Website Aurora School Aurora School
Head Smart & Heart Smart
Middle School Humanities Guide (ELA/Social Studies)
About Aurora School
Aurora School is a progressive K-8 independent school with a strong social justice focus. We believe in empowering students to make a meaningful difference in the world. Instead of viewing the middle school years as simply “awkward” or “difficult,” we see them as a critical time for growth and transformation academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Aurora, we call our teachers Guides because they are more than instructors; Guides are mentors who walk alongside students as they learn, reflect, and grow into more self-aware, empathetic, and confident young people.
We’ve designed an innovative middle school model that blends project-based academics with social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and real-world skill development. Our students thrive in an integrated learning environment where critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth are equally valued.
About the Position
Reports to: Head of School
Status: Full time
We are seeking a passionate, student-centered, self-motivated educator to join our middle school team as a Humanities Guide. In this role, you will:
- Teach project-based, interdisciplinary “Quests” that center on ELA while integrating history, social justice, and current events, with opportunities to incorporate artistic modalities into student work; this also includes coordinating monthly field trips and guest speakers that deepen learning.
- Lead Morning Meetings and a weekly advisory group to support social-emotional development, serving as a trusted adult and model of Aurora’s values.
- Teach High School Prep for 7th and 8th graders (one semester each), and partner with the Admissions Director and families to support high school visits, readiness, and placement.
- Contribute to Aurora’s culture of family partnership and retention
- Teach small classes and a manageable student load (~25 students now, 30–35 with growth).
- Have robust prep time built into the schedule for planning, collaboration, and balance.
What We Look for in a Guide
A Whole-Self Approach to Education: Our Guides create safe, inclusive spaces where students develop emotional intelligence, confidence, and resilience.
A Commitment to Social Justice & Equity: We work to dismantle systems of oppression and build an anti-racist, multicultural learning environment. Our Guides model cultural competency, foster equity-centered dialogue, and embrace diverse perspectives.
A Passion for Educating Middle Schoolers: You love working with adolescents and honor this unique stage of transformation intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
A Growth Mindset & Love for Learning: You are self-directed and confident, and you welcome feedback as part of continuous growth. You bring curiosity to your work and model lifelong learning.
An Entrepreneurial, Real-World Perspective: You have an entrepreneurial mindset and energy for creating and adapting project-based curriculum that connects learning to the real world through community partnerships and authentic application.
A Relational Approach to Community: You build trusted relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners. You communicate clearly, follow through, and contribute meaningfully to Aurora’s culture of belonging, enrollment, and retention.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Curriculum Development
- Lead interdisciplinary, project-based Humanities “Quests” that center on inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world relevance. Each Quest culminates in a public-facing event or exhibition.
Examples: “What are your big dreams for U.S. democracy, and how can you make them real?” & “What’s the recipe for a revolution?” - Teach reading, writing, research, and text analysis across genres, including Socratic discussion and evidence-based argument.
- Design culminating projects and presentations that apply learning to authentic, real-world contexts.
- Coordinate guest speakers and excursions connected to curricular content.
- Co-lead two overnight trips each year with the middle school (two nights in the fall; three nights in the spring).
- Adapt and evolve curriculum responsively, drawing from current events, student interests, and community partnerships.
- Track student data to inform instruction, differentiation, and intervention.
Complete quarterly progress reports that reflect students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
Advisory & Social-Emotional Learning
- Lead Morning Meeting and a weekly advisory group where students practice social-emotional skills, ethical awareness, reflection, and personal growth strategies.
- Build a relational, inclusive classroom culture with high expectations and a sense of belonging, where students feel seen, heard, understood, and valued.
- Implement restorative practices to support accountability, repair harm, and strengthen community.
Collaboration & Community Engagement
- Work closely with middle school colleagues to create an integrated learning experience.
- Partner with families to support student success.
- Contribute to faculty meetings & school-wide initiatives.
Qualifications
- Dedication to anti-racism, equity, and social justice in education.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- At least 2 years of experience teaching Humanities (ELA/Social Studies) at the middle school or upper elementary level
- Experience designing curriculum for adolescents.
- Experience with project-based learning and progressive teaching methods.
- (Preferred) Experience with restorative justice or social-emotional learning practices.
- (Preferred) Experience teaching mixed-grade classrooms
- (Preferred) Expedition or trip-leading experience.
Compensation & Benefits
- $60,000 – $130,000, based on experience and education.
- Health & retirement benefits, disability insurance, and professional development opportunities.
Sign-on Bonus: Aurora will offer a $1,000 sign-on bonus to a candidate who signs and begins by the start of January 2026.
How to Apply: To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to Lynsey Kamine, Head of School. (Lkamine@auroraschool.org)
Aurora School is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and evaluate all candidates based on merit.
Learn more at www.auroraschool.org.