully, an individual must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and be able to learn to use other applications and hardware.
The ideal candidate is committed to leading and learning with dignity and working in an environment where anti-racist education and culturally responsive instructional practices are modeled. They will possess or demonstrate the following: a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-motivation, positive energy, strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented and team approach to work, approachability, adaptability, vulnerability, openness to new and divergent ideas, excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfort in an educational setting where children and adults are present.
All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.
Salary range: This is a Long Term Substitute position with a bi-weekly salary in the range of $2,250-$3,750. This position is not eligible for benefits. The salary offer to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience, training, practical knowledge, and education.
Please submit a current resume/CV, along with a cover letter detailing your experience and specific interest in this role, your educational philosophy, and a recent lesson plan.