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Commonwealth School, an independent day school that occupies two brownstones in Boston’s Back Bay, is known for its rigorous academics, low (5:1) student-teacher ratio, and strong program in the arts. In the warmth of a small yet richly varied community of engaged students and passionate teachers, talents and curiosity generate excitement, laughter, and respect among students, faculty, and staff. We work closely and collaboratively with each other in our cozy space, and we make extensive use of Boston’s many resources.

Our mission is to educate young people from diverse backgrounds to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and creative adults, capable of careful analysis, fruitful cooperation, and responsible leadership. In keeping with our mission, our teachers challenge and support students as they develop the skills that will encourage their lifelong love of learning.

Our teachers design curriculum, reflect on their practice, create partnerships within their departments, and support student learning both in the classroom and in one-on-one tutorials. Faculty and staff value trust and respect, shared stewardship, autonomy, accountability, creativity, and enjoyment (see our fully articulated norms here). Detailed information about the school is available on our website.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We seek a full-time teacher whose primary responsibility will be to teach biology, with the flexibility to cover additional courses in science (chemistry or physics) or math. In future years, there may be the opportunity to teach an elective, such as anatomy and physiology, environmental science, or another course in the teacher’s area of expertise.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Teach at least two sections of first-year biology using an established curriculum that includes cell biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, and ecology and one or two sections of another science or math course. (Full-time science teachers generally teach 3 to 4 lab-based courses.)
• Work closely with the science department to coordinate curriculum and assessments to ensure consistency across sections.
• Help maintain the biology lab space and prepare for weekly lab periods.
• Work with students outside of class as needed to provide one-on-one tutorial support
• Assume one or more administrative roles, such as mentoring student projects or advising clubs.
• Fulfill duties beyond the classroom that are shared among the faculty and staff, including supporting our admissions team, chaperoning student activities, and attending our twice-yearly all-school retreats.
• After the first year, full-time teachers serve as an advisor to up to 8 students.

The annual (ten-month school year) salary depends on experience (e.g., $62,000-$84,000 for up to 10 years experience). A generous benefits package includes health and dental insurance and retirement contributions. In addition, the school encourages and supports professional development, including through summer grants for curriculum development and personal enrichment and funding for workshops and other programs.

We offer personalized and sustained onboarding during the first year, including weekly meetings with the Assistant Head of School and the Dean of Faculty Hiring and Support and close work with a peer mentor.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Firmly committed to establishing culturally responsive classrooms, we seek teachers who think independently and love learning—especially alongside a diverse body of high school students.

The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of biology and find genuine joy in fostering students’ understanding of the subject. Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree in biology, or the equivalent, and some experience teaching or tutoring. Teacher certification is not required. Strong candidates will demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion in a diverse community and show a keen interest in collaborating with colleagues while mentoring young people.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing their experience, teaching philosophy, and commitment to fostering inclusive classrooms and equitable outcomes for all students, along with a résumé or CV that includes the names and contact information of three references as soon as possible, using our Hiring Intake Form. Questions about the position should be sent to hiring@commschool.org.

Candidates who would benefit from accommodations at any point during the application process are encouraged to reach out to Clinton Williams, our Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (cwilliams@commschool.org).

Commonwealth School is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.