Job Description

Commonwealth, a small independent high 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 and across 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 second-semester (February–June) sabbatical replacement for a Latin teacher for grades 9-12 for the 2025-2026 academic year. For information on Commonwealth’s Language Department, see here .

Given our usual enrollments, the position is likely to be three-quarter time. Should a candidate bring other areas of expertise (e.g., the ability to teach another language or other subject), there is the possibility that the position could expand to full-time. 

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

• Teaching all of our Latin students (approximately 15 students total). See below for a summary of the classes (which meet for 40 minutes, four times a week).
• Attend weekly faculty meetings. 
• Give grades and comments for each student every quarter and attend the quarterly grading meetings. 
• Fulfill occasional duties beyond the classroom that are shared among the faculty and staff, including joining our all-school retreats in the fall and spring (learn more here ).

The salary for this five-month position is based on relevant experience (sample ranges: $30,000–$37,500 for up to 10 years experience and $37,500–$45,000 for 10–20 years experience). A generous benefits package includes health and dental insurance. In addition, the school encourages and supports professional development, including funding for workshops and other programs. 

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

Interested candidates should submit the following materials by February 15 to Dean of Faculty Hiring and Support Mara Dale ( [email protected] ) : 

• A cover letter that describes their experience, teaching philosophy, and commitment to fostering inclusive classrooms and equitable outcomes for all students 
• A résumé or CV 
• The names of three references and their contact information 

If candidates would benefit from any accommodations at any point during the application process, they should email our Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Clinton Williams ( [email protected] ).

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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Firmly committed to establishing culturally responsive classrooms, we seek teachers who think independently and love learning, especially alongside high school students from a wide variety of backgrounds and identities, and have demonstrated commitment to supporting equity and inclusion in a diverse community. We encourage applications from candidates who will enrich the diversity of identity, experience, and perspectives of our community. We welcome applications from those who may have experience that meets our qualifications in non-traditional ways. Teacher certification is not required.

Ideal candidates will possess:

• A solid grounding in the Classics and a deep knowledge of the Latin language, along with experience reading Latin prose and poetry, and a sense of joy in fostering students’ understanding and appreciation of the language and literature.
• At least a bachelor’s degree.
• Some teaching experience at the college or high school level, as well as a keen interest in collaborating with colleagues while mentoring young people. 

About Commonwealth School

The mission of Commonwealth School is to educate young people from diverse backgrounds to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and creative adults, capable of careful analysis, fruitful cooperation, responsible leadership, and deep commitment.

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