Position Details
| Title |
Upper School English Teacher |
| Supervisor |
Upper School English Dept Chair |
| FLSA Designation |
Exempt |
| Calendar |
10 month |
General Summary
McDonogh School is posting an anticipated opening in the Upper School English Department for the 2026-2027 school year.
An ideal Upper School English teacher is a dynamic, caring intellectual who inspires students to develop both skills and passion for literature, writing, and critical thinking. This teacher will work with students in grades 9-12 across a range of courses and ability levels, fostering a student-centered learning environment that values effort, growth, and intellectual curiosity.
Compensation for this position will generally be offered in the range of $55,000 - $70,000. Individual offers will be specific, and based on education, experience, and benchmarking parameters.
Essential Functions
- Teaching and Curriculum Development
- Inspire, engage, and encourage students in the study of literature, composition, rhetoric, and language arts across grade levels (English 9-12 and electives)
- Develop and deliver curriculum that challenges students across all levels while meeting them where they are academically
- Value, promote, and cultivate the importance of effort and grit in students' academic achievement; celebrate incremental growth alongside achievement
- Create and maintain a student-centered learning environment that promotes active learning and critical thinking
- Foster students' development as confident writers, close readers, and thoughtful literary analysts
- Guide students in developing AI literacy, including understanding ethical use of AI tools in writing, research, and literary analysis, and cultivating critical thinking about AI-generated content
- Provide timely, constructive feedback on student writing that promotes revision and growth
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Community Engagement
- Work collaboratively with English department colleagues to align curriculum, ensure consistent skill development, and provide similar student experiences across sections
- Participate actively in the broader McDonogh community through school activities, events, and initiatives both within and outside the English department
- Support school-wide initiatives and policies, including the digital device policy
- Student Support and Mentorship
- Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, providing academic guidance, social-emotional support, and mentorship through the Upper School advisory program
- Build meaningful relationships with students that extend beyond the classroom
- Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and concerns
- Professional Growth and School Contributions
- Act in accordance with and overtly support the school's mission and values
- Participate in professional development opportunities to continually grow as an educator, including classroom observations, conferences, workshops, and departmental collaboration
- Exhibit professional standards of presentation, punctuality, courtesy, and discretion
- Respond flexibly to the evolving needs of the School, which may include service learning coordination, athletics coaching, club advising, assigned supervision duties, and other responsibilities as determined by the Head of the Upper School
Recommended Employment Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in English, Literature, Creative Writing, or related field (required). Master's degree in English, Education, or related field (preferred).
Additional Experience
- Experience with a student-run Writing Center (preferred)
- Experience with diverse texts and multicultural literature (preferred)
- Prior teaching experience at the secondary level (preferred)
- Strong command of grammar, composition, and literary analysis
Additional Requirements
- Ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion
- Ability to successfully work with and within a culturally diverse student body, staff, and community
- Experience teaching in a neurodiverse learning environment (preferred)
- Must be able to comply with background check, including finger prints, as required by the agency and / or state regulations.
- Must possess personal qualifications including flexibility, patience, professionalism, and physical and mental health consistent with the demands of the position
- Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence
- Willingness to participate in co-curricular activities (athletics, clubs, or other programs)
Working Conditions
Evening and occasional weekend hours may be required for parent meetings, school events, or professional development. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting or carrying of equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position requires the ability to move around campus throughout the day.
Any questions you may have regarding this position can also be directed to Janet Graham, Human Resources Manager, at 443-544-7060 or