History Teacher Leave Replacement

About Portledge School:

Founded in 1965, Portledge School is an independent, pre-nursery through twelfth-grade preparatory day school set on a pastoral 63-acre campus on Long Island's North Shore, just 50 minutes from NYC. Serving approximately 525 students, Portledge offers a rigorous, student-centered college preparatory program delivered through small class sizes and inquiry-based learning. Our community is grounded in the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect, and we're committed to helping students develop the critical thinking skills and moral courage - defined at Portledge as acting with kindness, honor, purpose, and respect, even when it isn't easy - needed for lifelong learning.

Job Description:

Portledge School seeks a knowledgeable, engaging, and student-centered History Teacher to serve as a leave replacement for grades 6–9. The leave runs in two parts: March 15, 2027 through June 8, 2027, and a return in fall 2027 from the start of the school year until approximately October 20, 2027. This is a full-time, temporary position. Reporting to the Middle School Division Head, this individual will teach the assigned history sections in order to maintain continuity with the existing curriculum. This role blends daily instruction with collaborative planning, close communication with students and families, and active participation in the life of the school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach the assigned grades 6–9 history sections, delivering engaging, inquiry-based instruction that builds content knowledge and historical thinking skills.
• Follow and maintain continuity with the existing curriculum and the classroom teacher's plans, and support smooth handoffs at the start and end of each leave period.
• Develop students' skills in reading primary and secondary sources, analytical writing, research, and evidence-based discussion.
• Design and grade assessments, provide timely and effective feedback, and complete progress reports and comments during the leave periods.
• Communicate clearly and regularly with students, families, advisors, and colleagues about student progress.
• Participate collegially in department and division meetings, collaborative planning, and the school's professional learning community.
• Support students and the community by taking part in school events, advisory, and evening/weekend programs as assigned during the leave periods.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in history, social studies, or a related field.
• Experience teaching history or social studies to middle or early high school students.
• Availability for both leave periods: March 15 – June 8, 2027 and the start of the 2027–28 school year through approximately October 20, 2027.
• Superb written and oral communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Familiarity with Google Docs, Drive, and Slides as both a professional collaboration tool and an instructional tool in the classroom.
• A commitment to the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in history, education, or a related field.
• New York State teaching certification in social studies.
• Experience with inquiry-based, discussion-centered, or project-based history instruction.
• International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme experience.
• Prior experience as a leave replacement teacher in an independent school.

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off: 10 PTO days annually for full-time employees; part-time PTO prorated based on hours worked.
• Vacation: 15–25 days for full-time, 12-month employees.
• Paid Holidays: up to 18 per year for full-time employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan, with up to 5% employer match for qualifying employees.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available through UHC/Oxford.
• HSA, FSA, and DCA accounts available for eligible employees.
• Voluntary insurance through Lincoln Life and Aflac.
• Professional development subsidies.
• Free lunch from our in-house food service.
• Tuition remission for eligible employees, budget permitting.
• Graduate assistance for eligible employees, budget permitting.

Application Notes:

Please submit your resume and cover letter by applying directly to the position posted on our Careers Page. Position open until filled.

Start Date:

March 15, 2027 (first leave period concludes June 8, 2027; second leave period runs from the start of the 2027–28 school year until approximately October 20, 2027)

Compensation

$200-$225, daily rate

Website:

https://www.portledge.org