Job Description

The Middle School (grades 6-8) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced educator to teach sixth-grade English. Middle School English teachers have four class sections with at least two class periods each day for preparation, on a rotating block schedule. All Middle School teachers participate in an extracurricular activity and serve as advisors to a group of 10 students. Teachers work closely with the Department Chair and the Middle School Director for guidance, curriculum assessment, and evaluation. Teachers meet regularly with both the middle school English department and the sixth-grade team to discuss curriculum, pedagogy, student progress, and special initiatives.

The sixth-grade English curriculum builds a strong foundation in reading, writing, and language skills. Middle school English, at all three grade levels, features a robust independent reading program, in conjunction with small-group book clubs and whole-class texts. In writing, students develop their voices through both expository and creative pieces, guided by a writing workshop approach that encourages process, revision, and reflection. Vocabulary and grammar instruction are integrated throughout the curriculum to deepen students’ appreciation of the power of language and to support their growth as thoughtful readers and expressive writers.

This course serves as a foundation for both English skills and academic habits, as all incoming sixth graders, hailing from a wide variety of schools, need support in acquiring successful habits of learning. These four Habits of Learning—initiative, organization, collaboration, and engagement—are emphasized throughout English and all other courses. Furthermore, all sixth-grade teachers work to establish a positive student culture inspired by the Middle School’s six Habits of Heart and Mind: self-awareness, ethical behavior, kindness, empathy, curiosity, and resilience.

In our hiring process, we look for teachers who:

General Instruction

• Possess a broad knowledge of and experience with current best practices in curriculum and instruction, especially standards-based learning and grading
• Design learning experiences, create assessments, and evaluate student performance in a standards-based system, using a set of established core competencies
• Facilitate a dynamic, inspiring, and joyful classroom, using a wide variety of creative and learner-centered teaching methods
• Support the organizational, academic, and emotional needs of middle schoolers through a genuine love of middle school students
• Differentiate classroom materials, assignments, and presentations as needed to allow for learning differences among students
• Integrates technology confidently into instruction and workflow, using AI tools for both teaching and learning, Canvas LMS, Google Workspace, Viewboards, and other digital resources to enhance learning

English Instruction

• Support a robust reading program through substantial knowledge and experience in independent reading programs, readers’ workshop, literacy practices, genre-based student book clubs, and whole-class texts
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of middle-grade and young-adult fiction and nonfiction, and thoughtfully curate a diverse and engaging classroom library to inspire a love of reading across a range of genres
• Model and scaffold all stages of the writing process to help students develop confidence, clarity, and voice in their expository and creative writing
• Apply effective, grade-appropriate strategies to build students’ grammar and vocabulary skills

School Community Engagement

• Contribute to the school community by actively participating in extracurricular activities, faculty committees, and school initiatives
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through both classroom instruction and broader school community engagement
• Manage frequent, ongoing, and prompt verbal and written communications with students, parents, and colleagues
• Work collaboratively with other faculty members towards common goals through active listening, sharing, and reflecting
• Commit to ongoing professional growth and reflection
• Model high ethical and moral standards

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English or a closely related field required; Master’s degree desired
• At least five years of Middle School teaching experience

We offer:

• An exceptional work environment and caring community
• Highly competitive salary
• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families. Learn more here.

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience through our application portal. As part of your application, please submit a short sample of your own writing composed within the last few years (PLEASE INCLUDE THIS AS PART OF YOUR COVER LETTER.) We would prefer a creative piece, such as a story, poem, personal essay, or memoir, rather than a literary analysis. The piece should demonstrate to the hiring committee your distinctive voice and what you value in compelling writing. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest and will reach out only to those most closely aligned with the position's needs.We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.We look forward to hearing from you!About us:Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.Learn more about the Menlo School hereOur equal opportunity employment policy:Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.Pay range:In the spirit of pay transparency, we share the base salary range for this position for the 2026-2027 academic year. Our Faculty have a wide range of experience. We have teachers who are relatively new to the profession and those who have expertly taught for over 30 years. The full pay range, which encompasses all experience levels, is $97,000-$182,000. Within this broad range, we pay each Faculty member in accordance with what is reasonably expected given an individual's experience level. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, employer contributions to retirement plans, and potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role, but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status, and the number of months worked per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please note that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the top of the range is not typical at Menlo School to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Job ID: 366