High School Social Studies Teacher

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12 outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks a dynamic and student-centered educator versed in current trends, research, and emerging ideas in education to serve as a Social Studies teacher beginning August 2026.

The ideal candidate will inspire students to learn Social Studies and will work collaboratively with colleagues in various curricular areas.  He or she will embrace the school’s Mercy mission to promote a holistic education that is student-centered and encourages both academic and personal excellence.  He or she will be enthusiastic about teaching girls, have a familiarity with instructional technology, and enjoy working within a team setting of shared ideas and constructive feedback in a collaborative manner. The candidate will demonstrate skills in cross-cultural teaching and leadership practices, and be dedicated to working in a diverse community. He or she will contribute to and be committed to diversity and multicultural educational practices.  

Candidates should be passionate about teaching social studies and be able to artfully relate concepts and principles to students' everyday lives. He or she must be a team player with initiative, judgment, and problem-solving skills.  Personal characteristics necessary for the position include positivity and enthusiasm for all aspects of school life; warmth and a good sense of humor; patience and persistence; and excellent communication skills.  

Reporting directly to the Dean of Academics, the Social Studies teacher:   

• Creates and delivers engaging Social Studies curricula in a secondary school context;
• Is able to teach a range of Social Studies courses including World Cultures, U.S. History and Government, Psychology, Sociology, and Economics, and AP courses;
• Reflects the school’s mission and core values as a Catholic school founded by the Sisters of Mercy;
• Establishes a culture of positive communication with students, colleagues, and parents;
• Communicates effectively with diverse populations;
• Creates an inclusive classroom/work environment;
• Demonstrates a collaborative mindset that seeks out opportunities to work as a part of a high-functioning team;
• Conferences with parents and responds to messages in a timely manner;
• Commits to remaining current in educational research and pedagogy, including Universal Design for Learning principles and student centered instructional practices;
• Develops varied assessment tools to perform both formative and summative assessment; consistently and effectively evaluates student progress;
• Practices a positive approach to classroom management;
• Maintains current and accurate records;
• Possesses strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents;
• Collaborates well with colleagues on pedagogical approaches, curricular alignment and instructional strategies;
• Encourages collaborative teamwork in the classroom, teaching students to communicate effectively and thoughtfully;
• Invests in the life of the school by participating in the advisory program, department and faculty  meetings and any and all aspects that support the student experience;
• Moderates a club and leads an advisory group;
• Creates daily lessons and learning activities for students based on standards in Social Studies education and research;
• Delivers high-quality, engaging instruction in the form of discussion, direct teaching, demonstrations and independent practice using a variety of proven methods;
• Maintains a safe, orderly and supportive classroom;
• Participates actively in the school’s professional learning community, as appropriate, to deepen the understanding of curriculum, content, and competencies.
  

Qualifications include:

• A B.S./B.A. in either History or International Studies, master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of teaching.
• Demonstrated knowledge of subject content, curriculum, and methodology of effective teaching.
• Skilled in the use of computer technology to enhance learning.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with students, peers, administrators, and parents.
• Independent school/girls’ school experience preferred.

Founded in 1884 by the Sisters of Mercy and located on a beautiful 12-acre campus on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Merion Mercy currently enrolls close to 400 students from diverse geographic areas and socioeconomic groups. Merion Mercy’s academic program consistently challenges each student to prepare for college and a lifetime of service, thus developing competent and compassionate women for the future. Merion Mercy’s faculty and staff are committed to providing a holistic education that not only stresses academic and personal excellence but also encourages all students to “Live Mercy and Seek Justice,” an educational philosophy that builds a true sense of sisterhood that extends beyond the classroom. 

Merion Mercy Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and statement of educational philosophy along with three professional references to Anne Gregg, Executive Assistant to the President, at [email protected].

More information about working at Merion Mercy Academy can be found at: www.merion-mercy.com/careers.