The Woods Academy in Bethesda, Maryland, is seeking an experienced Middle School Social Studies Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.  The Woods Academy serves approximately 300 students in the Washington DC, Metropolitan area, including Montgomery County, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The Woods Academy is a Catholic community that nurtures the whole child through academic excellence, spiritual enrichment, and character development. The school provides a comprehensive education for children from age three to Grade 8 with strong academics, a daily world language program, hands-on technology instruction, project-based learning and a well-rounded arts program, all conducted in a small classroom setting.

The Middle School Social Studies Teacher inspires students to become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens by fostering a deep understanding of history, geography, civics, economics, and contemporary issues. Through inquiry-based instruction, project-based learning, and the intentional development of disciplinary literacy skills, the teacher empowers students to analyze evidence, evaluate diverse perspectives, communicate effectively, and engage responsibly in their communities and the wider world.

The ideal candidate creates a dynamic, student-centered classroom where learners investigate compelling questions, explore complex issues, and apply their knowledge through authentic civic engagement experiences. The teacher prepares students for success in rigorous high school programs by developing critical thinking, research, reading, writing, discussion, and collaboration skills.

The Middle School Social Studies Teacher is a ten-month salaried employee.  The role comes with an excellent benefits package, including health insurance, 80 hours of paid time off, paid holidays during the school year, employer contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition discount, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, and other available benefits.  The annual salary range for this position is $60,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience.

Essential Responsibilities

Curriculum and Instruction

• Design and implement engaging, standards-aligned social studies curriculum that integrates history, geography, civics, economics, and current events.
• Facilitate inquiry-driven learning experiences that encourage students to ask questions, analyze evidence, and develop informed conclusions.
• Employ project-based learning approaches that connect classroom learning to authentic issues, challenges, and audiences.
• Create opportunities for students to investigate local, national, and global issues through interdisciplinary and real-world applications.
• Foster students' understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and historical experiences.
• Connect historical content to contemporary events and civic life.

Civic Engagement and Citizenship

• Cultivate informed, ethical, and engaged citizenship through meaningful exploration of democratic principles, institutions, and responsibilities.
• Design learning experiences that encourage students to identify community issues, engage in problem-solving, and consider pathways for civic action.
• Facilitate respectful dialogue and civil discourse around complex and sometimes controversial topics.
• Help students develop the skills to engage thoughtfully with multiple perspectives and contribute constructively to their communities.
• Encourage student voice, agency, leadership, and participation in school and community initiatives.

Content Area Literacy and Information Literacy

• Teach students to read, write, think, and communicate as historians, geographers, and social scientists.
• Develop students' ability to analyze primary and secondary sources, interpret maps and data, and evaluate evidence.
• Explicitly teach disciplinary literacy skills, including source analysis, corroboration, contextualization, close reading, and evidence-based writing.
• Guide students in conducting research, synthesizing information, and constructing well-supported arguments.
• Foster media and information literacy by teaching students to evaluate source credibility, recognize bias, identify misinformation, and thoughtfully consume digital content.
• Collaborate with colleagues and library/media specialists to support research and literacy development across the curriculum.

Assessment and Student Growth

• Use a variety of formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction.
• Assess both content knowledge and transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and civic reasoning.
• Provide timely, meaningful feedback that supports student growth and reflection.
• Maintain accurate records of student achievement and communicate effectively with students and families.

Classroom Culture

• Establish a classroom environment characterized by curiosity, respect, inclusion, and intellectual risk-taking.
• Foster a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and students learn to engage in thoughtful, evidence-based discussion.
• Support the social-emotional development of middle school students and build strong relationships with learners and families.

Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues to support interdisciplinary learning and schoolwide initiatives.
• Engage in ongoing professional growth related to social studies instruction, disciplinary literacy, project-based learning, and civic education.
• Participate fully in the life of the school through student activities, committees, and community events.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative and mission-driven faculty culture.
• Active involvement in the faculty evaluation system based on The Woods Academy Essential Expectations and Teacher Professional Growth system.
• Serve as an advisor for a small group of middle school students, meeting regularly to build community and develop executive functioning and social-emotional learning skills.
• Supervise recess, lunch, and carpool, and fulfill these supervision duties as assigned.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in History, Social Studies Education, Political Science, Geography, or a related field.
• Experience teaching middle school students.
• Demonstrated understanding of inquiry-based and student-centered instructional practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting the developmental needs of adolescents.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Education, History, Social Studies, or a related field.
• Experience with project-based learning, civic engagement initiatives, or experiential education.
• Experience teaching disciplinary literacy and research skills within the social studies classroom.
• Familiarity with frameworks such as the C3 Framework, Educating for American Democracy, or the Stanford History Education Group/Digital Inquiry Group approach.
• Experience integrating technology, media literacy, and current events into instruction.

Desired Characteristics

The successful candidate:

• Believes social studies is essential to preparing informed and engaged citizens.
• Inspires curiosity about the past, present, and future.
• Values inquiry, discussion, and evidence-based reasoning.
• Encourages students to consider multiple perspectives and think critically about complex issues.
• Demonstrates a passion for literacy, civic engagement, and authentic learning experiences.
• Brings creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm to the school community.

Outcomes for Students

Students in this program will:

• Read, analyze, and evaluate complex texts and sources.
• Write and speak effectively using evidence to support claims.
• Engage respectfully with diverse viewpoints.
• Evaluate information critically and responsibly.
• Understand the connections between historical events and contemporary issues.
• Develop the confidence and skills to participate meaningfully in civic and community life.
• Enter high school as independent learners, critical thinkers, and informed citizens.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to jobs@woodsacademy.org.

About The Woods Academy

The Woods Academy is an independent Catholic school, offering boys and girls from pre-school through Grade 8 a challenging and supportive educational experience. The Woods Academy is a warm and welcoming community comprised of 300+ students, 200+ families and 60+ faculty and staff. The school is located on six acres in the residential area of Bethesda, Maryland.

Connections working at The Woods Academy