High School French Language 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 teach French beginning in August 2026. 

The ideal candidate will inspire students to learn French 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 must have a strong knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary, and have training in second language instruction. Candidates should be passionate about teaching and celebrating French  language and culture. Candidates should be comfortable using a blended approach of ACTFL’s standards and conducting classes in French while incorporating a deep focus on cultural understanding. 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 French Language Teacher: 

• Creates and delivers engaging French curricula in a secondary school context. 
• Teaches French at all levels, including CP, Honors, and AP.
• 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.
• Commits to diversity and multicultural educational practices. 
• Uses multicultural teaching/leadership methods, materials, and resources that reflect multiple perspectives.
• Engages in professional development opportunities to further develop inclusive teaching and leadership practices.
• Demonstrates a collaborative mindset that seeks out opportunities to work as a part of a high-functioning team.
• Commits to remaining current in educational research and pedagogy.
• Conferences with parents upon request and responds to messages in a timely manner.
• 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. 
• Moderates a club and leads an advisory group. 
• 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 staffulty meetings and any and all aspects that support the student experience.

Qualifications include

• A bachelor’s degree in French Education, master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of teaching.
• Fluency in French and English.
• Demonstrated knowledge of subject content, curriculum, and methodology of effective teaching.
• Skilled in the use of computer technology to enhance learning.
• Effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues and parents.
• Enthusiastic interest in teaching, motivating, and mentoring high school students.
• 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 over 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 embraces diversity and inclusion through its mission, Mercy identity and student body. Merion Mercy Academy is committed to providing an educational and working environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Members of the community, applicants for employment or admissions, guests and visitors have the right to be free from harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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 with contact information for 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.

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.